Inveraray is picturesquely positioned on the on the western shore of Loch Fyne, near its peaky head. Second to Inveraray’s spectacular surroundings probably comes Inveraray Castle home to the Dukes of Argyll, an 18th century castle with a chateaux vibe, built by the third Duke, on top of a previous castle he had become disenchanted with. After the castle was rebuilt the Duke set about rebuilding the whole town, ending up with a uniformly attractive town, with housing for mill workers and herring fishermen. The best places to stay in Inveraray today were built during the town's Victorian heyday, after Princess Louise married the local Campbell Clan Chief — also the Duke of Argyll — and moved into the castle. As well as sharing architectural design, they also share incredible lake views.

Inveraray’s neat, black and white high street has a small row of shops, and a friendly pub with an excellent list of local ales and whiskies. If you’re planning to use the best places to stay in Inveraray as a base for exploring the region on foot, you can set out right from your door, or else travel to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, or Oban and the coast. Keep you eyes peeled for local red squirrels, and recover from your exploits over local seafood, which Inveraray is also very well known for.

If you’ve booked into one of the best places to stay in Inveraray and fancy a bit of sightseeing beyond the spectacular walking routes along the lake shore, you could try the local prison, now converted into a museum; climb the Dun na Chuaiche, the local walkable hill, and a great place to view the whole area from; visit the local Celtic Inveraray Cross; the Maritime Museum — converted from a boat berthed on the pier; and Crarae Gardens for its rhododendrons. The Auchindrain Museum, a recreation of an historic township, is just a few miles outside Inveraray.

The Best Places to Stay in Inveraray

For the Views

• The Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa is fantastically located right on the banks of Loch Fyne, and the best of its 68 rooms and suites overlook the water and the mountains beyond. This property dates from the Victorian era, but has been updated with a spa and pool, and an inviting bistro specialising in local cuisine. The decor matches the location well: with just the right balance of tartan and antiques. Perfect for a romantic weekend where you don’t leave the hotel, but equally ideal as a base for exploring the local region.

For Great Value

• Brambles of Inverary is also located on the shores of Loch Fyne; the views are fantastic, and you’re surrounded by fantastic walking routes and lookout points. Inside are four bedrooms with lots of light and charm. Expect original fireplaces, huge sash windows, and an unfussy blend of antiques and more contemporary furnishings. Downstairs there’s an excellent modern bistro, with a friendly bar.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airport to Inveraray is Glasgow Airport, which is about an hour by car or taxi, or an hour and a half by bus. Edinburgh International Airport is around two hours away by car or taxi, or about three and a half hours away by bus. If you’re coming from within the UK, you can catch the train, via Manchester, Liverpool and/or Glasgow. From London it will take you about eight hours to drive, or about seven and a half by public transport via Euston and Glasgow.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The busiest time of year to visit Inveraray is during the Highland Games in mid-July. Inveraray is very pretty in the springtime with cool mornings and evenings, but generally sunny afternoons — it will feel cool though, so if you’d prefer warmer weather you’ll be happier between July and September when temperatures fall around the 20°C mark. Autumn can be quite rainy, and it cools down quickly.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Argyll
• Consider the accommodation available in nearby Oban, Mull or Glencoe
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.