Travel

Situated in the Firth of Clyde’s mouth the Isle of Arran is oftentimes called “Scotland in miniature”.  Like the country of Scotland Arran has richly varied scenery and a diverse range of flora and fauna, it features glens, sandy beaches, moors, lochs, rocky coves and even has a highlands and lowlands region. Completing the likeness Arran also features standing stones, a brewery, a distillery, castles, museums and high-quality local crafts and produce. The Isle of Arran is a great vacation destination, especially for people who enjoy rambling or similar. In the article below I describe Arran tourist attractions and a quick examination of hotels on the Isle of Arran.

Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle is an imposing red sandstone building which once was owned by the dukes of Hamilton. Located some distance from Brodick, encompassed by extremely pleasant gardens and parks the castle occupies the site of an ancient Viking fortress. Visiting Brodick Castle is a superb day out for all of the family younger visitors will thoroughly enjoy the adventure playground while older family members will be pleased by the castle’s fascinating collection of silver, paintings and porcelain. You should allow roughly 2 hours to explore the castle.

Arran Heritage Museum

Arran Heritage Museum is located, on the site of a small school, in Rosaburn, Brodick and opens April-Oct from 10:30am-4:30pm. Featuring a selection buildings; a smiddy, farmhouse, croft and cottage as well as laundry, stable, milk house, coach house and harness room and more. Exhibits reflect the geology, archaeology and social history of the Isle of Arran.

Isle of Arran Distillery

Wherever you go in Scotland it seems that are rarely any great distance away from something to do with the whisky industry for example a whisky distillery. The Isle of Arran Distillery uses traditional processes in Scotland’s newest distillery. The distillery is open to tourists from April-October and it has a restaurant and visitor centre.

Isle of Arran Brewery

The Isle of Arran Brewery is located at the entrance of Brodick Country Park.  Folk can watch the brewing process from observation windows and a viewing gallery as well as getting a sample of the produce. The small brewery uses the latest high-tech equipment to brew an ale using traditional ingredients without adding artificial additives.

Lochranza Castle

The last Isle of Arran tourist attraction I want to discuss is Lochranza Castle situated on the North Coast. On first looks it appears as ruins 16th century tower house but you can get inside using keys from the Post Office/local shop. Once inside the L-plan tower you start to see evidence of a grand structure.

Accommodation On The Isle of Arran

Finding the most suitable Arran accommodation shouldn’t be a huge task as Isle of Arran hotels can be found in the majority of the largest villages and towns (Blackwaterfoot, Brodick and Lamlash all feature the minimum of 1 hotel as well as guest houses). Places to look out for include the Glenisle Hotel and the Lamlash Bay Hotel (in Lamlash), the Auchrannie Spa Resort (in Brodrick,) and the Best Western Kinloch Hotel (in Blackwaterfoot) all of which have an excellent reputation.

 Mail this post