Places To Visit On Arran

Located at the Firth of Clyde’s mouth the Isle of Arran is frequently called “Scotland in miniature”.  Similar to the country of Scotland the island of Arran has and incredibly varied scenery and a richly diverse range of flora and fauna, the island has lochs, sandy beaches, glens, moors, rocky coves and even features a lowlands and highlands region. Increasing the likeness the Isle of Arran also features standing stones, a brewery, castles, a distillery, museums and superb local produce and crafts. The Isle of Arran is a magnificent destination for a vacation, especially for visitors who enjoy hill-walking or similar. In the following article I introduce Isle of Arran attractions and a quick look at hotel accommodation on Arran.

Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle is an imposing structure of red sandstone which at one time belonged to the dukes of Hamilton. Found a distance from the port of Brodick, encompassed by beautiful gardens and parks Brodick Castle was constructed upon the site of an old Viking fortress. Visiting Brodick Castle is a superb family day out children will have a great time in the adventure playground while older members of the family will be pleased by the castle’s superb collection of fine art, silver and porcelain. For a quick visit allow for about two hours.

Arran Heritage Museum

Arran Heritage Museum is located, on the site of a small school, in Brodick and open during the months of April-October from ten thirty in the morning to four thirty in the evening. Consisting of a collection buildings; a farmhouse, smiddy, croft (small farmstead) and cottage as well as milk house, stable, laundry, coach house and harness room and more. Exhibits reflect the social history, archaeology and geology of the island.

Isle of Arran Distillery

Wherever you visit  in Scotland it seems that are rarely far from something associated with the whisky industry such as a distillery. The Isle of Arran Distillery uses traditional techniques in the newest distillery in Scotland. The distillery is open to the public from April to October and it features a visitor centre and restaurant.

Isle of Arran Brewery

The Isle of Arran Brewery is found at the main entrance to Brodick Country Park.  Tourists can watch the process of brewing via viewing gallery and observation windows as well as getting a sample of the end product. The micro-brewery uses high-tech equipment to produce an ale using natural ingredients without using artificial additives.

Lochranza Castle

The last Isle of Arran attraction I want to talk about is Lochranza Castle situated on the North Coast. On first looks all you see is ruins 16th century tower house but you can get to the interior using keys from the local shop/Post Office. Once inside the L-plan tower you begin to see hints of a grand structure.

Accommodation On Arran

Finding the most suitable Arran accommodation should not be too difficult as hotel accommodation on the Isle of Arran can be found in most of the largest villages and towns (Blackwaterfoot, Lamlash and Brodick all have the minimum of one hotel as well as guest house accommodation). Establishments 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.