The Isle Of Arran And Things To See And Do

Located in the mouth of the Firth of Clyde the Isle of Arran is frequently referred to as “Scotland in miniature”.  Like Scotland the island of Arran has varied scenery and a diverse range of flora and fauna, it features lochs, sandy beaches, glens, moors, rocky coves and even features a highlands and lowlands region. Completing the likeness the island of Arran also features stone circles, a distillery, castles, a brewery, museums and high-quality local produce and crafts. Arran is a magnificent vacation destination, especially for folk who enjoy rambling and the likes. In the article below I describe Isle of Arran tourist attractions and a quick look at Isle of Arran hotels.

Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle is an impressive red sandstone structure which in the past was owned by the dukes of Hamilton. Situated a distance from Brodick, enclosed by beautiful gardens and parks Brodick Castle is built upon the site of an old Viking fortress. Visiting the castle is a great day out suitable for families children will thoroughly enjoy the adventure playground while older family members will enjoy the castle’s excellent collection of silver, porcelain and works of art. You should allow about two hours to explore the castle.

Arran Heritage Museum

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

Isle of Arran Distillery

Wherever you go in Scotland it appears as though are rarely any great distance from something associated with the whisky industry for example 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 located next to main entrance to Brodick Country Park.  Visitors can watch the process of brewing via observation windows and a viewing gallery as well as getting a sample of the end product. The brewery uses high-tech equipment to produce an ale using traditional ingredients without using artificial additives.

Lochranza Castle

The final Arran tourist attraction I want to talk about is Lochranza Castle on the North coast. On first look it appears little more than ruins 16th century towerhouse but you can get inside using keys from the Post Office/local shop. Once inside the L-plan tower you start to see hints of a grand structure.

Accommodation On The Isle of Arran

Finding the most suitable accommodation on the Isle of Arran should not be too much of a problem as hotels on Arran are found in the majority of the main towns and villages (Lamlash, Brodick and Blackwaterfoot all have at least one hotel as well as guesthouse 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) which all have an excellent reputation.