Tourism, Vacation and Travel Information

Located in the mouth of the Firth of Clyde the island of Arran is often referred to as “Scotland in miniature”.  Like the country of Scotland the Isle of Arran has varied scenery and an immensely diverse range of flora and fauna, the island has sandy beaches, glens, rocky coves, lochs, moors and even has a highlands and lowlands region. Further increasing the likeness the Isle of Arran also has standing stone circles, castles, a distillery, a brewery, museums and excellent local produce and crafts. Arran is a fine destination for a vacation, especially for visitors who enjoy rambling and the likes. In the article below I take a look at Isle of Arran visitor attractions and a brief examination of Isle of Arran hotels.

Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle is an grand structure of red sandstone which once was owned by the dukes of Hamilton. Situated outside the town of Brodick, enclosed by picturesque parks and gardens Brodick Castle sits on the site of an ancient Viking fortress. Visiting Brodick Castle is a great family day out children will thoroughly enjoy the adventure playground while older members of the family will enjoy the castle’s impressive collection of silver, porcelain and paintings. Expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring the castle.

Arran Heritage Museum

Arran Heritage Museum is located, on the site of a school, in Brodick and opens April-Oct from half past ten in the morning to half past four in the afternoon. Featuring a collection buildings; a smiddy (blacksmith), cottage, croft (small farmstead) and farmhouse plus milk house, laundry, stable, coach house and harness room and more. Exhibits reflect the social history, geology and archaeology of Arran.

Isle of Arran Distillery

Wherever you are situated in Scotland it appears as though are rarely any great distance away from something associated with the whisky industry for example a whisky distillery. The Isle of Arran Distillery employs traditional processes in Scotland’s newest working distillery. The distillery is open to the public from April-October and it has a restaurant and visitor centre.

Isle of Arran Brewery

The Isle of Arran Brewery is located next to entrance of Brodick Country Park.  Folk can watch the process of brewing via viewing gallery and observation windows as well as having the opportunity to taste the end product. The micro-brewery utilises high-tech equipment to brew an ale using traditional ingredients without adding artificial preservatives and additives.

Lochranza Castle

The final Arran tourist attraction I want to discuss is Lochranza Castle located on the North coast. At first glance it appears as ruins 16th century towerhouse but you can get to the interior using keys from the local shop and Post Office. Once inside the L-plan tower you start to see hints of a grand structure.

Accommodation On Arran

Finding the best Arran accommodation shouldn’t be much of a problem as Isle of Arran hotel accommodation can be found in the majority of the largest villages (Blackwaterfoot, Brodick and Lamlash all feature the minimum of one 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 a superb reputation.