Local Attractions
Once owned by the Duke of Hamilton, Brodick Castle is an impressive red sandstone building surrounded by pleasant gardens and parkland. This former Viking fortress is a fantastic day out for young and old alike. There is an excellent adventure playground that will keep younger visitors happy for hours allowing ample time for older guests to tour the castle. The castle itself will take a couple of hours to explore and houses an exquisite collection of porcelain, paintings and silver. The older part of the castle is said to be home to the “Gray Lady” a former resident who starved to death in the dungeons having contracted the plague.
Brodick Castle
Once owned by the Duke of Hamilton, Brodick Castle is an impressive red sandstone building surrounded by pleasant gardens and parkland. This former Viking fortress is a fantastic day out for young and old alike. There is an excellent adventure playground that will keep younger visitors happy for hours allowing ample time for older guests to tour the castle. The castle itself will take a couple of hours to explore and houses an exquisite collection of porcelain, paintings and silver. The older part of the castle is said to be home to the “Gray Lady” a former resident who starved to death in the dungeons having contracted the plague.
Arran Heritage Museum
Take a trip back in time and see what life used to be like at the Arran Heritage Museum. Open from April-October the museum reflects the archaeology, social history and geology of Arran. It is extensive comprising a number of distinct parts and visitors are often surprised at how long it takes to tour. Highlights include a small farmstead (or croft), the blacksmiths (or smiddy), a cottage as well as laundry, milk house, stable, coach house and harness room.
Isle of Arran Distillery
The beautiful Lochranza is home to the Isle of Arran Distillery one of the few remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. Opened in 1995 the distillery uses the traditional methods of distilling, with wooden washbacks and copper stills. The water is cleansed by granite and softened by peat making it perfect for distilling a distinctive Scottish Whisky. The distillery complex houses a visitors and centre, restaurant and tasting bar allowing visitors to relax and sample the award winning Single Island Malt.
Isle of Arran Brewery
Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of the traditional beer-making process during a visit to the Isle of Arran Brewery. Nestled next to Brodick Castle the high-tech micro-brewery produces premium ales to the highest standards. The complex was recently awarded 3 Stars by the Scottish Tourist Board and is a must visit attraction for any serious beer lover.
Holy Island
Holy Isle is home to the Samye Ling Buddhist Community, followers of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors are welcomed at the Centre for World Peace and Health, a residential centre that holds courses and retreats founded by Lama Yeshe Losal. The centre was designed to be environmentally friendly and has solar water heating and a reed-bed sewage treatment system. The island is served by a regular ferry service from Lamlash and is very popular with visitors.
Lochranza Castle
Lochranza Castle, once a grand hunting lodge of the Scottish Kings during the 14th century now lies in a semi- ruinous state. Situated on Arran’s north coast this imposing structure is not a ruinous as it first appears. A key is available from the village shop allowing you to access the building enabling you to see evidence of a grand structure.
Kildonan Castle
Located on the southern coast of Arran, Kildonan castle was once captured from the English invaders by Robert the Bruce while he waited for a signal from Turnberry Castle (also under English occupation) just across the Firth of Clyde. The now ruined castle makes an interesting stop on any trip round the island.
