Places To Visit On Arran
Situated in the mouth of the Firth of Clyde the Isle of Arran is commonly referred to as “Scotland in miniature”. Like the country of Scotland the island of Arran has varied scenery and a diverse range of flora and fauna, Arran has moors, glens, rocky coves, lochs, sandy beaches and even features a lowlands and highlands region. Completing the likeness Arran also has ancient standing stones, castles, a brewery, a distillery, museums and superb local produce and crafts. The Isle of Arran is a terrific destination for a vacation, especially for tourist who enjoy rambling or similar. In the following article I introduce Arran tourist attractions and a quick examination of hotel accommodation on Arran.
Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle is an impressive red sandstone structure which at one time was the property of the dukes of Hamilton. Found outside the town of Brodick, encompassed by extremely pleasant gardens and parks the castle is built upon the site of an old Viking fortress. Visiting Brodick Castle is a superb day out for all of the family children will thoroughly enjoy the adventure playground while older family members will enjoy the castle’s impressive collection of silver, works of art and porcelain. Roughly two hours can be spent visiting the castle.
Arran Heritage Museum
Arran Heritage Museum is located, on the site of a small school, in Rosaburn, Brodick and opens from April to October from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Featuring a collection buildings; a smiddy (blacksmith), cottage, farmhouse and croft plus milk house, stable, laundry, coach house and harness room and more. Exhibits reflect the geology, archaeology and social history of the island.
Isle of Arran Distillery
Wherever you go in Scotland it seems as though are never any great distance away from something to do with the whisky industry such as a whisky distillery. The Isle of Arran Distillery uses traditional techniques in the newest working distillery in the country. The distillery is open to tourists from April to 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 view the process of brewing from viewing gallery and observation windows as well as getting a sample of the produce. The brewery utilises high-tech equipment to brew an ale using traditional ingredients without artificial additives.
Lochranza Castle
The final Arran visitor attraction I wish to talk about is Lochranza Castle situated on the North Coast. On first look it appears little more than a ruined 16th century tower-house but it is possible to get inside using keys from the Post Office (which is also the local shop). Once inside the L-plan tower you begin to see hints of a grand structure.
Accommodation On The Isle of Arran
Finding the best accommodation on the Isle of Arran shouldn’t be much of a problem as hotels on the Isle of Arran can be found in most of the main villages and towns (Brodick, Blackwaterfoot and Lamlash all have the minimum of 1 hotel as well as guesthouse accommodation). 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) which all have an excellent reputation.
