Lochranza Castle

The basics

Originally owned by the MacSween clan, Lochranza Castle is believed to have been occupied or visited by everyone from Robert the Bruce to James IV and Oliver Cromwell. It also has a place in popular culture, as it’s said to have provided the inspiration for the castle in the Adventures of Tintin comic “The Black Island.” Visitors to the Isle of Arran can view the ruins independently or as part of an island-wide sightseeing tour. The interiors have been known to close for extensive conservation work, so check the status prior to visiting.

Things to know before you go

• Lochranza Castle is free to visit.
• Interpretive signs are placed around the walls, providing insight into the castle’s history.
• The castle is a 20-minute walk from Lochranza Distillery, which has a visitor center.
• There is a grassy area with a few benches near the castle, which, on a sunny day, provide a pleasant spot to relax.

How to get there

Off the northern coast of Arran, Lochranza Castle lies just off the coastal route (formerly A841). There is limited free parking adjacent to the castle. Public bus services, though infrequent, are also an option; from Brodick, it’s a 50-minute bus trip on the number 324 bus to the Lochranza Castle stop. The castle can also be reached by CalMac ferry from Claonaig, near Tarbert on Kintyre.

When to get there

While the castle is closed for repairs, there are no specific visiting hours and travelers can walk around the exterior any time they wish. When the castle’s interiors are open to visitors, however, opening hours are typically from early morning until early evening, only from early April through late September.

Brodick Castle

On the eastern side of Arran, about a 25-minute drive from Lochranza, the sumptuous Brodick Castle provides a very different majestic experience. The grand baronial castle and estate houses a collection of period furniture, silverware, paintings, and sporting trophies, and has a Victorian arcade where you can play Victorian-era games. Visitors can also step into the formal gardens, strolling past ponds and waterfalls.