Inveraray Castle

Inveraray

2.25

2 reviews

Review this place

finnberrys

29 Oct 2023

One of the most inaccessible places we've visited but could easily be improved

Date of visit: October 2023

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.

Inside the dining room with wide walkway and good lighting.

Assistance dog lying next to a man's feet. The handle of a mountain trike is in the foreground.

Gravel path going along the back wall of the castle with lawns to the right.

Gravel path going down the centre of the garden. The trees are vibrant reds and oranges as it is autumn.

Gravel path down the side of the castle with autumnal trees down the left side of the path.

Front of the castle with massive gravel area.

Overall Rating

Bad

We visited Inveraray Castle as we were travelling that stretch of the A83 from Kintyre to Loch Lomond, and we hoped it would provide a short break from driving. It was easy to find and we were travelling by motorhome. They had marked out parking for motorhomes, which was really positive.

Disabled Access In and Around

Bad

The main difficulty is that the entire grounds are gravel. This is the first time gravel has been so difficult even in my mountain trike. Usually, it handles gravel quite well but this was so deep, I couldn't get traction and my big wheels were just spinning. We persisted, as I knew the ground floor of the castle was accessible. There are two ramps to get in. They were just about wide enough for my mountain trike but they were both so steep that I needed help getting up them. Coming down was even more difficult. Apparently, they are looking into getting a lift installed. That would be very good! Inside the castle, the ground floor was very good. I could move around easily. There was plenty of space. We really enjoyed that bit. The gardens (more gravel) are accessed by a large gate and a member of staff on reception was happy to open that for us. I made it, with a lot of effort to the gardens, which were absolutely beautiful with all the autumn colours, but my energy had run out. In the end hubby took my dog for a short walk and I sat and took photos and rested. The cafe and shop are downstairs and not accessible by wheelchair.

Parking & Transport

Average

We arrived by motorhome and easily found the venue and the appropriate parking area. There is blue badge parking but the whole parking area is fine gravel and it is deep and difficult to move a wheelchair over. Motorhome parking is at the furthest end of the car park, so I was exhausted before we even made it to the entrance.