Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
4
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Visit our stunning Highland estate on Sleat, on the southern tip of the magical Isle of Skye. Wander through glorious gardens set around the imposing ruins of Armadale Castle, former home of Clan Donald in the Isle of Skye. Learn about Highland history in our fascinating Museum of the Isles, Skye's only Museums Galleries Scotland accredited museum. Explore 40 acres of beautiful woodland walks and enjoy spectacular views over the sea to the majestic mountains of Knoydart. Stay in our well-equipped self-catering holiday lodges. Armadale Castle, Garden & Museum is a Visit Scotland 5 Star Visitor Attraction at the heart of a 20,000 acre estate, operated by registered charity the Clan Donald Lands Trust.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.0
668 reviews
Excellent
280
Very good
239
Average
91
Poor
37
Terrible
21
ndw78
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1,748 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We arrived on a perfect weather day. Beautiful sunshine and hardly any wind. We had a lovely walk around the grounds. You can’t go in the castle (which I didn’t realise) but didn’t spoil things. My son loved the play park at the end which is a great addition. The cafe is closed as it’s the end of season so take some food or eat nearby locally
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kitty52300
14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Popped to the Cafe on a road trip around Skye
Warm, welcoming, reasonably priced
Self service, plenty of room even when busy
Warm, welcoming, reasonably priced
Self service, plenty of room even when busy
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah W
Coalville, UK24 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We stopped at Armadale Casle and Gardens after a distillery tour at Torabhaig down the road. The weather had brightened up, and the entry fee was inexpensive so we thought, why not? And we were so glad we did! We ended up spending quite a few hours trundling round the gardens, ruin, arboretum and museum. It seemed like every time we turned a corner there was something new to see! If you are a fan of National Trust or English Heritage properties like we are, this place is definitely for you. So many different varieties of plants and trees to see, and plenty of places to stop and just take it all in from a good old bench.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elderly traveler
Weymouth, MA177 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
If you hate very interesting history, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking scenery, definitely skip this place, the site of a museum and ancestral home of Scotland’s most important clan.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mumsjollies
Lancashire, UK6 contributions
Aug 2023
The castle is beautiful, but unfortunately you can't access the ruins anymore, it is closed off by barriers, and the public can only walk around the outside of it.
Whilst I enjoyed my visit, I wouldn't return. I felt that for the price, it was very much overpriced for what was on offer. Prices need to reflect what is on offer, and if this was in line with the limited experience I'd have rated higher.
For us, the garden was the most enjoyable part.
We did visit the museum, which had some interesting pieces.
The laundry building was a disappointment, stood empty and closed with a marquee dumped inside it.
We ended up sitting on a bench in the garden Googling about the history of the castle, as given information was very limited.
Whilst I enjoyed my visit, I wouldn't return. I felt that for the price, it was very much overpriced for what was on offer. Prices need to reflect what is on offer, and if this was in line with the limited experience I'd have rated higher.
For us, the garden was the most enjoyable part.
We did visit the museum, which had some interesting pieces.
The laundry building was a disappointment, stood empty and closed with a marquee dumped inside it.
We ended up sitting on a bench in the garden Googling about the history of the castle, as given information was very limited.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virgred
Lome, Togo42 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Beautiful place to visit under the sun. I hope the Donald Trust will collect enough donations to refurbish the old McDonald Castle that would add value to the visit. Museum is a great place to learn about the Scott history and (clash of) Clans. Enjoint the moment !
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison M
28 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Visited on a sunny summers day and it was lovely. The gardens are really nice to walk round and the views are amazing.
Such a shame the house is not safe to enter as although it is a shell it would be good to be able to truly appreciate it.
Dogs are welcome except in the museum (understandable) but as I was solo visitor I could not go in which was a little disappointing.
Would be nice for a picnic.
Such a shame the house is not safe to enter as although it is a shell it would be good to be able to truly appreciate it.
Dogs are welcome except in the museum (understandable) but as I was solo visitor I could not go in which was a little disappointing.
Would be nice for a picnic.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
929amy
Oxford, UK5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Very overpriced for what it is. No flower gardens just a wooden walk and castle ruin which isn’t very old. Not worth the price
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear that you did not feel your visit to Armadale was good value. Our 40 acres of formal and informal gardens feature an exceptional range of trees and plants from all over the world. These grounds have been lovingly cared for over centuries first by the Macdonald Estate and since 1971 by our charity, the Clan Donald Lands Trust. Your visit supports our work to protect, preserve, and promote the Clan Donald's history - including our award-winning Museum of the Isles which tells the story of the Clan Donald's long history and its influence across Scotland through 6 galleries of artefacts and interpretation.
I hope you will visit us again in future, and keep up-to-date on our work and developments.
Written 17 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Niccolò V
9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Castle is just a facade: there is no inside visit and the only part of the structure you get to see was rebuilt and it's not original. Museum is interesting but rather small
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Niccolò,
We are so sorry you were disappointed by your visit. We aim to make it clear on our marketing and signage that the Armadale Castle is indeed a ruin. The ruins are nestled within 40 acres of woodland and gardens for visitors to explore. The gardens are home to the Museum of the Isles, which tells the extensive history of Scotland and Clan Donald over 1500 years with an abundance of artefacts and stories to share our history with the many visitors who support us each year.
Written 17 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RoadtripMommy
California172 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This review is only for the cafe as we didn't visit the castle. We arrived in Portree on the ferry and this was our first stop for lunch. What a gem! The grounds of the cafe out back was perfect for an outdoor lunch. The selections were exactly what we wanted - veggie quiches, meat pies, and wonderful pastries. We fueled up for the rest of the day!
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely comments about our cafe, we agree it is the perfect stop to refuel and recharge before exploring at Armadale and beyond. We hope you had a great trip to Skye, and come back to visit soon.
Written 17 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bainesholgate
Selby, UK
As a person with Parkinson’s, I have poor mobility and often very poor dexterity. I like a museum that allows a “hands on” experience. So I have 2 questions!
Is most of the museum accessible using a tri-walker and
If there are exhibits to handle, would there be anyone to assist so I don’t miss out ?
I am a retired former teacher/ dyslexia specialist so I’m able to visit at quieter times. Thanks
Steve Buckley
London, UK6,302 contributions
The museum itself is not terribly big and I don’t anticipate too many problems on the mobility front. I also don’t recall there being too many ‘hands-on” exhibits but - to avoid any disappointment- my advice would be to contact the property in advance to advise them both of your condition and likely visit dates.
Bart C
Nottingham, UK7 contributions
Hi, are there any vegan options at the restaurant?
murciano2017
Bristol, UK21 contributions
I am afraid I don't know but hopefully the website might be helpful.
Kaye19552015
Belfast, UK5 contributions
How to book for the talk about the history of the clan
Hstevens282
Leven, UK274 contributions
I am sorry I have no idea. I would try phoning the museum. Frankly I was not aware there was a talk on the clan.
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Claim your listingARMADALE CASTLE, GARDENS & MUSEUM OF THE ISLES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
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