Plan your visit

From the mainland

Take the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. We are 22 miles from the bridge, approx. 35 minutes’ drive, on the A87 and A851. Or Take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale (25-minute crossing). The Castle entrance is 2 minutes’ drive from the ferry terminal at Armadale.

From north Skye

We are 16 miles south of Broadford, approx. 25 minutes’ drive. Follow signs to Broadford / Skye Bridge then turn right at the A851, signposted Armadale/Ferry. We have a large free car park.

You can travel by train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, or from Glasgow via Fort William to Mallaig. Local bus services (Stagecoach buses) connect with some train and ferry services. Check bus timetables before travelling as rural services are limited. National bus services to Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig are operated by Citylink. Taxis services are available in Kyle of Lochalsh and Armadale (pre-booking required; search online).

The ferry from Mallaig to Armadale is a 25-minute crossing, operated by CalMac Ferries. The Castle entrance is approximately 10 minutes’ walk or 2 minutes’ drive from Armadale ferry terminal.

We have two dedicated disabled parking bays near the entrance (between the café and the ticket office). Staff in the ticket office can assist with additional parking spaces if needed. Accessible toilets are situated in the Museum and café. All our indoor visitor facilities (Museum, shops and café) are on one level. The main routes in the Gardens are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. On arrival you will be given a map showing accessible routes, or you can download here. Seating is provided at regular points throughout the Gardens. We have one wheelchair and one electric wheelchair available to borrow free of charge, subject to availability. You are strongly advised to book this in advance; please contact us on 01471 844305 or office@armadalecastle.com. An audio guide describing the museum for visually impaired visitors is available in our Museum. Some of the exhibits are designed to be touched. Portable induction loops are available at all our main service points. We welcome guide and assistance dogs in the Gardens and Museum.

The main routes in the Gardens are pushchair friendly. On arrival you will be given a map showing accessible routes, or you can download here. Baby changing facilities are available in the Museum and café. We welcome children in the café, and offer high chairs and family-friendly menus. We have a choice of free children’s trails in the Museum (suitable for all ages and abilities) and, seasonal garden trails. We also run regular family events during the school holidays.  Kids can let off steam on our outdoor adventure playground, with adjacent picnic area. There are ponds and uneven surfaces in the Gardens so please supervise young children at all times.

Pre-booked groups of 8 visitors or more qualify for the special travel trade rate of £7.20 per person. Your driver and guide enjoy free access to the Gardens and Museum and special deals in the cafe. You can also pre-book your lunch with us – even if you just want soup and a sandwich. Contact us to make your travel trade enquiry or advance reservation. If you would like to discuss a booking please call us during office hours (Monday – Friday, 9.00 – 17.00) on 01471 844305.

You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic tables next to the playground area. We are happy for you to take photographs for your personal use and to share on social media. Please contact us if you wish to take photographs for commercial purposes. During periods of severe weather it may be necessary to close the Gardens for safety reasons. Please contact us to check. We close for the winter from 1 December to end February. During that period access to the Library and Archives for research purposes may be possible by appointment; please email Library@armadalecastle.com. Explore what’s on offer here.