Plan your visit

We are proud to have been awarded the official ‘Good to Go’ mark. Please note:

Before your visit

• Please check our opening times on our Plan Your Visit page as these have changed. Please note that the library is not currently open.
• If you or anyone you live with displays symptoms associated with COVID-19, we ask you to delay your visit until it is safe to do so.
• It is not necessary to purchase an advance ticket.
• Please remember to bring a face covering with you as these are now required in the shops and museum
• Note that in line with Scottish Government rules we can accept individual groups of up to 6 people, from no more than 2 households. Please keep a 2 metre distance between groups.

During your visit

• Ticket office: We have a one-way system in place. You’ll enter via the main gate and purchase your ticket from a new ticket window. We strongly encourage contactless payment.
• Children’s playpark: Children under 12 are welcome to enjoy our playpark. We ask parents and carers to supervise at a safe distance and use the hand sanitiser provided.
• Shops: We are limiting the number of people in our shops at any one time. In line with Scottish Government policy, face masks are required in the shops. If you prefer not to visit the shop you can exit via the main gate.
• General hygiene and social distancing: We’ve introduced a rigorous new cleaning regime. All high traffic areas and surfaces are disinfected regularly and we have hand sanitisers stations at key points. Staff are fully trained and equipped with PPE such as face masks and gloves.
• Museum: Face coverings are required by law throughout the museum. Entry is by timed ticket, purchased at the main ticket office. We have a one-way system in operation, with floor markers to help you maintain social distancing. Due to the risk of infection our audio guides won’t be available at this time and the library will remain closed for the time being. We will also take your contact details as you leave, as is required by the Scottish Government’s ‘Test & Trace’ procedures. 

We very much look forward to welcoming you.

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. Disabled visitors are eligible for concession price tickets, and we offer free entrance to a carer. 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 two mobility scooters 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.

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 bistro. We welcome children in the bistro, and offer high chairs and family-friendly menus.

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 group rate. Your driver and guide enjoy free access to the Gardens and Museum and special deals in the bistro. The bistro also offers set lunches on request.  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.

Covid-19 safety measures: We are registered ‘Good to Go’ with a range of safety measures in place; read more. Please note our Library is currently closed.

We have an audio guide to the gardens – download the free Candide app from your app store and search for us.

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.