Armadale Castle Prepares for Busy Staycation Season on the Isle of Skye

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles will open its doors to visitors on Monday 26 April. The 5-star visitor attraction is looking forward to a busy season, with Skye and the Scottish Highlands predicted to be a top ‘staycation’ destination for UK travellers this year.

The Isle of Skye is renowned for its spectacular scenery and visitors to Armadale can enjoy magnificent views back to the mainland and the mountains of the West Coast while roaming 40 acres of beautiful gardens. Trees, shrubs and flowers including many exotic specimens thrive in the sheltered climate of south Skye. At the centre of the Gardens sit the picturesque ruins of Armadale Castle, the former ancestral home of the Macdonalds. The story of the castle is revealed in the museum, where visitors can trace the epic story of Clan Donald, Scotland’s largest and most powerful clan.

The museum’s lead exhibition this year is ‘Coastal Castles of Clan Donald’, which traces the evolution of the Clan’s castles from 10th century fortification to 19th century manor house. Beginning in May, an outdoor market will take place each month with plants, crafts and produce stalls. There will be garden tours and a family trail as part of the Discover Scottish Gardens spring flower festival. A programme of further events will be announced on Armadale Castle’s website and social media.

Clan Chief and Trustee, Godfrey, Lord Macdonald, said “Following a challenging year we delighted to open to visitors once again to enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity of Skye. We have all missed seeing our visitors exploring Armadale and to encourage them to discover more Scottish gardens we are pleased to be working with Attadale Gardens to offer discounted entry.”

Armadale Castle is one of Skye’s most acclaimed visitor attractions situated on the Sleat Peninsula and easily accessible by ferry from Mallaig and the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland.

Image by Simon Larson