Duart Castle — Attraction in Scotland

5 stars for the castle but only 1 for the tearoom. After a fantastic visit to Duart Castle we were looking forward to a warming lunch on a rainy day. On entering we were met with a warm welcome in the small gift shop. However, the welcome stopped there. A confusing mix of information and a lack of prices for even the small range on offer was not helped by a surly server. Although we were the only customers he seemed to feel that we were taking too long and an order was demanded. His unfortunate manner continued with no verbal response to our order or questions. Once the food was provided the problems continued. The bowls of soup provided were not full (despite ordering the "full" bowl not the half bowl) and you had to help yourself to the bread (although the menu stated a roll). In fact we were instructed bruskly "only one slice of bread and to use the tongs". The quiche did state on the board in small print that it would take time to prepare, but the soup was served straight away. So we were not able to eat together. Had the food been delicious all might have been forgiven. Unfortunately this was not the case. The soup was watery, the bread bland and the quiche when it did arrive was partially uncooked. The small salad on the side of the quiche was lovely. As gluttons for punishement (or is it just gluttons) we decide to try for cakes and coffee. The service was no better with no communication on whether we should wait for our order or if it would be brought to the table. After hanging around uncertainly we decided to sit down but were brusquely recalled to collect our coffees. The cakes were not bad but the coffee was bitter and unpleasant. We received no eye contact nor even a smile or pleasant comment through out our interactions. Hopefully the server will find a job where he can be happier in his work soon! To top off the experience it would appear that the request to check for a particular allergen was not fully complied with. Luckily the reaction to it was not a serious one. Back to the gift shop and the mood lifted with a lovely smile and excellent...

A really worthwhile half day trip out! Castle was fun to explore and the staff/family members were so friendly and helpful. Tea room also excellent and reasonably priced as well.

I’m only taking a star off as it was disappointing to see a, shall we say, euphemistic historical account of the family’s connection to the West Indies for instance. The Scots have the highest per capita involvement in slavery than any UK nation, and from the fractured information given about the Mcclean’s whereabouts in the 18th and 19th century, it’s pretty obvious they would have been at the very very least implicated in the slave trade, if not active participants. This isn’t about shaming or ‘cancelling’ or any of that nonsense - it’s about being honest about where family money comes and goes from, and painting a full history. I do hope the family puts resource into discovering this aspect of their history and owning up to it. The language around their colonising escapades across the castle was very icky to...

Duart Castle is a must-see for fans of history, architecture, and wildlife. The historical presentations and family collection are thoughtfully curated. My husband and I renewed our wedding vows here: the two ladies in charge of visitors also helped with our ceremony and were a pure delight beginning to end. What drew us to this location was not just it's rich history but how devoted the Clan Maclean has been in lovingly restoring and preserving their ancestral home. Not many 12th century castles achieve such a triumphant return from ruin. Guests should remember this castle is an actual residence; on-going maintenance is a given and shouldn't be complained about! The website makes it easy to buy admission tickets to visit inside the castle (which are quite inexpensive) and hours are clearly stated. Grounds are wonderful for hiking, bird, and sea watching....