Family 4 Day Break on the Isle of Bute

Recommended by local Nikki

Perfect for families with children, this itinerary combines adventure, relaxation, and engaging activities for all ages.

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Family Itinerary Highlights

SUP 01
Outdoor Adventures
CASTLE 01
Cultural & Educational Activities
EAT & DRINK 01
Great Food & Drink
NIGHTS 01
Events & Festivals
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Outdoor Adventures

Bute lends itself to family adventures. Here are some recommendations.

  • Hire ebikes from Bike Bute to cycle around Bute's beautiful beaches.
  • Jump on Bute's very own sightseeing - hop on, hop off tour.
  • Visit Ettrick Bay for beachcombing and playtime; the sandy shore is ideal for picnics and paddling. There are now play and borrow boxes where you can use a bucket, spade, and other beach goodies - just put them back, please!
  • Walk or cycle part of the West Island Way, choosing shorter trails suitable for younger children.
  • There are play parks on Bute at Rothesay, Ardbeg and Port Bannatyne.
  • Indoor swimming, gym and sauna are available at Rothesay Leisure centre.

Cultural & Educational Activities

  • Tour the grand Mount Stuart House, with interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs.
  • Visit the Bute Museum to learn about the island’s natural history and archaeology – this is a must for all things historically Bute.
  • Take a tour around the Island on the Open top Bus.
Background image - House Exterior Front Lawn Mount Stuart

Food & Drink

  • Family-friendly cafes serve hearty meals and sweet treats.
  • Enjoy fish and chips or deli food in Rothesay’s many take-away and sit-down places.
Caledonia Bistro & Deli 1

Evening Fun

  • Stargazing opportunities at Scalpsie Bay, with minimal light pollution.
  • Enjoy cozy evenings in family accommodations like The Glenburn Hotel, which has spacious rooms and on-site dining.
  • Most pubs are not for kids, but a few allow them to enter until 8 p.m.
The Glenburn Hotel

Explore the Isle of Bute

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The Charcoal Huts, Bute Forest

Located in the stunning community-owned Bute Forest, at the northern end of the Isle of Bute, our two off-grid huts offer a unique woodland getaway. Thoughtf...

The Charcoal Huts, Moss Wood
Bute Community Forest
Shalunt
Isle of Bute
PA20 0QL

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The Wild Scot

Failte - My name is Perri Hopkinson and I am a Scottish Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering private luxury tours around Scotland. I have boundless energy and e...

Head Office, Portsonachan
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1BJ

Tel: +44 7943613334

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Rothesay Castle

Situated on the Isle of Bute, Rothesay Castles dates back to the early 13th century and is remarkably well preserved in spite of its age. Built by the Stewar...

Rothesay Castle
Castlehill Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 0DA

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Mount Stuart Estate - Quien West - Bannatyne

Quien West is a stunning holiday cottage situated on the west coast of Bute, overlooking Scalpsie Bay and the beautiful island of Arran.

The property has a p...

c/o Mount Stuart House
Isle of Bute
PA20 9LR

Tel: 01700 503877

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Ready to plan your Bute trip?

All you need to know

There is much for everyone to enjoy on Bute with a coastline of beaches, standing stones, culture, wildlife, arts and music.

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VISIT ISLE OF BUTE

There is much for everyone to enjoy on Bute with a coastline of beaches, standing stones, culture, wildlife, arts and music.

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Find your place to stay from luxury hotels for a relaxing retreat to holiday parks and self catering options for adventure seekers, and everything in-between.

 

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