Great Days Out in Argyll & the Isles

Scotland's Family Coast

Make a day of it in Argyll & the Isles. Choose from beaches, castles, gardens, and boat trips, whether you’re staying nearby or visiting from the Central Belt. Pick an area to explore and check journey times, opening days and any booking requirements before you set off

Find Your Next Day Out

Explore the options below, then check with each attraction or activity provider for seasonal opening and availability
Day Trips
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Beaches
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Iona Abbey

Take a ferry ride to Iona and discover one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

This small island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever sin...

Iona Abbey
Isle of Iona
Argyll
PA76 6SQ

Tel: 01681 700 512

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Whisky and Waves

Whisky and Waves offers unforgettable sailing experiences along Scotland’s rugged west coast, blending adventure and whisky heritage. Based in Tobermory and...

Oban and Tobermory
North Pier
PA34 5QD

Tel: 07919368415

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Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace

Imagine the heat and noise of Bonawe! Founded in 1753, it ceased firing in the 1870s. Today, you can see displays of how pig iron was made, as well as cannon...

Taynuilt
Argyll
PA35 1JQ

Tel: 01866 822 432

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Wild Bathing

Wild Bathing is a local, family-run outdoor wellbeing business based in beautiful Argyll, offering wild swimming, wood-fired sauna experiences and immersive...

14 Kilvaree Croft Connel
Argyll
PA37 1RN

Tel: 07795 280584

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Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

Dunollie Museum, Castle, and Grounds is a heritage site of international significance, situated just 1 mile north of Oban. It is now run by a small independe...

Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds
Ganavan Road
Oban
PA34 5TT

Tel: 01631 570550

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Lochs, Bens & Glens

Lochs, Bens & Glens is a bicycle tour company based in Dunoon, Argyll. We’re here to guide you through one of the most stunning places in the world, expl...

Stores 1 & 2 Jura Building
Sandbank Business Park
Dunoon
PA23 8PB

Tel: 01369 554123

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Bute Boat Tours Ltd

Join us to experience the most beautiful scenery in Scotland: The Kyles of Bute, Loch Fyne to Tarbert, visit Arran Distillery and snorkel off the boat.

The...

Rothesay Harbour
Isle of Bute
PA20

Tel: 07486 873114

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Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

Dunstaffnage Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, sits atop an immense rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn near Oban. The former stronghold of the...

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Castle Grounds
Dunbeg
By Oban, Argyll
PA37 1PZ

Tel: 01631 562 465

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Where to have an unforgettable day out

Bute

Bute is the perfect place for a family adventure, with glorious beaches, heaps of history and wonderful wildlife to discover. Bute’s quiet roads are lovely for a family cycle ride. Because the island’s fairly low-lying, there are panoramic views and few strenuous climbs.

Endless beaches to choose from include Ettrick Bay, with its white sands, and Scalpsie Bay, with its seal colony. Rothesay, the main town, is a fantastic seaside resort brimming with character and Italian cafés. Families and kids will love exploring Mount Stuart, Rothesay Castle and visiting Bute Museum, which is packed with artefacts.

Check opening days and book ahead where required, particularly if you’re travelling by ferry.

Oban, Lorn & Isles

Fire the imagination with a visit to a ruined castle, or explore the small islands off the coast of Lorn. It’s a great place to get active outdoors with kids, with kayaking, sailing, and cycling all on offer.

Or take an exciting boat trip to see the local wildlife. Keep an eye out for basking sharks, whales, dolphins and eagles.

Kilmartin Glen, Mid Argyll & Knapdale

Kilmartin is the perfect place for a family day out. From nature tours to wildlife centres, castles to canals, beaches to bike trails and so much more. Visit Kilmartin Museum to explore the area’s archaeology, then discover the ancient sites of Kilmartin Glen.

Get the kids active in the great outdoors with great family-friendly walks and cycles. Or how about kayaking in the protected waters of the Crinan Canal? Kids will love to uncover Scotland’s history.

Explore the ancient sites of Kilmartin Glen, then discover the wildlife of nearby Knapdale. Visit the Argyll Beaver Centre to learn about local wildlife, or book a guided walk. Look for signs of beaver activity around Barnluasgan, where dawn and dusk offer the best chance of a sighting. Give wildlife plenty of space. The Heart of Argyll offers unique experiences for families, all set against its stunning landscape and coastline; be sure to check out Kilberry Beach.

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Scotland's Adventure Coast on YouTube

Immerse yourself in Argyll & the Isles by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities, and more!

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Explore all the places to visit in Argyll & the Isles

3700km of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, major towns and villages are all waiting for you.

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