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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Golf In Cowal
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife-watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Cluaran
Oban
PA34 4LX

Tel: 07975 723140

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The Argyll Beaver Centre

Step inside a 400-year-old farmhouse in the heart of Knapdale and discover one of Argyll’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Run by naturalists Oly Armstr...

Argyll Beaver Centre
Bellanoch
Lochgilphead
PA31 8SN

Tel: 07827 965010

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Kilmartin Museum

Our museum sits within an amazing landscape of archaeological wonders and nationally important wildlife and habitats. Since opening in 1997, Kilmartin Museum...

Kilmartin Museum
Kilmartin
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RQ

Tel: +44 (0)1546 510 278

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Castle Stalker

Castle Stalker – in the Gaelic, Stalcaire, meaning Hunter or Falconer – is believed originally to have been the site of a Fortalice (a small fortified buildi...

Castle Stalker
Appin
PA38 4BL

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Arduaine Gardens

Arduaine Garden is full of colour and fragrance, evoking the glamour of exotic destinations. This is no coincidence – the garden was begun in 1898 at a time...

Arduaine Garden
Arduaine
Oban
PA34 4XG
OS Ref: NM794103

Tel: 01852 200366

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Mount Stuart Trust

Mount Stuart features magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture and design together with contemporary craftsmanship. The house is surrounded by extensive gro...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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Achamore Garden

In the early 20th century Achamore Gardens was mostly woodland, planted to provide cover for rabbits, pheasants, and other game animals for shooting. Gardene...

Achamore Gardens
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AD

Tel: 01583 505390

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West Coast Tours

Burial sites of ancient kings, geological wonders, unchanged landscapes, idyllic beaches, glorious glens, abundant wildlife and magical islands!  Our day tou...

Head Office
17 George Street
Oban
PA34 5RS

Tel: 01586 552319

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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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