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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Eilean Garbh Beaches Rh Gigha
Golf
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Golf In Cowal
Attractions
Attractions
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Inchbaggers Island Swims

Two-time channel swimmer Chris Sifleet provides professional safe swims in the beautiful waters of Loch Lomond. Swim in a peaceful environment and enjoy the...

76 Oakburn Walk
Alexandria
G83 9NJ

Tel: 07917432900

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Hebridean Air Services

Our 30-minute scenic flights take in castles and other points of interest around Oban and Lorn. Our sightseer tickets allow you to fly on the schedule withou...

Oban Airport
North Connel
PA37 1SW

Tel: 0845 805 7465

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ISLE OF GIGHA HERITAGE TRUST

Gigha has a path for everyone, whether it is a gentle aggregate path suitable for wheeled users, including bicycles, or a more adventurous trod path taking i...

CRAFTWORKSHOP 1, ARDMINISH, ISLE OF GIGHA,
PA417AA

Tel: 01583505390

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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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Adventure Zone at The Fyne Den

Indoor and outdoor adventure play area

A place for children and families to immerse themselves in active, fun and creative play. Amazing natural wood structu...

The Fyne Den
Clachan
Cairndow
PA26 8BL

Tel: 01499320429

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Rothesay Pavilion (opening 2027)

Rothesay Pavilion, a 1930s modernist gem on the Isle of Bute, reopens in 2027 as a vibrant hub for locals, visitors, and creatives. Overlooking Rothesay Bay,...

c/o The Bank of Ideas
17 High Street
Rothesay
PA20 9AS

Tel: 07747770018

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Geilston Garden, National Trust for Scotland

Patches of colour, tasty vegetables and a succession of seasonal plants make this a classic garden with a vibrant feel. Geilston is typical of the small coun...

Geilston Garden
Main Road
Cardross
G82 5HD

Tel: 01389 849187

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Kilchoan Gardens

The gardens of Kilchoan are located on the northern shore of Loch Melfort, 20 miles south of Oban. The west coast of Scotland provides a suitable habitat for...

The Kilchoan Melfort Trust
Kilchoan Estate
Kilmelford
Oban PA34 4XD

Tel: 01852 200500

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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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