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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Attractions
Attractions
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Islay e Wheels

Islay e-wheels is a small, family-run business offering quality bike hire. We pride ourselves on great customer service and well-maintained bikes. Whether yo...

35 Cnoc-Na-Faire
Port Ellen
Islay

Tel: 07497 090716

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Kintyre Express

Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service which opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you to explore.  Our service links Campbeltown in Kintyre,...

Campbeltown Harbour
Argyll
Scotland

Tel: (+44) 1586 555 895

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Isle of Gigha Pontoons

The Isle of Gigha has been welcoming yachts for many years, both as a safe anchorage when sailing the West Coast, transiting the Mull of Kintyre, or cruising...

Isle Of Gigha Moorings And Pontoons
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AA

Tel: 01583 505390

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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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Mount Stuart Trust Gardens

Set against a striking Firth of Clyde backdrop, our 300 acres of gardens boast arboricultural and horticultural collections of global significance.

From spri...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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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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Islay Sauna

Relax in a beautiful Finnish-made sauna with views across to Orsay, the Rügen Lighthouse and the resident population of common and grey seals. Cool off in fr...

Burnside Lodge
Shore Street
Port Wemyss
Isle of Islay
PA47 7ST

Tel: 01496 860296

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The Wild Cooke

Take a walk on the wild side of the beautiful West Coast and get an introduction to the magical world of foraging. Join, Lucy, The Wild Cooke, for a foodie a...

Oban
PA34 4GA

Tel: 07951 469275

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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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