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
Attractions
Attractions
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-1400s, and since then has been a fortress, comfortable residence and later a garrison stronghold. It contains the oldest...

Kilchurn Castle
Lochawe
Dalmally
PA33 1AF

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Tighnabruaich Gallery

For over 40 years, Tighnabruaich Gallery has been a cultural landmark on Scotland’s west coast — a place where art and nature converge, and where discovery s...

Tighnabruaich Gallery
Seaside House
Argyll
PA21 2DR

Tel: 01700 507268

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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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Kintyre e-bike hire

Kintyre is a beautiful place with lots to see and do, and we are passionate about our local area. There’s no better way to see Kintyre than to ride our fun a...

Workshop 2
Hazelburn Business Park
Milknowe Road
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6HA

Tel: 07557 344515

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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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Heathery Heights

Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...

Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ

Tel: 07899 765240

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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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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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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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