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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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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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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Dark Skies Gigha

Gigha’s night sky on a clear night is exceptional. Gigha’s night sky on a clear night is exceptional with a Bortle rating of 2 (1 is the darkest skies and 9...

Dark Skies Gigha
Isle of Gigha
Argyll
PA41 7AA

Tel: 01583 505 310

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Explore Lismore

Explore Lismore is a small tour operator on the Scottish Isle of Lismore, which is run by the husband and wife team of Robert & Iris. We offer bespoke, p...

1 Port Ramsay
Isle of Lismore by Oban
Argyll
PA34 5UN

Tel: +44 (0) 1631 760 291

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Historic Kilmun

At Historic Kilmun, we have some unique experiences we want to share with you. Historic Kilmun, a former church, overlooks the Holy Loch with the Argyll Maus...

Historic Kilmun
Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SD

Tel: 07887 856514

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Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, Woodland Walk and Garden Centre

Set within and around the historic Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, laid out around 1790 by John Campbell of Lochend, the gardens offer a rich blend of history an...

Kinlochlaich House
Appin
PA38 4BG

Tel: 07881525754

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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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The Hayshed Gallery

The Hayshed Gallery is a space for exhibiting textiles and ceramics made at Carry Farm by a family of award winning and contemporary artists and makers. Fion...

Ardlamont
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AH

Tel: 07876 227021

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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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