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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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Cowal Cruises

We offer short boat trips around the Kyles of Bute from April to October. These trips range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and focus on the history, scenery, and wild...

Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2EG

Tel: 07765958891

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West Coast Motors

Our extensive bus network across the West Coast of Scotland covering Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Oban, Mull, Bute, Dunoon and Glasgow allows you to explore our...

Head Office, Benmhor
Campbeltown
PA28 6DN

Tel: 01586 552319

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Live Argyll - Riverside Swim and Health Centre, Dunoon

Riverside Swim and Health Centre is situated on the promenade of Dunoon, close to the town centre. It is within easy walking distance of the local ferry term...

8 Moir Street
Dunoon
PA23 8AA

Tel: 01369 701170

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Mount Stuart Trust

Mount Stuart is one of Scotland’s most remarkable historic houses, set amid beautiful gardens and woodland on the Isle of Bute. This extraordinary Neo-Gothic...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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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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Artmap Argyll

Artmap Argyll is a network of Artists who work across Argyll, from Kintyre in the south, up to Ballachulish in the north and out to the Isle of Tiree. Our me...

No 1 Balliebeg
Castleton
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RU

Tel: 07708461081

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Angus’s Garden

Created in 1957 as a memorial garden by Betty Macdonald of Barguillean for her son Angus, this picturesque nine-acre woodland garden is set around the tranqu...

Barguillean
Glen Lonan
Taynuilt
PA35 1HY

Tel: 01866 822333

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Beinn an Tuirc Distillers

Spend an afternoon at gin school! You’ll learn so much about gin production and our own methods here at Beinn an Tuirc Distillers, before tasting and blendin...

Lephincorrach Farm
Torrisdale
Carradale
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6QT

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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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