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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Lochs, Bens & Glens

Lochs, Bens & Glens is a bicycle tour company based in Dunoon, Argyll. We’re here to guide you through one of the most stunning places in the world, expl...

Stores 1 & 2 Jura Building
Sandbank Business Park
Dunoon
PA23 8PB

Tel: 01369 554123

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Cladich Tours

A farm tour lets you get close to the Highland Cattle in their Highland home while taking in the stunning scenery. Our knowledgeable, personable farm manager...

Cladich
Dalmally
PA33 1BQ

Tel: +44(0)1838 200845

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Whisky and Waves

Whisky and Waves offers unforgettable sailing experiences along Scotland’s rugged west coast, blending adventure and whisky heritage. Based in Tobermory and...

Oban and Tobermory
North Pier
PA34 5QD

Tel: 07919368415

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Gylen Castle, Kerrera

Gylen Castle is a key place to visit when you go to the island of Kerrera. It also marks a nice, convenient halfway point on the South end of the island to w...

Gylen Castle
Kerrera
Oban
PA34 4SX

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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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Sea Kayak Oban

The waters around Oban represent one of the world's most amazing sea kayak destinations, with everything from idyllic sheltered shores to wild tidal races. S...

6-8 Argyll Street
Oban
PA34 5SG

Tel: 01631565310

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Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver

Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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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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