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
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Attractions
Attractions
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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The Fernery Ascog

Ascog Hall, with its award-winning Victorian fernery and enchanting garden, can be found on the beautiful island of Bute. Without a doubt, our most remarkabl...

Ascog Hall
Ascog
Isle of Bute
PA20 9EU

Tel: 07824393009

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Jura Guided

I offer guided walks and excursions on Jura for anyone who’d like to deepen their experience of this spellbinding island. Whether you’re a beginner looking f...

Ardmenish
Isle of Jura
PA607XZ

Tel: 07384 6007764

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Ross of Mull Historical Centre

RoMHC is the hub for an archive on the people, history, and natural environment of the Ross of Mull, gathered through research, projects, and events.

Millbrae Cottage, Bunessan, Isle of Mull
PA67 6DG

Tel: 01681 700659

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Calltainn Croft

Join Leen for an inspiring workshop where you’ll learn the timeless craft of willow basketry. Using natural materials, you’ll create your very own woven item...

Croft 5, Langamull
Dervaig
Tobermory
PA756QS

Tel: 07858 345305

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Campbeltown Heritage Centre

Campbeltown Heritage Centre
Big Kiln
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6JF

Tel: 01586 552775

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Bute Yard

Bute Yard is a new, contemporary venue in the heart of Rothesay, Isle of Bute. Home to the Isle of Bute Smokehouse, Isle of Bute Distillery, and Bute Brew Co...

61-67 High Street
Rothesay
PA20 9AU

Tel: 07481 830 493

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Lip na Cloiche Garden, Nursery & Crafts

Lip na Cloiche Garden has featured in many publications for its imaginative, dense, and innovative planting and for incorporating locally recycled and beachc...

Ballygown
nr. Ulva Ferry
Isle of Mull
PA73 6LU

Tel: 01688500257

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The Harbour Gallery - Tarbert

The Harbour Galleries are situated along the West Coast of Scotland. They showcase prints by the Late artist and owner Stuart Herd, along with local artists'...

Knap
Harbour Street
Tarbert
PA29 6UA

Tel: 01880 821170

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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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