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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Bute Forest

A lovely short walk taking in oak woodland and spruce, passing the Painted Rock Trail and work area and with a short diversion, taking you to the stunning vi...

Rhubodach Slipway
Isle Of Bute
PA20 0QL

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The Argyll Beaver Centre

Step inside a 400-year-old farmhouse in the heart of Knapdale and discover one of Argyll’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Run by naturalists Oly Armstr...

Argyll Beaver Centre
Bellanoch
Lochgilphead
PA31 8SN

Tel: 07827 965010

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Island Sauna Shack

Popping up at some of Mull’s most breathtaking coastal corners, Island Sauna Shack offers a truly unique way to unwind. Our handcrafted mobile wood-fired sau...

Copeland House
Viewmount Drive
Tobermory
PA75 6PZ

Tel: 07961 953393

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Kintyre Express

Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service which opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you to explore.  Our service links Campbeltown in Kintyre,...

Campbeltown Harbour
Argyll
Scotland

Tel: (+44) 1586 555 895

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Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre

This centre, dedicated to celebrating and recognising Gaelic language and culture at the heart of Lismore, has been created by volunteers. The eco-friendly b...

Lismore
Isle of Lismore
PA34 5UL

Tel: 01631 760030

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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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Inveraray Jail

Experience the true stories of what life was like in Inveraray Jail for the men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up h...

Inveraray Jail
Church Square
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8TX

Tel: 01499 302381

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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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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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