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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Kintyre e-bike hire

Kintyre is a beautiful place with lots to see and do, and we are passionate about our local area. There’s no better way to see Kintyre than to ride our fun a...

Workshop 2
Hazelburn Business Park
Milknowe Road
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6HA

Tel: 07557 344515

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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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Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd

Seafari Adventures is a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban. Our Wildlife Tour...

Seafari Adventures
The Village Shop
Easdale
Oban
PA34 4RQ

Tel: 01852 300003

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Bute Boat Tours Ltd

Join us to experience the most beautiful scenery in Scotland: The Kyles of Bute, Loch Fyne to Tarbert, visit Arran Distillery and snorkel off the boat.

The...

Rothesay Harbour
Isle of Bute
PA20

Tel: 07486 873114

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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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Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

Dunollie Museum, Castle, and Grounds is a heritage site of international significance, situated just 1 mile north of Oban. It is now run by a small independe...

Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds
Ganavan Road
Oban
PA34 5TT

Tel: 01631 570550

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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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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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