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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Drummond Scottish Tours

Whether you want a tour tailored to your interests or prefer one of our thoughtfully designed itineraries, Drummond Scottish Tours offers memorable private g...

9 Queens Acre
Kelso
TD5 7UN

Tel: +44 7547 363 323

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Kilchoan Gardens

The gardens of Kilchoan are located on the northern shore of Loch Melfort, 20 miles south of Oban. The west coast of Scotland provides a suitable habitat for...

The Kilchoan Melfort Trust
Kilchoan Estate
Kilmelford
Oban PA34 4XD

Tel: 01852 200500

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Inchbaggers Island Swims

Two-time channel swimmer Chris Sifleet provides professional safe swims in the beautiful waters of Loch Lomond. Swim in a peaceful environment and enjoy the...

76 Oakburn Walk
Alexandria
G83 9NJ

Tel: 07917432900

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Achamore Garden

In the early 20th century Achamore Gardens was mostly woodland, planted to provide cover for rabbits, pheasants, and other game animals for shooting. Gardene...

Achamore Gardens
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AD

Tel: 01583 505390

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Bothan Jura Wild Sauna

Bothan Jura Wild Sauna is Islay and Jura’s first mobile wild sauna — a wood-fired horsebox that travels to spectacular coastal locations around the Isle of J...

Arturas
Knockrome
Isle of Jura
PA60 7XZ

Tel: 07300 493078

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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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STARGAZING in Kintyre and Gigha

Welcome to Kintyre and Gigha's stargazing group. This group provides an opportunity for visitors and locals to discover the wonders of the night sky. The gro...

Heather Lea
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AA

Tel: 07572989603

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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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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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