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 In Cowal
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Historic Kilmun

Historic Kilmun is a 19th-century church building sited next to a Medieval tower. Now owned by a charity, the venue is available for exclusive hire. In addit...

Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SE

Tel: 07887 856514

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Explore Lismore

Explore Lismore is a small tour operator on the Scottish Isle of Lismore, which is run by the husband and wife team of Robert & Iris. We offer bespoke, p...

1 Port Ramsay
Isle of Lismore by Oban
Argyll
PA34 5UN

Tel: +44 (0) 1631 760 291

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Basking Shark Scotland

Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife-watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...

Cluaran
Oban
PA34 4LX

Tel: 07975 723140

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The Wild Cooke

Take a walk on the wild side of the beautiful West Coast and get an introduction to the magical world of foraging. Join, Lucy, The Wild Cooke, for a foodie a...

Oban
PA34 4GA

Tel: 07951 469275

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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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West Coast Motors

Our extensive bus network across the West Coast of Scotland covering Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Oban, Mull, Bute, Dunoon and Glasgow allows you to explore our...

Head Office, Benmhor
Campbeltown
PA28 6DN

Tel: 01586 552319

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Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, Woodland Walk and Garden Centre

Set within and around the historic Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, laid out around 1790 by John Campbell of Lochend, the gardens offer a rich blend of history an...

Kinlochlaich House
Appin
PA38 4BG

Tel: 07881525754

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Mount Stuart Trust

Mount Stuart features magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture and design together with contemporary craftsmanship. The house is surrounded by extensive gro...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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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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