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
Explore
SUP2_Kintyre_StephenSweeneyPhotography.jpg
Beaches
Explore
Eilean Garbh Beaches Rh Gigha
Golf
Explore
Golf In Cowal
Attractions
Attractions
torrisdale_castle.jpg
Boat Trips
Explore
Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
Background image - campbeltown_picture_house_exterior5.jpg
Campbeltown Picture House

Campbeltown Picture House, designed by Albert V Gardner of Glasgow in 1913 in Glasgow School Art Nouveau style, is a Category A Listed building and one of th...

26 Hall Street
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6BU

Discover more
Background image - Header Image
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

Discover more
Background image - 3x6a0720.jpg
Ardkinglas House

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardking...

Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
Argyll
PA26 8BN

Discover more
Background image -  Louise Oppenheimer studio  showing wool blending.jpeg
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

Discover more
Background image - ariel_2019_gc_cropped.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - a02t9138.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - Puffins
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

Discover more
Background image - 53168490808_16a24487fb_o.jpg
Benmore Outdoor Centre

Our expert instructors are passionate about the outdoors and trained to support all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned adventurers. Take part in act...

Benmore
By Dunoon
Argyll, PA23 8QX

Tel: 01369 706337

Discover more

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.

Background image - Waa Background
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!

Watch YouTube
Background image - Youtube Screen
Stay Icon
STAY
Explore
See Do Icon
WHAT'S ON
Explore
Food Drink Icon
EAT & DRINK
Explore
Background image - Waa Single Letter Outline

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.

Explore
Background image - Eilean Garbh Beaches 2 Rh