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 - liveargyll.dunoon.64.jpg
Live Argyll - Riverside Swim and Health Centre, Dunoon

Riverside Swim and Health Centre is situated on the promenade of Dunoon, close to the town centre. It is within easy walking distance of the local ferry term...

8 Moir Street
Dunoon
PA23 8AA

Tel: 01369 701170

Discover more
Background image - aerial_drone_jail1.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - DSC08116 1
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

Discover more
Background image - Original 6380693A 516E 49D3 A9B7 AA31D3762D60
Mount Stuart Trust Gardens

Set against a striking Firth of Clyde backdrop, our 300 acres of gardens boast arboricultural and horticultural collections of global significance.

From spri...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

Discover more
Background image - img_4023.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - Destination Helensburgh Banner
Destination Helensburgh Visitor Information Centre

The home for all things Helensburgh and Lomond, from Visitor Information and an Events Calendar to our Community pages, with details on neighbourhood organis...

28 Sinclair Street
Helensburgh
G84 8SU

Tel: 01436 676 798

Discover more
Background image - Header Image
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

Discover more
Background image - shutterstock_2141839821.jpg
Islay Encounters with Nature

Islay Encounters is a wildlife and nature guiding business set amongst the amazing beauty of the west coast Scottish Island of Islay. It is a fact that being...

Western Cottage
Port Ellen
Isle Of Islay
PA42

Tel: 07930 054840

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