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 - crarae_mbp_9102_3.jpg
National Trust for Scotland Crarae Garden

The sparkling waters of the Crarae Burn form the centrepiece for a woody paradise of rocky gorges, wooden bridges and thickets of maple, birch and evergreens...

Crarae Garden
Minard
By Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8YA

Tel: 01546 886614

Discover more
Background image - geilston_irises_2.jpeg.jpg
Geilston Garden, National Trust for Scotland

Patches of colour, tasty vegetables and a succession of seasonal plants make this a classic garden with a vibrant feel. Geilston is typical of the small coun...

Geilston Garden
Main Road
Cardross
G82 5HD

Tel: 01389 849187

Discover more
Background image - sea_view_reflection.jpeg
Islay Sauna

Relax in a beautiful Finnish-made sauna with views across to Orsay, the Rügen Lighthouse and the resident population of common and grey seals. Cool off in fr...

Burnside Lodge
Shore Street
Port Wemyss
Isle of Islay
PA47 7ST

Tel: 01496 860296

Discover more
Background image - Castlehouse Museum
Castle House Museum

Situated in Castle Gardens, Castle House Museum is at the heart of the history of Dunoon.

From our windows, we have picturesque views of the Victorian Pier a...

Castle House Museum
Castle Gardens
3 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7HH

Tel: 01369 701422

Discover more
Background image - waa_header.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - _dsc0353.jpg
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

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 - 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

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