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 - 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
Background image - Wilder10
Wilder Ways

​Our Riding Holidays showcase what Wilder Ways is about. They are designed to provide a fulfilling and exhilarating adventure, allowing us to get even furthe...

Glen Kerran Farm
Southend
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6PJ

Tel: 07826 273 291

Discover more
Background image - Islay E Wheels 1
Islay e Wheels

Islay e-wheels is a small, family-run business offering quality bike hire. We pride ourselves on great customer service and well-maintained bikes. Whether yo...

35 Cnoc-Na-Faire
Port Ellen
Islay

Tel: 07497 090716

Discover more
Background image - portavadie-1143.jpg
Portavadie Loch Fyne - Spa and Leisure

The Leisure Experience features a 16-metre indoor pool, a toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, a Scandinavian sauna and we think the larges...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

Discover more
Background image - go_rural_-_kintyre_gin-022.jpg
Beinn an Tuirc Distillers

Spend an afternoon at gin school! You’ll learn so much about gin production and our own methods here at Beinn an Tuirc Distillers, before tasting and blendin...

Lephincorrach Farm
Torrisdale
Carradale
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6QT

Discover more
Background image - whatsapp_image_2022-12-08_at_10.09.14__5_.jpeg
Bute Forest

A lovely short walk taking in oak woodland and spruce, passing the Painted Rock Trail and work area and with a short diversion, taking you to the stunning vi...

Rhubodach Slipway
Isle Of Bute
PA20 0QL

Discover more
Background image - 20230227 090825
Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

Dunollie Museum, Castle, and Grounds is a heritage site of international significance, situated just 1 mile north of Oban. It is now run by a small independe...

Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds
Ganavan Road
Oban
PA34 5TT

Tel: 01631 570550

Discover more
Background image - Bute Boat Tours 2
Bute Boat Tours Ltd

Join us to experience the most beautiful scenery in Scotland: The Kyles of Bute, Loch Fyne to Tarbert, visit Arran Distillery and snorkel off the boat.

The...

Rothesay Harbour
Isle of Bute
PA20

Tel: 07486 873114

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