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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Eilean Garbh Beaches Rh Gigha
Golf
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Golf In Cowal
Attractions
Attractions
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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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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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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Heathery Heights

Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...

Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ

Tel: 07899 765240

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Campbeltown Museum

Campbeltown Museum tells the story of Kintyre through its collection of archaeology, fine art, natural sciences, and social history. Highlights include a Bro...

Shore Street
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6BS

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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

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Isle of Gigha Golf Course

Gigha’s very own lovely little 9-hole golf course offers you the most wonderful panoramic views of the island and mainland.

The course has three par 3s and s...

Gigha Golf Club
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AA

Tel: 07917 733159

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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

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Cladich Tours

A farm tour lets you get close to the Highland Cattle in their Highland home while taking in the stunning scenery. Our knowledgeable, personable farm manager...

Cladich
Dalmally
PA33 1BQ

Tel: +44(0)1838 200845

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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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