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 - 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 - 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 - Inveraray Jail Front
Inveraray Jail - Escape Room

Housed within the original walls of the Debtors Prison, you will be completely enveloped in the world of the 1850s. Every detail, from the authentic decor to...

Inveraray Jail
Church Square
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8TX

Tel: 01499 302381

Discover more
Background image - rothesay_castle_hes.jpg
Rothesay Castle

On the Isle of Bute, Rothesay Castle dates to the early 13th century and remains remarkably well preserved despite its age. Built by the Stewart family to de...

Rothesay Castle
Castlehill Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 0DA

Discover more
Background image - house_from_rock_garden_.jpg
Mount Stuart Trust

Mount Stuart is one of Scotland’s most remarkable historic houses, set amid beautiful gardens and woodland on the Isle of Bute. This extraordinary Neo-Gothic...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

Discover more
Background image - walking-and-sailing-scotland.jpeg
Walk Wild Scotland

Join one of our small group guided walking holidays exploring Scotland’s wild and stunning landscapes and secret places off the beaten track. Discover its wi...

16 Jellicoe Avenue
Gartmore
FK8 3RQ

Tel: 07748626156

Discover more
Background image - iona_abbey_hes.jpg
Iona Abbey

Take a ferry ride to Iona and discover one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

This small island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever sin...

Iona Abbey
Isle of Iona
Argyll
PA76 6SQ

Tel: 01681 700 512

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