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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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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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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The Hayshed Gallery

The Hayshed Gallery is a space for exhibiting textiles and ceramics made at Carry Farm by a family of award winning and contemporary artists and makers. Fion...

Ardlamont
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AH

Tel: 07876 227021

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Tighnabruaich Gallery

For over 40 years, Tighnabruaich Gallery has been a cultural landmark on Scotland’s west coast — a place where art and nature converge, and where discovery s...

Tighnabruaich Gallery
Seaside House
Argyll
PA21 2DR

Tel: 01700 507268

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Historic Kilmun

At Historic Kilmun, we have some unique experiences we want to share with you. Historic Kilmun, a former church, overlooks the Holy Loch with the Argyll Maus...

Historic Kilmun
Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SD

Tel: 07887 856514

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What's On Dunoon

Discover Dunoon and Cowal through local eyes with this community-owned and run website, created by the Dunoon Community Development Trust. From cosy coffee m...

Dunoon Community Development Trust
c/o The Pop Shop
28 Hillfoot Street
Dunoon
PA23 7DS

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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

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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

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Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver

Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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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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