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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Attractions
Attractions
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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Islay Sea Adventures

Islay Sea Adventures is a boat tour company based on the beautiful Isle of Islay, Scotland. We offer a unique way to explore Islay through our wide variety o...

Trip departure Address:
Port Ellen Pontoons
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7DW

Tel: 01496 300129

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Jura Boat Tours

We offer bespoke Rib Tours to various areas of outstanding beauty in our modern, fully coded passenger Rib. There is an abundance of Wildlife found around ou...

3 Woodside
Craighouse
Isle of Jura
Argyll
PA607YA

Tel: 07976 280195

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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

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Coastal Connection

Private and commercial charter trips, visiting some amazing places, castles, lighthouses, and hidden gems, and seeing wildlife, from seals, eagles, and porpo...

Oban Times Slipway
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5PZ

Tel: 07919615210

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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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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

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West Coast Motors

Our extensive bus network across the West Coast of Scotland covering Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Oban, Mull, Bute, Dunoon and Glasgow allows you to explore our...

Head Office, Benmhor
Campbeltown
PA28 6DN

Tel: 01586 552319

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Kintyre Express

Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service which opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you to explore.  Our service links Campbeltown in Kintyre,...

Campbeltown Harbour
Argyll
Scotland

Tel: (+44) 1586 555 895

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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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