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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Boat Trips
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Wreckspeditions Boat Charter
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Sea Kayak Oban

The waters around Oban represent one of the world's most amazing sea kayak destinations, with everything from idyllic sheltered shores to wild tidal races. S...

6-8 Argyll Street
Oban
PA34 5SG

Tel: 01631565310

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Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

Dunstaffnage Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, sits atop an immense rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn near Oban. The former stronghold of the...

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Castle Grounds
Dunbeg
By Oban, Argyll
PA37 1PZ

Tel: 01631 562 465

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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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Ocean Explorer Centre

Explore plankton with our microscope, discover the shape of our seas on our 3D globe and find out about the latest research into ocean currents, environmenta...

Ocean Explorer Centre
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Dunbeg
Oban
PA37 1QA

Tel: 01631 559123

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Argyll Safaris

Rab is passionate about Argyll, its landscape, culture and heritage. With 60 medieval castles, 32 clan seats, and 1256 Neolithic standing stones, it is the b...

Rughriach
Old Shore Road
PA37 1PT

Tel: 07760880757

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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

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Arduaine Gardens

Arduaine Garden is full of colour and fragrance, evoking the glamour of exotic destinations. This is no coincidence – the garden was begun in 1898 at a time...

Arduaine Garden
Arduaine
Oban
PA34 4XG
OS Ref: NM794103

Tel: 01852 200366

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Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace

Imagine the heat and noise of Bonawe! Founded in 1753, it ceased firing in the 1870s. Today, you can see displays of how pig iron was made, as well as cannon...

Taynuilt
Argyll
PA35 1JQ

Tel: 01866 822 432

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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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