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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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

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Mount Stuart Trust Gardens

Set against a striking Firth of Clyde backdrop, our 300 acres of gardens boast arboricultural and horticultural collections of global significance.

From spri...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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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

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Live Argyll - Rothesay Leisure Centre, Bute

Rothesay Leisure Centre can be found next to the King George V playing fields, within walking distance of the town centre. Dive into a 25 metre swimming pool...

96 High Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 9BN

Tel: 01700 504300

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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

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Rothesay Pavilion (opening 2027)

Rothesay Pavilion, a 1930s modernist gem on the Isle of Bute, reopens in 2027 as a vibrant hub for locals, visitors, and creatives. Overlooking Rothesay Bay,...

c/o The Bank of Ideas
17 High Street
Rothesay
PA20 9AS

Tel: 07747770018

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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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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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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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