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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Eilean Garbh Beaches Rh Gigha
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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Isle of Gigha Golf Course

Gigha’s very own lovely little 9-hole golf course offers you the most wonderful panoramic views of the island and mainland.

The course has three par 3s and s...

Gigha Golf Club
Isle of Gigha
PA41 7AA

Tel: 07917 733159

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Campbeltown Museum

Campbeltown Museum tells the story of Kintyre through its collection of archaeology, fine art, natural sciences, and social history. Highlights include a Bro...

Shore Street
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6BS

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Islay e Wheels

Islay e-wheels is a small, family-run business offering quality bike hire. We pride ourselves on great customer service and well-maintained bikes. Whether yo...

35 Cnoc-Na-Faire
Port Ellen
Islay

Tel: 07497 090716

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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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Bute Forest

A lovely short walk taking in oak woodland and spruce, passing the Painted Rock Trail and work area and with a short diversion, taking you to the stunning vi...

Rhubodach Slipway
Isle Of Bute
PA20 0QL

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Island Sauna Shack

Popping up at some of Mull’s most breathtaking coastal corners, Island Sauna Shack offers a truly unique way to unwind. Our handcrafted mobile wood-fired sau...

Copeland House
Viewmount Drive
Tobermory
PA75 6PZ

Tel: 07961 953393

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Geilston Garden, National Trust for Scotland

Patches of colour, tasty vegetables and a succession of seasonal plants make this a classic garden with a vibrant feel. Geilston is typical of the small coun...

Geilston Garden
Main Road
Cardross
G82 5HD

Tel: 01389 849187

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Benmore Botanic Garden

Celebrated for its towering conifers and spectacular rhododendrons, Benmore spans 120 acres and features a world-renowned collection of plants from regions s...

Benmore Botanic Garden
Uig
Dunoon
PA23 8QU

Tel: 01369 706261

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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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