Region guide
Family days out in Argyll And The Isles
Sea lochs, ferry crossings and island days out along Scotland's west coast.
Argyll is where the mainland starts breaking up into islands, so a day out here often includes a ferry — factor the crossing into your timings rather than around it, and it becomes part of the adventure rather than a delay.
Inveraray's castle and jail are the classic stop, but the smaller wildlife parks, forest trails and beaches strung along Loch Fyne and Loch Awe reward slower exploring, especially if the kids are happy in the car for a bit longer.
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Cafe
Oban Chocolate Company
Chocolate shop and cafe where kids can watch chocolates being made.
Castle
Inveraray Castle
Historic castle and gardens on the shores of Loch Fyne with family-friendly grounds.
Playpark
Hermitage Park Playpark
Modern playground located within Hermitage Park in Helensburgh with splash area and play equipment.
Garden
Mount Stuart Gardens
Extensive gardens and grounds surrounding Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute.
Attraction
Inveraray Jail
Restored courtroom and prison with costumed characters bringing 19th-century justice to life.
Attraction
Oban Distillery
One of Scotland's oldest distilleries, tucked below the cliffs in the centre of Oban.
Farm
Oban Rare Breeds Farm Park
Woodland farm park with rare and native breeds, birds of prey and nature trails.
Castle
Dunstaffnage Castle
13th-century castle on a rocky promontory near Oban with views over the bay.
Attraction
Loch Fyne Shores, Cairndow
Lochside spot with a famous oyster bar and easy shore walks.
Garden
Crarae Garden
Himalayan-style gorge garden on Loch Fyne with waterfalls and rhododendrons.
Historic
Kilchurn Castle
Photogenic ruined castle on the shores of Loch Awe, reached by a short walk.
Museum
Auchindrain Township
Open-air museum preserving an original West Highland farming township.
Castle
Duart Castle
Ancient seat of Clan Maclean, on a headland with sweeping views of the Sound of Mull.
Attraction
Tobermory Harbour
Mull's colourful main town, with its famous row of painted harbourfront buildings.
Attraction
Mull Aquarium
Small catch-and-release aquarium on Tobermory harbour showcasing local sea life.
Beach
Ganavan Sands
Sandy beach just outside Oban, with views over the bay and a popular spot for family picnics.
Historic
Kilmartin Glen
One of Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes, with free standing stones, burial cairns and rock art across the glen.
Nature
Aros Park
Free woodland park just outside Tobermory on Mull, with a loch, waterfall and easy walking trails.
Nature
Gruffalo Trail, Ardkinglas Estate
Themed woodland trail through Ardkinglas Estate near Cairndow, following the story of the Gruffalo.
Castle
Rothesay Castle
Unique circular moated castle on the Isle of Bute, one of the most unusual castle designs in Scotland.
Farm
Ardardan Estate
Working estate near Cardross with farm shop, walking trails and views over the Clyde estuary.