The 6 Best Things to Do in Argyll and Bute
The best things to do in Argyll and Bute are without a doubt outdoors. Pack some comfortable shoes – and maybe a rain jacket – and prepare to see mountain ranges, calm lochs, ruined castles and take scenic walks.
From whisky and mountains on Jura to the botanic gardens of the Cowal Peninsula, here are some of the best things to do in Argyll and Bute.
Inveraray Castle
A lochside 18th-century castle
Want to visit the home of the Dukes of Argyll? Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the family and you’re invited to take a look around. Inside, see the French tapestries and large collections of furniture and artworks, or go into the armoury hall to see swords that were saved from the Battle of Culloden in the 18th century. Look out for the five resident ghosts that roam the halls too.
The castle is on the shores of Loch Fyne and has the Scottish Highlands as a backdrop, so the scenery from the gardens is stunning. Walk around the large grounds, famous for rhododendrons and azaleas, and try to spot golden eagles, deer and salmon in the woodlands and river.
Find more castles to visit in Argyll and Bute.
Cowal Peninsula
Gardens, beaches and mountains
From the Argyll Forest Park with its mountain peaks in the north to the craggy coastline and sandy beaches in the south, the Cowal Peninsula is somewhere to spend a few days and is a lovely place to camp.
Take a short but scenic walk in Puck’s Glen and follow the Victorian footpath through a woodland gorge. Wander among mossy rocks and under Douglas firs past cascading waterfalls and cross the bridges over the pools.
Close by, Benmore Botanic Gardens in Dunoon has a large collection of plants from all over the world. Stroll along the seven miles of trails to see diverse displays like the Japanese Valley, the towering redwood grove and the colourful rhododendrons on the slopes. Climb to a 137-metre high viewpoint for far-reaching views over the surrounding mountains and down to the waters of Holy Loch.
Pitch up at campsites in Argyll and Bute.
Isle of Bute
Diverse landscapes and a pretty town
A pretty island south of the Cowal Peninsula, Bute has gentle hills, sandy beaches and tracts of moorland to discover. Start in Rothesay and stroll along the palm-lined promenade before going to the castle where you can walk among the 13th-century ruins, see the thick stone walls and pass under the gatehouse.
Looking for some activity? Get out on your bike, go fishing, play a round of golf or take to the water on a yacht. You’ll see plenty of sights including ruined chapels, forts and blooming gardens wherever you roam on the island.
Read about more places to play golf in Argyll and Bute.
Kilchurn Castle
One of Scotland’s most photographed castles
Have your camera at the ready when you come to Kilchurn: this dramatically situated 15th-century castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland. At the edge of Loch Awe and with the peak of Ben Cruachan behind it, the ruins of the castle really are stunning.
Go inside the castle and explore the oldest surviving barracks block on the British mainland, or climb to the top of the tower house’s battlements for a different view of the loch and hills around it.
Discover sites to explore and places to stay with our Ultimate Scottish Camping Guide.
Jura
Whisky and mountains in the Inner Hebrides
Just off the west coast of Scotland is the rugged and spectacular Inner Hebrides isle of Jura. Head out to the Paps for a challenging walk up three scree-sided rocky mountains that dominate the landscape of the island. If you’re looking for more wildlife, go out to Loch Tarbert, where you can see otters, seals and golden eagles and some of the island’s more than 5,000 deer.
The island is best-known for Jura Whisky, so take a tour of the distillery to see how they make over two million litres of malt whisky a year – try a dram for yourself and it will become clear why this classic Scottish drink is so popular.
Discover campsites around Jura.
Isle of Arran
Adrenaline-filled activities and tasty food and drink
The last must-visit place isn’t actually in Argyll and Bute, but as Arran is so close, it’s worth making a part of your holiday in the area. Cross the Firth of Clyde to the island for an outdoor holiday filled with tasty food and drink. There are a variety of walking trails to choose from, whether you want to scramble through the mountains and up Goatfell, feel the sea breezes as you hike along the coastline or simply wander through the island’s pretty villages.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, you can go sea kayaking, climbing, practise your archery skills or ride a horse along the beach. There’s wildlife to see all over the place here too, from deer on land to seals and even sharks in the waters around the island.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite – or a thirst – it’s time to try some of the local food, like traditional oatcakes and creamy cheeses. Afterwards, try out some of the local beers, or book a tour at the Arran Distillery to try the island’s very own malt whisky. There’s so much to see on Arran, so stop by at the visitor centre to find out about the things you don’t want to miss.
Go camping on Arran.
Need some inspiration for places to eat while you’re here? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Argyll and Bute.