Things to do & places to visit in Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

Argyll and Bute #53 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 22.7k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 6:35.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Argyll Adventure - Inveraray (584 reviews)
- Brilliant 1h horse ride trek
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

So much to do with 7 fantastic activities on offer, Horse Riding 1hr and 2hr Treks, Children’s 20-minute Pony Rides, Horse Riding Lessons, Paintball Games, Paintball Range, Laser Tag and Crossbow Range. Our activities are suitable for children and adults, corporate groups or parties. You can mix and match your activities and spend a couple of hours or the whole day with us. All of our activities are supervised by our friendly staff, with the emphasis on fun, challenge and safety. We are 2 miles south of Inveraray on the A83 and well sign posted. Visit our website to book an activity and for full details and restrictions. See more..
5.0 Puck's Glen (373 reviews)
- A wonderful fairy Glen
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visited last week, when unfortunately the weather was against us and my daughter and I were looking for walks that are not so bad in pouring rain ☔️ Such a delightful magical place that really is like a fairy Glen. It still poured with rain but the upside was that the waterfalls are even more stunning. Made our day to see a red squirrel (only the second I’ve ever seen!) Definitely recommend a visit. You need proper walking boots as it can be a little slippy when wet. See more..
5.0 Fyne Ales (272 reviews)
- Beer with a view
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Breweries

Fyne Ales is located on a working farm in Argyll at the head of Loch Fyne, an area renowned for its excellent natural produce. We are a team who are passionate about brewing outstanding and progressive craft ales.We have a great bar on site, where you can sit and enjoy a tasting flight of a selection of our beers, or a few pints of your favourite. We also serve beef pies made from our own highland beef, which is also available to buy in the shop. Brewery tours can be arranged when the Brewers are available. See more..
5.0 Paps of Jura (77 reviews)
- One of the best views in the British Isles
Islands

One of the best views in the British Isles from the top of all the Paps. We started on foot from Feolin after taking the 8am ferry from Port Askaig. We climbed Beinn a' Chaolais first, followed by lunch before climbing Beinn an Òir. We finished with Beinn Shiantaidh before the long trek back for the 6pm ferry to Islay. It was an absolutely fantastic day and quite dry underfoot along this route. In total we covered 30km in 10hrs with 1500m height gained. Thoroughly recommend this trek. Make sure to take plenty of food, water and weatherproof clothing. See more..
5.0 Kintail Birds of Prey Argyll (67 reviews)
- Superb and informative
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visit Argyll only collection of Scottish Native birds of Prey over 25 on display set in stunning grounds overlooking Loch Awe the longest fresh water loch in Scotland, drive down B840 a single track road keep a look out for red squirrels pine martins and deer. Offering one hour tour, Mini Falconry Experiences (1.5hrs) or Two Hour Falconry Experience. Open all year round booking available on line. No large mixed groups exclusive Falconry experiences meet, fly and photograph our magnificent birds. Bookings must be made in advance, as we are a private centre booking strictly by appointment. Card machine facilities, gift shop, toilet facilities, complimentary tea/coffee. See more..
5.0 Argyll Adventure - Inveraray (584 reviews)
- Brilliant 1h horse ride trek
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

So much to do with 7 fantastic activities on offer, Horse Riding 1hr and 2hr Treks, Children’s 20-minute Pony Rides, Horse Riding Lessons, Paintball Games, Paintball Range, Laser Tag and Crossbow Range. Our activities are suitable for children and adults, corporate groups or parties. You can mix and match your activities and spend a couple of hours or the whole day with us. All of our activities are supervised by our friendly staff, with the emphasis on fun, challenge and safety. We are 2 miles south of Inveraray on the A83 and well sign posted. Visit our website to book an activity and for full details and restrictions. See more..
5.0 Puck's Glen (373 reviews)
- A wonderful fairy Glen
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visited last week, when unfortunately the weather was against us and my daughter and I were looking for walks that are not so bad in pouring rain ☔️ Such a delightful magical place that really is like a fairy Glen. It still poured with rain but the upside was that the waterfalls are even more stunning. Made our day to see a red squirrel (only the second I’ve ever seen!) Definitely recommend a visit. You need proper walking boots as it can be a little slippy when wet. See more..
5.0 Fyne Ales (272 reviews)
- Beer with a view
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Breweries

Fyne Ales is located on a working farm in Argyll at the head of Loch Fyne, an area renowned for its excellent natural produce. We are a team who are passionate about brewing outstanding and progressive craft ales.We have a great bar on site, where you can sit and enjoy a tasting flight of a selection of our beers, or a few pints of your favourite. We also serve beef pies made from our own highland beef, which is also available to buy in the shop. Brewery tours can be arranged when the Brewers are available. See more..
4.5 Oban Distillery (4.064 reviews)
- Amazing! A must see in Oban
Monday: 10:15 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

Take a peek at the ins and outs of our working distillery. From the close sea location to the complex whisky making process, book your tour online at Oban Distillery today. We can’t wait to welcome you. See more..
4.5 McCaig's Tower (2.836 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Monday: 9:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Me and my partner decided to take a trip to the McCaigs twice in one day first time during the day we walked from the North ferry terminal after being isolating for half the year this was a good work out walking the views where worth it got to see two lovely gentlemen who where putting up the lights to create the Saltire. Later that evening we noticed the McCaigs Tower was lit up Blue and the lights the two gentlemen put up earlier that day where white that created the saltire flag. We decided to take a drive up even at night the McCaigs tower offers lovely views. Definitely worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Inveraray Castle (2.482 reviews)
- Lovely afternoon visit
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 30, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Gardens

Inveraray Castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their young family. Ancestral home of Clan Campbell. Iconic visitor attraction on the West coast of Scotland. See more..
4.5 Inveraray Jail (1.648 reviews)
- Brilliant day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Pre-booking not required. Step back almost two centuries and discover the stories of the real men, women and children who were tried and served their sentences in this prison. Visit the Courtroom; explore the Cells in the Old and New Prisons; try out the wooden beds and hammocks; sample the punishments; experience the Whipping Table; take your turn at the Crank Wheel. Meet the Warder and Prisoners and get locked up in the Airing Yards. Listen to dramatic true tales from the characters in the Jail’s past brought to life with our FREE interactive audio guides. Available in six languages. See more..
4.5 Mount Stuart (1.272 reviews)
- Loved it so much, we chose it as our wedding venue!
Castles

To avoid disappointment, please check first that it is open to the public on the day of your visit, and not being used for a wedding! My partner and I found this absolute gem of a country estate in a visit to Rothesay. We arrived on the day of a wedding, but thankfully for us, we had no idea it could be booked for a wedding… we made some enquiries with the staff and came back with our family to show them the place we have found to get married! We have a somewhat “private tour” a few weeks later to see more of the house that is used for exclusive use, and we are absolutely in love with the house! We will be back again with more friends and family, wedding event staff etc., Ferry for 2 adults and a car is £38 return, entry to the house is not expensive, the cafe was warm and welcoming and the food we bought was very nice. 10/10 for first impressions, and they will definitely last a lifetime. See more..
4.5 Oban War & Peace Museum (870 reviews)
- An interesting museum!
Military Museums

We visited here today and were very impressed with all the exhibits, it was packed full of some interesting stuff. We were so surprised and delighted it is opened everyday of the week and was quite busy. Its definitely worth spending some time in here when in Oban! See more..
4.5 Caledonian MacBrayne - Oban Day Trips (860 reviews)
- Efficient and nice
Monday: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ferries

Take a day trip from Oban and visit the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Coll, Tiree or Iona. Go a little further, take a trip north to the Outer Hebrides or south to the island of Colonsay. See more..
4.5 The Hill House (701 reviews)
- A beautiful house and lovely staff
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

This is a stunning example of Mackintosh’s work and one that deserves to be preserved and enjoyed for as long as possible. Although the steel box is a controversial solution, once inside it gives the feeling of being inside a time capsule and it is amazing to walk around the scaffolds and truly appreciate this architectural masterpiece. The interiors equal the beauty of Mackintosh’s Willow Tearooms yet show great sensitivity to family life. Unlike many historic houses, it is wonderful to be able to explore the rooms freely and enjoy them as the Blackie family would have done. All the staff were so friendly. We were greeted at the doors by the lovely Anne who was so informative and passionate about the house which was a joy to see. See more..
4.5 Cruachan Power Station Visitor Center (667 reviews)
- Hollow Mountain
Visitor Centers

AN UNDERGROUND WORLD ON A SPECTACULAR SCALE. Cruachan is a place like no other, journey deep into the heart of this mountain to discover how we convert the power of water into electricity. An experienced guide will lead you inside the power station to help you understand how we can create 440MW of power in just 2 minutes! Our interactive FREE EXHIBTION is a great way for all ages to further understand how today's energymix is made up. The cafe and gift shop are available for anyone who just wants to stop in for some light refreshments and retail therapy. See more..
4.5 Benmore Botanic Garden (618 reviews)
- Super Gardens
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

In a magnificent mountainside setting on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll lies Benmore, an enchanting Garden steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. See more..
4.5 Kilchurn Castle (565 reviews)
- Great location great castle
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Castles

The castle is closed but you can still visit the exterior of the site. Look out over Loch Awe from the powerbase of the Campbells of Glenorchy and one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. See more..
4.5 St Conan's Kirk (501 reviews)
- Incredible church steeped in history
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

St Conan's Kirk is a beautiful and facinating Kirk in Argyle. It was designed and built by Walter Campbell to save his mother travelling six miles to the nearest church! A self-taught designer, Walter designed it to contain most architectural styles and visitors find something new to see every visit. It is open most days from 9 to 5pm and entry is by donation. Highlights include the Cloisters, the stunning Ambulatory and the Bruce Chapel which contains a fragment of Robert the Bruce's bone. Your donation is used for the program of repairs. More information about special events is on the website. See more..
4.5 Rothesay's Victorian Toilets (497 reviews)
- Perfect Percy Pointing Porcelian
Historic Sites

I walked a 7 mile round trip just to see the splendour of Adam Ants early work, Victoian Toilet. Being a fan of his Kings Of The Wild Frontier work I was keen not to miss this much lauded spectacle. 40p entrance fee well worth the grandiose surroundings of relievement. So good I spent another 40p just to have try later on. See more..
4.5 Arduaine Garden (453 reviews)
- A Garden to lift the spirits
Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Arduaine is a wonderfully moist and mossy coastal garden, influenced beneficially by the North Atlantic Drift and enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over the world. Twenty acres of outstanding woodland plants include not only a major rhododendron species collection with a leaning towards the more tender, but also all the usual spring-flowering favourites such as camellia, pieris, azalea and magnolia. Other trees and shrubs take the flowering season on into the autumn along with an inspiring miscellany of bulbs, perennials, climbers, water plants and ferns, many rare and unusual, many down to earth and familiar, all interesting and beautiful in their diverse ways. A spectacular coastal and island panorama can be enjoyed from the easily accessible cliff top viewpoint. Visitors are welcome every day and will find something of interest throughout the year, come rain or shine. See more..
4.5 Castle Stalker (324 reviews)
- Packs a punch of a view for a small castle
Historic Sites • Castles

We were lucky enough to stay on the water's edge looking out to the castle - so many people came to park and take pictures in the tiny parking opposite our cottage. And little wonder, because it really is very picturesque. We never tired of the view - with the constant changing weather, light and tide, it seemed to look different every time. We didn't do a tour but I think if you had the time it would be worth it. The online tour certainly looks like it has a very quirky inside so it would be worth seeing. See more..
4.5 Crarae Garden Argyll (263 reviews)
- Outstanding trees in a relaxed setting
Gardens

Strangest ever NTS visit, with everything except the disabled access loo closed, but the woodland garden open. On a brilliant, sunny day we did the full 'white route' around the garden, and it was way beyond any possible expectation. Spectacular trees, wonderful settings; labelling very good - which given the rarity of some of the species was extremely helpful. And all so peaceful - perhaps a dozen others there on the same afternoon, and everyone was respecting the peace and quiet, and sheer beauty, of the place. See more..
4.5 Rothesay VisitScotland iCentre (257 reviews)
- A great start to Rothesay!
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

Great friendly service and enthusiastic advice from Ewan. Helped set off our trip to Isle of Bute in a great fashion. We didn’t do the hop on/off bus - but did see it several times and the bus driver seemed really friendly and making sure his passengers had a good tour. See more..
4.5 Kilmartin Glen (242 reviews)
- A Stones throw from History
Valleys

Friends recommended that we visit Kilmartin Glen, and so pleased that we took their advice. Such great views and scenery and also the little village of Kilmartin that attracts lots of visitors and coach parties, which is maybe not a good thing, but it brings money into the area and creates new job opportunities. The little museum is now closed until 2023 as it is going through a major development to make it even bigger and better for visitors but don't be disheartened as if you go into the Church grounds you will find the Kilmartin stones safely tucked away but for all to see, and it is free, unless you want to leave a donation. There are several Cairns which are a short walk away which again are worth a visit. There are public toilets across from the church, but be warned you campers and motor home owners, the council is watching you if you attempt to empty your waste tanks in the public toilets. Again a lovely place to visit and worth keeping it a secret. See more..
4.5 Oban VisitScotland iCentre (208 reviews)
- Good service
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

What a fabulous and informative team work here. Nothing was too much trouble. They helped me sort out my travel arrangements and made my trip to Oban a real joy. Thank you, Lauranne. I also observed Grazia handle a flustered and irritable customer with aplomb and grace. Well done to you both. See more..
4.5 Castle House Museum (176 reviews)
- An amazing historical resource
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Castle House Museum gives you the opportunity to discover the interesting history of Dunoon and surrounding areas. With views of the Clyde second to none, we host an extensive and fascinating range of exhibits spanning from the early days of the town up to modern times. See more..
4.5 Ardkinglas Woodland Garden (173 reviews)
- Well worth a visit so tranquil and beautiful
Monday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Eight champion trees and magnicient rhododendrons are the undisputed kings of this historic plant collection on the shores of Loch Fyne near Cairndow. Come and see the "mightiest conifer in Europe". Something interesting in all seasons Children will love to explore The Gruffalo Trail - follow the Mouse and find the Gruffalo. We also have a Fairy Trail. See more..
4.5 Crinan Canal (125 reviews)
- Barbara's secret
Bodies of Water

The Crinan Canal was a delight, John Rennie's masterpiece was truly worth the trip. The end of the journey was topped off by a stop at the Crinan Canal Cafe' hosted by the wonderful Debbie. The Apple and Cinnamon slice with "Barbara's specialty Mocca" [ not on the menu, she will make it on request] was superb! See more..