Things to do & places to visit in Isle of Arran, United Kingdom

Packed to the gills with antique silver, porcelain and furniture, the red sandstone Brodick Castle is one of the highlights of the Isle of Arran. The castle overlooks Goatfell, a majestic hill that’s a popular day hike. The Machrie Moor stone circles make for a mystical field trip, as does a tour of The Arran Malt whisky distillery.

Isle of Arran #84 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.44 based on 4.896 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 5:39.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Goat Fell (137 reviews)
- 69 yr old Climbs Goat Fell - you can too!
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

We got up Goat Fell. It took us a long time, there and back but it was not as arduous or scary as I'd feared. I would recommend 2 trekking poles, snacks, lunch & water and frequent short stops. We're pleased we managed it. I also had my 63 yr old husband to help me! It was a beautiful day. Fantastic views, See more..
5.0 North Sannox Pony Trekking (58 reviews)
- Lovely pony trek experience
Equestrian Trails

Booked my 8 year old twins for an hour pony trekking and was really happy with their trek. My kids were beginners but they got a really varied trek with a stream crossing and riding along the beach. Karen was really helpful and I would totally recommend here . See more..
5.0 Rosaburn Ducks (12 reviews)
- A quacking day out!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The RosaBurn ducks can be found on the footpath to Duchess Court (Arran Aromatics, Janies Tea Room, Arran Cheese Shop) Follow the road from Brodick past the primary school and just before the Heritage Museum there is a footpath opposite the bus stop. This path leads to the RosaBurn bridge and Duchess court. It's also the only way to get to Duchess court and its shops and cafes without walking on the road as the pavement stops just past the museum. See more..
5.0 Blackwaterfoot Beach (12 reviews)
- A lovely sandy beach!
Beaches

Went to this beach a few days ago with dogs, they had a great time! It’s is a really lovely beach and has great views out to the sea. Some great photo opportunity’s here, and definitely worth a visit. Would recommend to go round the point to the viewpoint as you also get stunning views. There is also a path that goes along the top of the beach, next to the golf course, that goes 3/4 of the way along the beach, so everyone can enjoy the view. Definitely another one of Arrans little hidden gems. See more..
5.0 Lamlash Beach (8 reviews)
- Otter watch
Beaches • Parks • Hiking Trails

This is another lovely beach in Arran with amazing views of the holy island. It's a good place to spot some otters but we weren't lucky enough to see any. Theres plenty of parking and a large swing park and toilets are available. See more..
5.0 Fisherman's Walk (4 reviews)
- Excellent Walk
Hiking Trails

This walk was recommended by the staff in the Tourist Information Office. It took us approx 45/50 mins to walk the along the Fisherman's Walk to the A814 Road. You are effectively walking along the waterline on a raised wooden walkway, pleasant scenery but bear in mind no shelter on a rainy day and not suitable for prams as the walk takes you alongside the golf course on the beach side and along the beach towards the A814 Road. We took the roadway back which was quicker but all in all an excellent walk on a sunny day See more..
5.0 The String (4 reviews)
- Stunning scenery
Scenic Drives

This road actually runs along the fault line which divides the highlands and the lowlands. The scenery is stunning and its very practical too, as it doesn't take long to get to the other side of the island. There is a few little picnic areas and waterfalls along this route too, so worth taking the drive! See more..
5.0 Glen Rosa (3 reviews)
- Majestic views
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Waterfalls

Glen rosa is a stunning place to go for a hike with majestic views of goat fell. The scenery was amazing and the path was well maintained. Theres a few benches along the way and beautiful waterfalls. One of the best walks we have ever done! See more..
5.0 Goat Fell (137 reviews)
- 69 yr old Climbs Goat Fell - you can too!
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

We got up Goat Fell. It took us a long time, there and back but it was not as arduous or scary as I'd feared. I would recommend 2 trekking poles, snacks, lunch & water and frequent short stops. We're pleased we managed it. I also had my 63 yr old husband to help me! It was a beautiful day. Fantastic views, See more..
5.0 North Sannox Pony Trekking (58 reviews)
- Lovely pony trek experience
Equestrian Trails

Booked my 8 year old twins for an hour pony trekking and was really happy with their trek. My kids were beginners but they got a really varied trek with a stream crossing and riding along the beach. Karen was really helpful and I would totally recommend here . See more..
4.5 Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park (1.002 reviews)
- A wonderful day out
Castles • Parks • Gardens

The quintessential Victorian ‘Highland’ estate, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park on the Isle of Arran is the perfect place for a family day out.Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell mountain, the grand red sandstone Scottish baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde. The grounds and surrounds are worthy of a visit alone – from the W A Nesfield-influenced landscaped gardens to the woodland trails, wildlife ponds and waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore outdoors in Britain’s only island country park. Brodick Castle is packed full of treasures too – it’s renowned for its impressive collections of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies. See more..
4.5 Lochranza Distillery (998 reviews)
- Core Range Whisky Tasting. A+ event well worth booking! Great shop too.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

The Lochranza Distillery & Visitor Centre, owned by the award winning Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, is situated in the beautiful village of Lochranza at the north end of the Isle of Arran. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week and CASKS cafe is open 5 days a week. Distillery tours and whisky tastings are available. Please check our website for further details - www.arranwhisky.com See more..
4.5 Machrie Moor Stone Circles (413 reviews)
- Stunning setting, but might be further than you thought
Ancient Ruins

Car park is a sharp, almost no warning turn off the main road. You'll see directions to the stones by the steel walk through gate, but no indication of distance or type of terrain. It's a flat easy walk, along a well trodden grassy path. Might be a little muddy after rain, so sensible shoes/boots suggested. Total distance there and back was 7000 steps on my fitbit. About 3.5 miles in total roundtrip. That did include a bit of wandering around the stones. First group of stones is part of a burial mound, at which there is a 1km sign (should be 1 mile) and from there the path rises gently, then winds to a crest where the main circles are suddenly revealed. The walk is definitely worth it, as the setting of the larger stones is beautiful against the backdrop of valley and hills. See more..
4.5 Isle of Arran Heritage Museum (357 reviews)
- A delightful museum.
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM History Museums

This museum allows visitors to walk through original buildings from the island's distinctly issolated history and view everyday objects from 19th-century life. See more..
4.5 King's Caves (267 reviews)
- Best walk on Arran?
Caverns & Caves

For a mostly easy terrain ramble this is hard to beat. Gentle walk up through the woods, to the left/ clockwise is best, you emerge onto top of the slope overlooking the sea. Walk down to the pebble beach to get to the caves. The last part down is narrow and can be muddy, boots are definitely best. The main cave is well signposted. To complete the circuit leave Bruce's cave going to the right, so water is on your left. Small cave with 50+ cairns from tourists is about 100m along. At the very end of the beach, the path is up on the right. A little steep to start, then through a steel gate and return to a more even surface. The walk back has lovely views of the bay and hills and a couple of benches at strategic view points. Overall walk was closer to 4 miles with the caves meandering. See more..
4.5 Auchrannie Leisure Centre (232 reviews)
- Really enjoyable, very comfortable
Sports Complexes

A 20 metre pool for the enjoyment of all the family. Plus a sanarium & steam room are available to help you chill out and relax.Want something a bit more active, check out the games hall for tennis, football, badminton, bowls or just a kick around. See more..
4.5 Glenashdale Falls (187 reviews)
- Beautiful views but a scary walk
Waterfalls

The view from the falls at the viewing point is stunning. The walk is quite steep and a bit scary if you come back the same way. I might try the graves walk on the way back another time See more..
4.5 Brodick VisitScotland iCentre (114 reviews)
- Excellent Service
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Visitor Centers

Brodick Information Centre is ideally situated directly opposite the ferry terminal. Pop in and let us help you plan your time on Arran. We sell local Taste of Arran produce including preserves, chutneys, mustards and oatcakes. Harris Tweed & Heather Gems Jewellery products are amongst our best sellers, together with local walking books and our range of Ordnance Survey maps. We can book accommodation for you on Arran, Kintyre and the Hebrides or any part of Scotland on request. During the summer sailings we can also book trips on the Waverley Paddle Steamer. See more..
4.5 Lagg Distillery (93 reviews)
- A great whisky tasting experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Lagg Distillery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm. We are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tours & Tastings are available from Tuesday to Saturday. Tour times are 11am, 12pm, 3pm and 4pm with spaces for up to 20 people per tour. Tastings are available in the afternoon at 2pm & 3pm with spaces for up to 15 people per tasting. Tours are £12 per adult. Unfortunately no children under the age of 8 are permitted to join a tour. Tastings are £15.00 per adult. Over 18s only. The Kilmory Café and the Shieling Bistro are open for takeaway and sit-in dining and we politely request guests pre-book a table. In both Kilmory Cafe and the Shieling Bistro coffee and cakes are served from 10am – 4.30pm and hot food is served from 11.30am – 4.15pm. See more..
4.5 The Holy Isle (76 reviews)
- Thunder and rain!
Islands

Arranged this trip for the UK heatwave week. And what an afternoon it turned out to be! The boatman was brilliant. Such an interesting guy. We were 2 of the 8 allowed over at any one time and we set off and did the walk of the whole island in the “allotted” 4 hours. We reached the trig pillar at “the top” JUST as a thunderstorm hit. Exciting it was. Bit of a rough scramble down but did the lighthouse visit and tour of the gardens before setting off back with the “others” in the little ferry boat. Absolutely brilliant trip. Can highly recommend but be aware of the steep climb to “the top.” See more..
4.5 Arran Art Gallery (68 reviews)
- Super artwork.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Arran Art Gallery was established in 2005 by the owner and professional artist, Nick Giles. The gallery represents the work of 60 established and emerging artists from Arran and the UK mainland. There is a wide range of styles to suit different tastes. The gallery has a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Arran is easily accessible from the Scottish mainland in comparison with other Scottish islands; 50 minutes by train from Glasgow with a 55-minute ferry crossing. The island has a stunning and unspoilt natural environment. See more..
4.5 Kildonan beach (35 reviews)
- Great seal spotting
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

The beach is rugged and stony, but we saw lots of seals very close by. They were just playing and basking. Super cute! See more..
4.5 Coast Discovery Centre (21 reviews)
- Really good place to visit.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

Come and learn about Arran's sea life and marine conservation in the Clyde! The COAST Discovery Centre is the UK’s first community-led Marine Protected Area Visitor Centre. We are open year-round and have an informative and interactive exhibit, including a catch-and-release marine tank to learn about Arran's marine creatures. We also organise a variety of marine-themed activities and events, and are the base for Arran's only Snorkel Taster Sessions. The Discovery Centre was established by the small volunteer-led charity, the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), and opened it's doors to the public in Autumn 2018. We are now closed to the public for the remainder of 2021 and will remain closed throughout January 2022 as we give the centre some much needed TLC. See more..
4.5 Eas-Mor (17 reviews)
- Absolutely Beautiful
Waterfalls

We have visited Arran 4 times now and we have come to Eas Mor every time. Previously we have only been able to walk up to the falls and to the library - which is lovely, you can draw pictures with the pens and paper provided and hang them up in there - you then have to try and find the ones you did years ago!! This year the footpath up to Loch Garbad was open and offered incredible views out over Pladda and Ailsa Craig. Once you get to the Loch you will be in awe. It is absolutely incredible - we had a picnic up there and it was completely silent apart from the occasional fish which jumped out of the water. Stunning place to visit. See more..
4.5 Cladach Pottery (11 reviews)
- Beautiful pottery inspired by nature
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Cladach Pottery is a sizeable studio selling mostly ceramics and a few gifts and crafts. It is in an old converted power station, which itself has been renovated and continues to service parts of the island. The studio is full of beautiful pottery inspired by land and sea, in muted tones. My favourite pieces included the hanging fish and the rhododendron dishes and hangings. Located near the sawmill and Arran Brewery visitor centre. See more..
4.5 Giants' Graves (5 reviews)
- MUST VISIT - Arran’s Machu Picchu
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Cemeteries

I visited Arran for a short trip in August and had the pleasure to go for a walk in the Glenashdale Falls area. By far and away, the highlight of this walk was visiting the Giants Graves - a short detour off the main waterfall walk. I was reminded of my time in Peru, visiting the great Incan structures of Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo. The Giants’ Graves gave a spiritual look into the past of this fine island. I was blown away by the site, the view and in particular felt wonderment at how such a structure could have been crafted so long ago. If you are in Arran then I implore you to visit this site. You will not be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Brodick Bay (5 reviews)
- Happiness comes in waves
Beaches

One of the many beaches on Arran, this is a lovely little beach at the far end of brodick. There is a swing park, mini golf and toilets. The scenery is great and you can watch the ferry coming in and out. See more..
4.5 Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park (1.002 reviews)
- A wonderful day out
Castles • Parks • Gardens

The quintessential Victorian ‘Highland’ estate, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park on the Isle of Arran is the perfect place for a family day out.Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell mountain, the grand red sandstone Scottish baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde. The grounds and surrounds are worthy of a visit alone – from the W A Nesfield-influenced landscaped gardens to the woodland trails, wildlife ponds and waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore outdoors in Britain’s only island country park. Brodick Castle is packed full of treasures too – it’s renowned for its impressive collections of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies. See more..
4.5 Lochranza Distillery (998 reviews)
- Core Range Whisky Tasting. A+ event well worth booking! Great shop too.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

The Lochranza Distillery & Visitor Centre, owned by the award winning Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, is situated in the beautiful village of Lochranza at the north end of the Isle of Arran. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week and CASKS cafe is open 5 days a week. Distillery tours and whisky tastings are available. Please check our website for further details - www.arranwhisky.com See more..
4.5 Machrie Moor Stone Circles (413 reviews)
- Stunning setting, but might be further than you thought
Ancient Ruins

Car park is a sharp, almost no warning turn off the main road. You'll see directions to the stones by the steel walk through gate, but no indication of distance or type of terrain. It's a flat easy walk, along a well trodden grassy path. Might be a little muddy after rain, so sensible shoes/boots suggested. Total distance there and back was 7000 steps on my fitbit. About 3.5 miles in total roundtrip. That did include a bit of wandering around the stones. First group of stones is part of a burial mound, at which there is a 1km sign (should be 1 mile) and from there the path rises gently, then winds to a crest where the main circles are suddenly revealed. The walk is definitely worth it, as the setting of the larger stones is beautiful against the backdrop of valley and hills. See more..