Things to do in Argyll and Bute, Scotland: The Best Historic Sites

Dark Ages fort where the early kings of Scotland were crowned.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Founded in 1753 by Cumbrian iron masters attracted by the industrial potential of Argyll’s woodlands, Bonawe Iron Furnace is situated in a spectacular setting at the head of Loch Etive which extends up towards the dramatic Glen Coe. At its height the furnace produced up to 700 tons of pig iron from Cumbrian ore annually which was cast into everything from cannonballs during the Napoleonic War to iron pigs for export and even the first monument erected to Admiral Nelson after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The exhibition charts the history of the iron furnace, and the chemistry of iron making. Cannonballs and iron pigs cast at the furnace are displayed, together with the Nelson plaque.

Fully OPEN pre-booking not required. The health and well-being of our visitors and team is our highest priority and special arrangements will be in place for the foreseeable future. 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.

A visit to Auchindrain is a chance to see a forgotten way of Highland life. Auchindrain is the last surviving Highland farm township, a type of settlement found across Scotland from the Middle Ages until the late 18th century. Social and economic change arising from industrialisation and new ways of farming then saw most townships improved out of existence, but Auchindrain survived until the 1960s as the last of its kind. The site is now run as a museum and visitors can explore the land and buildings with the assistance of our interactive guide-tablets. Auchindrain, which is run by an independent charity, is a conservation work in progress. It is a Category A listed site that remains proudly authentic and true to history. Gritty realism and the ever-changing Highland weather are not for everyone, so please visit us properly prepared, ready to learn about and understand the hard every day life of our ancestors.

A well stocked garden with many architectural features, including a sunken Victorian Fernery (1875) and large stable's ruin all located in the grounds of a baronial style house from 1844. A plant hunter trail, many water features and Britain's oldest exotic fern (more than 1000 years) add interest to this distinctly old fashioned and rather magical experience. Open from 10am to 5pm 1st April to 30th October.

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.