Top Things to do in Isle of Arran
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Isle of Arran, Scotland
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.
Restaurants in Isle of Arran
1. Kayak Arran
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Explore beyond the shore - kayak tours of the magical Isle of Arran coastline, with qualified local guides. No experience necessary. Equipment provided.
2. Cairnhouse Riding Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By 425natashah
We had a lovely trek today with Dawn in gorgeous Blackwaterfoot. Dawn is great and makes you feel so much at ease with her wonderful ponies. My 7 year old daughters happy face was priceless, huge smile throughout the trek. We will be back in Easter for some more fabby riding. Thanks Dawn & Team
3. Mogabout Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
Get off the beaten track in style and access remote areas in comfort! Mogabout and discover an awesome, unique wilderness experience on the Isle of Arran. Explore the unknown and discover the phenomenal environment Arran has to offer all year round, weather no problem. Through a break in the trees, by turning a bend you will discover a magical mix of Arran's mountains, beaches, lochs, castles, forests and glens. Our goal is providing safe, stress free access into pure, pristine mountainous and woodland areas of Arran while respecting, understanding and protecting the fragile nature of these exclusive unspoilt and iconic areas all year round. Ride on our unique 4 x 4 Mercedes Unimog 16 Seater vehicle, enhanced with large windows and comfortable seating. The Mercedes Unimog is the ultimate "go anywhere" four-wheel-drive vehicle and an emblem of the adventurous spirit of our company. Climb aboard this phenomenal Mercedes Unimog and discover everything that makes the Isle of Arran a truly exceptional destination.
4. Goat Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By TheTravellingBearUK - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
We climbed up from the car park at the bottom of Goat Fell, took our time and had a brilliant day. We took it steady, had breaks and a good lunch at the top. It was a beautiful day that really made the experience shine.
5. Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 937 reviews
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.
Reviewed By rpeters6428
The castle was lovely, it had a lot of historical information, but also some fun for kids. The grounds were beautiful, and there was a lot to explore! This included a "fairy trail" where they've set up small houses for magical creatures to live in, and also a red squirrel viewing hut, where you can try to spot red squirrels. Great day out, worth the money, beautiful views.
6. Arran Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 950 reviews
The Lochranza Distillery & Visitor Centre, owned by the award winning Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, is situated in the beautiful village of Lochranza at then north end of the Isle of Arran. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week. Due to COVID-19, tours are not currently available, however tastings are taking place at 12pm and 2.30pm Monday to Friday.
Reviewed By SonjaM424
Had a family visit as I have recently started work as a tour guide in a distillery and wanted to learn some tips! Billy was great, very informative, inclusive and funny. Loved the touches of a driver's dram, a Spey dram glass and the opportunity to try the single malt and the cream liqueur. Highly recommended. Restaurant is great too. My daughter felt too ill to attend the tour so opted to stay in the restaurant with her drink and was made to feel very welcome.
7. Isle of Arran Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
This museum allows visitors to walk through original buildings from the island's distinctly issolated history and view everyday objects from 19th-century life.
Reviewed By Huurman1968 - Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
On a rainy day this will be one of your favorite activities to do. Here you will be indulged with the history of Arran, geology wise, the first people who lived here, the 1700's, the 1800's, the clearances, it's all here and very informative aswell. Certainly a good thing to do for a family with children as there is a playground too.
8. Machrie Moor Stone Circles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By E2531IDcb
Well worth a short stop if you are travelling round the Island. Park on the road by the sea. A beautiful spot looking out to the Kintyre peninsula. It’s a short uphill walk along a farm track to the stones bit is signposted. A fabulous view from the stones and very atmospheric
9. King's Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By jestersluck - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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.
10. Kildonan Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By bonnecavesman - Canmore, Canada
This facility features geological, archeological, ecological, cultural, genealogical artifacts & resources. From the welcoming & well-informed reception staff to the affiliated cafe providers our experience was a delightful orientation to things Hebridean. Self-Guided interpretative exhibits are detailed, visually rewarding & in some cases available to tactile enjoyment. Admission prices are extremely reasonable given the quality of the available experiences/details. The cafe is bright, cheery & comfortable. Highly recommended. Be sure to enjoy the S.S.Politician, Angus MacPhee, tweed weaving & marriage stone exhibits. "Kildonan Kate" awaits your visit.
