Top Things to do in Isle of Arran
What to do and see in Isle of Arran, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
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. Isle of Arran Distillers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 701 reviews
Reviewed By gilly581 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Drove here from Brodick via beach at Blackwaterfoot so starving by time arrived. It was so cold and snowing but coffee shop was lovely and cosy. They have a strange ordering system for a small cafe via a lovely waitress complete with iPad. However food is excellent and comes out the kitchen in no time at all. Had the salmon platter for 2 which was amazing. The toasties were also very good and came with salad. Unfortunately we missed the distillery tour but will do that another day.
2. Auchrannie Leisure Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Cecilia M
We came to Auchrannie Leisure centre to escape from the rain. It is free and easy to park (within dashing distance in the rain). Entrance to the pool was inexpensive and the facilities were very nice. There were private changing cubicles as well as single sex communal change. It was clean and well maintained with free to use hairdryers and a machine to spin your costume dry. The pool itself is not large but had an roped off lane as well as space for casual swimming. Included in the admission price was use of a sauna and steam room - both very nice. There was a children's pool which we didn't use. All in all a great way to escape the rain and i'm sure it would be great on a sunny day too.
3. Isle of Arran Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 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 Rob S - Cardiff, United Kingdom
We arrived on a wet saturday and felt captivated by this wonderful little museum. I can't remember how long we were there but it didn't matter as everything was fascinating, well presented and totally absorbing. This is a MUST for anyone visiting Arran - you will not be disappointed. Also, make sure that you go to the Cafe Rosaburn in the museum where friendly staff produced very good food quickly and at very reasonable prices.
4. Machrie Moor Stone Circles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By fiona07 - Scotland, United Kingdom
If you're interested in stone circles, or if you are into photography, you will love this place. We were there on an unsettled day weather-wise and it made for beautiful photographs. After an easy 10 minute walk along a well-defined track through flat farmland, we reached the first circle and the rest follow on about 5 minutes further. The circles are well explained with information boards. Some of the remaining stones are massive and the beautiful colours of the hills beyond and the landscape surrounding the stones, including the crumbling ruins of a farm and various trees that were in varying shades of autumn when we visited, make for really stunning pictures. The place has a lonely atmosphere being out in the middle of the moorland. Quite busy with tourists, though, so it's worth waiting a short while to have some quiet time there. I first visited many years ago, when there was no car park and not even a sign to the stones. It has become much more accessible and obvious now, with plenty of visitors, but is still worth a visit as there are few sites in Scotland with so many stone circles in one location.
5. Glenashdale Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By skippy4469 - Cupar, United Kingdom
Looks like its getting a new cafe at the start of the walk. Nice walk up to the falls and paths were OK. Rained when we got to the top, but it being Scotland in October. It was sort of expected :-) worth the walk !!
6. King's Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Faymar_12 - Fort William, United Kingdom
Walked to the King's Caves,quite a walk,but really worth it,a bit up and down,if you are not too fit.
Lots of Viking and Pictish drawings,really interesting.
(Some of the drawings have been damaged),but a lot remain).A lot of people have made small cairns around the rocks,some are really well done.
A lovely place for a picnic too.Well worth the walk.
7. Goat Fell
Overall Ratings
5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Charlie N - Jena, Germany
I took the train from Glasgow and the ferry from Ardrossan. I climbed thisbmountain in about 4 hours there and back though you should allow more time for a more leisurely walk. The walk offers stunning views from beach, forest, glen until mountainside. Just beautiful. Beware the midges though on sunny days :-)
8. Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 705 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 jim b - Andover, Minnesota
Gardens and paths are quite nice. Portions of the grounds are accessible to a mobility scooter or similar devices. The lunch room at the entry building was enjoyable.
9. Lochranza Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By Bronxglenn - Scotland
Don't drive past if you visit Lochranza. FREE ( no doubt your favourite 4 letter word beginning with F ) the castle is well worth a look.
No guide or custodian but plenty of signs to tell what everythig is or used to be.
Plenty of deer, otters and seals frequent the place too.
10. Brodick Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
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.
Reviewed By regora186336 - Lincoln, United Kingdom
Well stocked with information and also helpful assistants. The centre is sited in the harbour complex and if you have a car adjacent parking can be problematical.Hi Regora, Thank you fore taking the time to give us feedback, I hope you enjoyed your visit to Arran. Kind Regards, Ewen
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