Often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, the Isle of Arran within a short compass captures many aspects of the beauty of Scotland as a whole, from towering granite peaks inviting hill walkers and climbers to peaceful sandy bays overlooked by palm trees growing in the warm climate of The Gulf Stream.
Arran has much to offer with many local activities
- Wonderful wildlife and bird watching
- Hiking, hillwalking, climbing, dog walking
- 7 excellent golf courses
- Fishing & boat trips
- Watersports - kayaking, canoeing. sailing & paddleboarding
- Paragliding, pony trekking,
- Historic castles and standing stones
Great selection of beaches, shoreline & caves
- Excellent restaurants, shops & local produce.
The wildlife is outstanding, with deer, pheasant, and eagle readily seen in the mountains. There are over 100 species of birds and also the chhnce of sighting a sea otter, basking shark, mako shark, porpoise or minke whale as well as colonies of seals near coastal caves.
Trails and pathways lead to mysterious Bronze Age Stone Circles, and many relaxing angling hours can be enjoyed by streams or sea. 7 challenging golf courses tempt the golfer, whilst history and heritage is catered for at Brodick Castle and various museums.
In the summer there is the chance to go onboard the last paddle steamer on The Clyde which makes a weekly visit to Arran and the Holy Isle. For the more adventurous and active there is paragliding, are round the island tours by boat on a high speed rib to quad bike trails, climbing, archery, pony treking and helicopter rides. Arran is also the perfect place for cycling with the family.
To see more exciting options go to the Visit Arran website for additional inspiration.
Please note that places close and change hands and it is always best to check that businesses are still in operation, especially out of season. These are our recommendations, but please check out others and let us know of any hidden gems that we have missed.
The Heritage Museum has exhibits reflecting the social history, archaeology and geology of the island of Arran.
READ MORE...Opened in 2019 with an interactive visitor experience in the castle, including a Victorian arcade, lighting, costumed interpreters & sounds.
READ MORE...On the south side of Arran off Lamlash, a retreat run by the Centre for World Peace & Health where a retreat programme takes place.
READ MORE...The Last Sea-Going Paddle Steamer in the World – magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish.
READ MORE...Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.
READ MORE...Step back in time to an authentic & beautifully preserved Highland farm and township, keeping all the character of how people lived.
READ MORE...An island off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland forming part of Argyll & Bute. Great for day trips with the ferry taking 20 minutes.
READ MORE...In a beautiful location overlooking Arran is Skipness Castle & chapel, the Seafood cabin and Skipness smokehouse, great for all the family.
READ MORE...This has gone from being a tearoom to more of a restaurant. Not Licensed but you can BYOB, sold at the shop next door. Check with owners.
READ MORE...A great little sandwich shop, takeaway only, highly recommended with excellent choices for vegetarians and vegans also!
READ MORE...The bar, with its enviable collection of malt whiskies and choice of real ales, offers a wide choice of snacks, coffee, lunches and suppers.
READ MORE...Run by Italian chef Rino and Scottish wife Valerie looking after the front house. Booking is required. Please note: Evenings only.
READ MORE...Visitor Centre open 7 days a week for tours and tastings. Enjoy locally produced food in CASKS Cafe where you can enjoy panoramic views.
READ MORE...Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.
READ MORE...Situated just off the West coast of Scotland the Isle of Arran is arguably one of the most beautiful and dramatic islands in Europe.
READ MORE...Offers a take-away style dining experience overlooking the sea. Freshly prepared locally sourced fish and shellfish in a tapas style.
READ MORE...This summer-only cafe-bar has great outdoor tables for sunny days and does a nice line in pleasing pub-style fare.
READ MORE...With three dining options at the Auchrannie Hotel, you're spoilt for choice! With locally-sourced ingredients, all food is freshly prepared.
READ MORE...Brodick Bar and Brasserie, on the Isle of Arran - Great food, relaxed atmosphere, in an idyllic setting. A warm family welcome awaits.
READ MORE...A lovely warm, genuine welcome upon arrival. Dogs are allowed in to one side of the cafe which is perfect if the weather is inclement.
READ MORE...Understated decor, a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service combined to ensure a memorable bistro dining experience on Arran.
READ MORE...Excellent freshly made food, highly recommended and very close to Banlicken. Can cater for special parties and functions with prior notice.
READ MORE...Located on the idyllic shorefront of Machrie Bay, a lovely tea room with an outside deck, an amazing golf course & a tennis court.
READ MORE...Good home cooking as well as the basics. New purpose built club house, open to non members for lunches, snacks, coffee’s and home baking.
READ MORE...Eat with us and you'll eat well! Fabulous local produce used in delicious menus. Arran lamb and Kilbrannan Sound seafood, to name a few!
READ MORE...This is a traditional style hotel/pub with garden seating as well. Pretty basic pub food. Evenings only, non residents essential to book.
READ MORE...Run by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts. No nonsense menu features homebaking with vegan and gluten free choices too.
READ MORE...Excellent food using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Open Wed – Sunday 10-3.30. Pop up dinners also available call for details.
READ MORE...General and Specialist Grocer, Off Licence and Post Office! They hold a wide stock of grocery items and offer all post office services.
READ MORE...A bakery with magic inside, wild Arran yeast breads, and a wonderful head chef with very sophisticated bread skills and taste.
READ MORE...Brodick is one of the shops that belong to the The Co-Op Food group, placed at 2 Shore Street, KA27 8AG, in Brodick, Isle Of Arran county.
READ MORE...Robin Gray - Chef and grower. Can deliver or serve food at the house. Farm visits and farm to fork dining
READ MORE...General convenience store with newspapers, off licence and Post Office serving the north west of Arran.
READ MORE...Butcher shops covering the Blackwaterfoot and Lochranza areas, a mobile shop offering Island delivery of naturally reared quality meats.
READ MORE...Island cheese - Fresh Scottish Arran cheddar cheese and world class Arran Blue cheese from the Isle of Arran, Scotland.
READ MORE...Fresh mainly homegrown produce, buy at the farm or order for Friday delivery to the house. Vegetables, meat and poultry items available.
READ MORE...Fine woodwork made by Dave Furze from locally grown timber. The trees are planked, seasoned and made into beautiful items on the premises.
READ MORE...6 miles south, is the nearest long sandy beach where there is also a very good golf course and tearoom in the newly rebuilt club house.
READ MORE...Machrie beach is mainly shingle - but offers a lovely picnic spot at which to sit and watch the boats on Kilbrannan Sound pass by.
READ MORE...A beautiful sandy beach located two miles to the South of Banlicken. A great location for kids and dogs.
READ MORE...There are many walks on Arran from gentler coastal routes to the more challenging mountain hikes. Click below for trail ideas.
READ MORE...There are 7 golf courses on Arran. The nearest ones to the house are at Machrie, Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine) and Lochranza.
READ MORE...Brodick has both of these on the main street. There is also a mini course at Machrie. Putters and balls available for hire.
READ MORE...Arran's own bike club serving both residents and guests. Get in touch for advice about routes, tracks and trails.
READ MORE...Large range of bikes (both manual and electric) for both laid-back road cycling or mountain cycling, depending on what you're after.
READ MORE...The nearest riding stable (recommended) open all year, offering horse riding and pony trekking for novices and experienced riders.
READ MORE...Treks through the hills, glens and beaches have a lower age limit of 5 years old. There are paddock rides available for 3-5 year olds.
READ MORE...Salmon and sea trout, river and loch fishing at Machrie river; Iorsa river and Loch Garbad. For more information click below.
READ MORE...North Ayrshire on the Clyde Estuary is a top sailing destination, with vast waters, breathtaking scenery and first class facilities.
READ MORE...Get a seal’s eye view of the Isle of Arran with a coastal kayak tour, all equipment supplied. No experience necessary
READ MORE...Never tried out Stand Up Paddleboarding? Give it a go right here on Arran with an ASI qualified instructor.
READ MORE...Locations: below the house and in the sea; swimming pools at Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot and The Auchrannie Hotel.
READ MORE...Visit Otter's Tail Adventures for holiday activities on the Island of Arran. These include sea kayaking, gorge-walking and hillwalking.
READ MORE...The Octopus Centre is Scotland’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) visitor centre, and the UK’s first community-led MPA visitor centre.
READ MORE...Adventure Activities including: archery, mountain biking, mountain bike hire, gorge walking, Segway. No prior experience necessary.
READ MORE...Get off the beaten track with their unique forestry tours or take a coastline tour taking in spectacular views and famous landmarks.
READ MORE...Flying Fever paraglIding courses and funday/tandem flights. Paragliding is weather-dependant, pay on the day instead of buying a voucher.
READ MORE...There is a tennis court at Machrie golf course, call into the tea room for more information. Balls & rackets for hire for the tennis.
READ MORE...Choose from a variety of items that have been made by the potter or paint your own. You then leave it for him to fire and pick it up later.
READ MORE...Fresh mainly homegrown produce, buy at the farm or order for Friday delivery to the house. Vegetables, meat and poultry items available.
READ MORE...North Ayrshire on the Clyde Estuary is a top sailing destination, with vast waters, breathtaking scenery and first class facilities.
READ MORE...There are many walks on Arran from gentler coastal routes to the more challenging mountain hikes. Click below for trail ideas.
READ MORE...This summer-only cafe-bar has great outdoor tables for sunny days and does a nice line in pleasing pub-style fare.
READ MORE...Run by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts. No nonsense menu features homebaking with vegan and gluten free choices too.
READ MORE...Run by Italian chef Rino and Scottish wife Valerie looking after the front house. Booking is required. Please note: Evenings only.
READ MORE...Excellent food using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Open Wed – Sunday 10-3.30. Pop up dinners also available call for details.
READ MORE...A great little sandwich shop, takeaway only, highly recommended with excellent choices for vegetarians and vegans also!
READ MORE...This has gone from being a tearoom to more of a restaurant. Not Licensed but you can BYOB, sold at the shop next door. Check with owners.
READ MORE...This is a traditional style hotel/pub with garden seating as well. Pretty basic pub food. Evenings only, non residents essential to book.
READ MORE...Island cheese - Fresh Scottish Arran cheddar cheese and world class Arran Blue cheese from the Isle of Arran, Scotland.
READ MORE...Butcher shops covering the Blackwaterfoot and Lochranza areas, a mobile shop offering Island delivery of naturally reared quality meats.
READ MORE...There is a tennis court at Machrie golf course, call into the tea room for more information. Balls & rackets for hire for the tennis.
READ MORE...Locations: below the house and in the sea; swimming pools at Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot and The Auchrannie Hotel.
READ MORE...Never tried out Stand Up Paddleboarding? Give it a go right here on Arran with an ASI qualified instructor.
READ MORE...Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.
READ MORE...Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.
READ MORE...In a beautiful location overlooking Arran is Skipness Castle & chapel, the Seafood cabin and Skipness smokehouse, great for all the family.
READ MORE...Good home cooking as well as the basics. New purpose built club house, open to non members for lunches, snacks, coffee’s and home baking.
READ MORE...General convenience store with newspapers, off licence and Post Office serving the north west of Arran.
READ MORE...Flying Fever paraglIding courses and funday/tandem flights. Paragliding is weather-dependant, pay on the day instead of buying a voucher.
READ MORE...Choose from a variety of items that have been made by the potter or paint your own. You then leave it for him to fire and pick it up later.
READ MORE...The Last Sea-Going Paddle Steamer in the World – magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish.
READ MORE...Visit Otter's Tail Adventures for holiday activities on the Island of Arran. These include sea kayaking, gorge-walking and hillwalking.
READ MORE...Treks through the hills, glens and beaches have a lower age limit of 5 years old. There are paddock rides available for 3-5 year olds.
READ MORE...Get off the beaten track with their unique forestry tours or take a coastline tour taking in spectacular views and famous landmarks.
READ MORE...Offers a take-away style dining experience overlooking the sea. Freshly prepared locally sourced fish and shellfish in a tapas style.
READ MORE...Located on the idyllic shorefront of Machrie Bay, a lovely tea room with an outside deck, an amazing golf course & a tennis court.
READ MORE...Machrie beach is mainly shingle - but offers a lovely picnic spot at which to sit and watch the boats on Kilbrannan Sound pass by.
READ MORE...The bar, with its enviable collection of malt whiskies and choice of real ales, offers a wide choice of snacks, coffee, lunches and suppers.
READ MORE...A lovely warm, genuine welcome upon arrival. Dogs are allowed in to one side of the cafe which is perfect if the weather is inclement.
READ MORE...Eat with us and you'll eat well! Fabulous local produce used in delicious menus. Arran lamb and Kilbrannan Sound seafood, to name a few!
READ MORE...Fine woodwork made by Dave Furze from locally grown timber. The trees are planked, seasoned and made into beautiful items on the premises.
READ MORE...Get a seal’s eye view of the Isle of Arran with a coastal kayak tour, all equipment supplied. No experience necessary
READ MORE...An island off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland forming part of Argyll & Bute. Great for day trips with the ferry taking 20 minutes.
READ MORE...Robin Gray - Chef and grower. Can deliver or serve food at the house. Farm visits and farm to fork dining
READ MORE...On the south side of Arran off Lamlash, a retreat run by the Centre for World Peace & Health where a retreat programme takes place.
READ MORE...There are 7 golf courses on Arran. The nearest ones to the house are at Machrie, Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine) and Lochranza.
READ MORE...Salmon and sea trout, river and loch fishing at Machrie river; Iorsa river and Loch Garbad. For more information click below.
READ MORE...Understated decor, a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service combined to ensure a memorable bistro dining experience on Arran.
READ MORE...A beautiful sandy beach located two miles to the South of Banlicken. A great location for kids and dogs.
READ MORE...Brodick has both of these on the main street. There is also a mini course at Machrie. Putters and balls available for hire.
READ MORE...Brodick is one of the shops that belong to the The Co-Op Food group, placed at 2 Shore Street, KA27 8AG, in Brodick, Isle Of Arran county.
READ MORE...The nearest riding stable (recommended) open all year, offering horse riding and pony trekking for novices and experienced riders.
READ MORE...Excellent freshly made food, highly recommended and very close to Banlicken. Can cater for special parties and functions with prior notice.
READ MORE...Opened in 2019 with an interactive visitor experience in the castle, including a Victorian arcade, lighting, costumed interpreters & sounds.
READ MORE...Brodick Bar and Brasserie, on the Isle of Arran - Great food, relaxed atmosphere, in an idyllic setting. A warm family welcome awaits.
READ MORE...6 miles south, is the nearest long sandy beach where there is also a very good golf course and tearoom in the newly rebuilt club house.
READ MORE...A bakery with magic inside, wild Arran yeast breads, and a wonderful head chef with very sophisticated bread skills and taste.
READ MORE...With three dining options at the Auchrannie Hotel, you're spoilt for choice! With locally-sourced ingredients, all food is freshly prepared.
READ MORE...Step back in time to an authentic & beautifully preserved Highland farm and township, keeping all the character of how people lived.
READ MORE...The Heritage Museum has exhibits reflecting the social history, archaeology and geology of the island of Arran.
READ MORE...Visitor Centre open 7 days a week for tours and tastings. Enjoy locally produced food in CASKS Cafe where you can enjoy panoramic views.
READ MORE...The Octopus Centre is Scotland’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) visitor centre, and the UK’s first community-led MPA visitor centre.
READ MORE...Situated just off the West coast of Scotland the Isle of Arran is arguably one of the most beautiful and dramatic islands in Europe.
READ MORE...Arran's own bike club serving both residents and guests. Get in touch for advice about routes, tracks and trails.
READ MORE...Large range of bikes (both manual and electric) for both laid-back road cycling or mountain cycling, depending on what you're after.
READ MORE...Adventure Activities including: archery, mountain biking, mountain bike hire, gorge walking, Segway. No prior experience necessary.
READ MORE...General and Specialist Grocer, Off Licence and Post Office! They hold a wide stock of grocery items and offer all post office services.
READ MORE...