See & Do

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.

Have a search to see what you can do nearby

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.

On Arran
Arran Heritage Museum

The Heritage Museum has exhibits reflecting the social history, archaeology and geology of the island of Arran.

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Brodick Castle

Opened in 2019 with an interactive visitor experience in the castle, including a Victorian arcade, lighting, costumed interpreters & sounds.

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Holy Isle

On the south side of Arran off Lamlash, a retreat run by the Centre for World Peace & Health where a retreat programme takes place.

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Summer Season Only
Paddle Steamer Waverley

The Last Sea-Going Paddle Steamer in the World – magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish.

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Skipness Fish Cabin

Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.

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Off Arran
Auchindrain

Step back in time to an authentic & beautifully preserved Highland farm and township, keeping all the character of how people lived.

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Isle of Gigha

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.

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Skipness

In a beautiful location overlooking Arran is Skipness Castle & chapel, the Seafood cabin and Skipness smokehouse, great for all the family.

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North of Banlicken
The Lighthouse - Pirnmill

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.

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The Sandwich Station - Lochranza

A great little sandwich shop, takeaway only, highly recommended with excellent choices for vegetarians and vegans also!

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Lochranza Hotel

The bar, with its enviable collection of malt whiskies and choice of real ales, offers a wide choice of snacks, coffee, lunches and suppers.

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The Stags Pavillion - Lochranza

Run by Italian chef Rino and Scottish wife Valerie looking after the front house. Booking is required. Please note: Evenings only.

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Arran Distillery - Lochranza

Visitor Centre open 7 days a week for tours and tastings. Enjoy locally produced food in CASKS Cafe where you can enjoy panoramic views.

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Skipness Fish Cabin

Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.

READ MORE...
East Coast & Brodick
Arran Brewery

Situated just off the West coast of Scotland the Isle of Arran is arguably one of the most beautiful and dramatic islands in Europe.

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Mara Fish Bar & Deli

Offers a take-away style dining experience overlooking the sea. Freshly prepared locally sourced fish and shellfish in a tapas style.

READ MORE...
The Wineport

This summer-only cafe-bar has great outdoor tables for sunny days and does a nice line in pleasing pub-style fare.

READ MORE...
Auchrannie Hotel

With three dining options at the Auchrannie Hotel, you're spoilt for choice! With locally-sourced ingredients, all food is freshly prepared.

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Brodick Bar

Brodick Bar and Brasserie, on the Isle of Arran - Great food, relaxed atmosphere, in an idyllic setting. A warm family welcome awaits.

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Little Rock Cafe

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.

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Douglas Hotel

Understated decor, a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service combined to ensure a memorable bistro dining experience on Arran.

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South of Banlicken
Cafe Thyme - Old Byre Showroom, Machrie

Excellent freshly made food, highly recommended and very close to Banlicken. Can cater for special parties and functions with prior notice.

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Machrie Tearoom - Machrie

Located on the idyllic shorefront of Machrie Bay, a lovely tea room with an outside deck, an amazing golf course & a tennis court.

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Shiskine Golf Course Club House

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.

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Kinloch Hotel - Blackwaterfoot

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!

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The Lagg Hotel - Lagg. SW of the island

This is a traditional style hotel/pub with garden seating as well. Pretty basic pub food. Evenings only, non residents essential to book.

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The Velo Cafe - Lagg

Run by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts. No nonsense menu features homebaking with vegan and gluten free choices too.

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The Shore - Whiting Bay

Excellent food using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Open Wed – Sunday 10-3.30. Pop up dinners also available call for details.

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Food Shopping
A&C Cameron Post Office & Grocer

General and Specialist Grocer, Off Licence and Post Office! They hold a wide stock of grocery items and offer all post office services.

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Blackwaterfoot Bakehouse

A bakery with magic inside, wild Arran yeast breads, and a wonderful head chef with very sophisticated bread skills and taste.

READ MORE...
Co-op Brodick

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.

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Island Gourmet

Robin Gray - Chef and grower. Can deliver or serve food at the house. Farm visits and farm to fork dining

READ MORE...
Pirnmill Village Store & Post Office

General convenience store with newspapers, off licence and Post Office serving the north west of Arran.

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The Arran Butcher

Butcher shops covering the Blackwaterfoot and Lochranza areas, a mobile shop offering Island delivery of naturally reared quality meats.

READ MORE...
The Island Cheese Shop

Island cheese - Fresh Scottish Arran cheddar cheese and world class Arran Blue cheese from the Isle of Arran, Scotland.

READ MORE...
Woodside Farm

Fresh mainly homegrown produce, buy at the farm or order for Friday delivery to the house. Vegetables, meat and poultry items available.

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Shopping
Kilmory Workshop

Fine woodwork made by Dave Furze from locally grown timber. The trees are planked, seasoned and made into beautiful items on the premises.

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Blackwaterfoot Beach

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.

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Machrie Beach

Machrie beach is mainly shingle - but offers a lovely picnic spot at which to sit and watch the boats on Kilbrannan Sound pass by.

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Dougarie Beach

A beautiful sandy beach located two miles to the South of Banlicken. A great location for kids and dogs.

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Walking

There are many walks on Arran from gentler coastal routes to the more challenging mountain hikes. Click below for trail ideas.

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Golf Courses

There are 7 golf courses on Arran. The nearest ones to the house are at Machrie, Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine) and Lochranza.

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Crazy Golf and Clock Golf

Brodick has both of these on the main street. There is also a mini course at Machrie. Putters and balls available for hire.

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Arran Bike Hire

Arran's own bike club serving both residents and guests. Get in touch for advice about routes, tracks and trails.

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Arran Bike Club

Large range of bikes (both manual and electric) for both laid-back road cycling or mountain cycling, depending on what you're after.

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Cairnhouse Stables

The nearest riding stable (recommended) open all year, offering horse riding and pony trekking for novices and experienced riders.

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North Sanox Pony Trekking

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...
Fishing

Salmon and sea trout, river and loch fishing at Machrie river; Iorsa river and Loch Garbad. For more information click below.

READ MORE...
Watersports

North Ayrshire on the Clyde Estuary is a top sailing destination, with vast waters, breathtaking scenery and first class facilities.

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Kayaking

Get a seal’s eye view of the Isle of Arran with a coastal kayak tour, all equipment supplied. No experience necessary

READ MORE...
Sup Arran

Never tried out Stand Up Paddleboarding? Give it a go right here on Arran with an ASI qualified instructor.

READ MORE...
Swimming

Locations: below the house and in the sea; swimming pools at Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot and The Auchrannie Hotel.

READ MORE...
Otters Tail

Visit Otter's Tail Adventures for holiday activities on the Island of Arran. These include sea kayaking, gorge-walking and hillwalking.

READ MORE...
Arran Coast

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...
Arran Adventure

Adventure Activities including: archery, mountain biking, mountain bike hire, gorge walking, Segway. No prior experience necessary.

READ MORE...
Mogabout

Get off the beaten track with their unique forestry tours or take a coastline tour taking in spectacular views and famous landmarks.

READ MORE...
Paragliding

Flying Fever paraglIding courses and funday/tandem flights. Paragliding is weather-dependant, pay on the day instead of buying a voucher.

READ MORE...
Tennis

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...
Painting Pottery

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...
Woodside Farm

Fresh mainly homegrown produce, buy at the farm or order for Friday delivery to the house. Vegetables, meat and poultry items available.

READ MORE...
Watersports

North Ayrshire on the Clyde Estuary is a top sailing destination, with vast waters, breathtaking scenery and first class facilities.

READ MORE...
Walking

There are many walks on Arran from gentler coastal routes to the more challenging mountain hikes. Click below for trail ideas.

READ MORE...
The Wineport

This summer-only cafe-bar has great outdoor tables for sunny days and does a nice line in pleasing pub-style fare.

READ MORE...
The Velo Cafe - Lagg

Run by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts. No nonsense menu features homebaking with vegan and gluten free choices too.

READ MORE...
The Stags Pavillion - Lochranza

Run by Italian chef Rino and Scottish wife Valerie looking after the front house. Booking is required. Please note: Evenings only.

READ MORE...
The Shore - Whiting Bay

Excellent food using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Open Wed – Sunday 10-3.30. Pop up dinners also available call for details.

READ MORE...
The Sandwich Station - Lochranza

A great little sandwich shop, takeaway only, highly recommended with excellent choices for vegetarians and vegans also!

READ MORE...
The Lighthouse - Pirnmill

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...
The Lagg Hotel - Lagg. SW of the island

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...
The Island Cheese Shop

Island cheese - Fresh Scottish Arran cheddar cheese and world class Arran Blue cheese from the Isle of Arran, Scotland.

READ MORE...
The Arran Butcher

Butcher shops covering the Blackwaterfoot and Lochranza areas, a mobile shop offering Island delivery of naturally reared quality meats.

READ MORE...
Tennis

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...
Swimming

Locations: below the house and in the sea; swimming pools at Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot and The Auchrannie Hotel.

READ MORE...
Sup Arran

Never tried out Stand Up Paddleboarding? Give it a go right here on Arran with an ASI qualified instructor.

READ MORE...
Skipness Fish Cabin

Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.

READ MORE...
Skipness Fish Cabin

Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.

READ MORE...
Skipness

In a beautiful location overlooking Arran is Skipness Castle & chapel, the Seafood cabin and Skipness smokehouse, great for all the family.

READ MORE...
Shiskine Golf Course Club House

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...
Pirnmill Village Store & Post Office

General convenience store with newspapers, off licence and Post Office serving the north west of Arran.

READ MORE...
Paragliding

Flying Fever paraglIding courses and funday/tandem flights. Paragliding is weather-dependant, pay on the day instead of buying a voucher.

READ MORE...
Painting Pottery

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...
Paddle Steamer Waverley

The Last Sea-Going Paddle Steamer in the World – magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish.

READ MORE...
Otters Tail

Visit Otter's Tail Adventures for holiday activities on the Island of Arran. These include sea kayaking, gorge-walking and hillwalking.

READ MORE...
North Sanox Pony Trekking

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...
Mogabout

Get off the beaten track with their unique forestry tours or take a coastline tour taking in spectacular views and famous landmarks.

READ MORE...
Mara Fish Bar & Deli

Offers a take-away style dining experience overlooking the sea. Freshly prepared locally sourced fish and shellfish in a tapas style.

READ MORE...
Machrie Tearoom - Machrie

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

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...
Lochranza Hotel

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...
Little Rock Cafe

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...
Kinloch Hotel - Blackwaterfoot

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...
Kilmory Workshop

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...
Kayaking

Get a seal’s eye view of the Isle of Arran with a coastal kayak tour, all equipment supplied. No experience necessary

READ MORE...
Isle of Gigha

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...
Island Gourmet

Robin Gray - Chef and grower. Can deliver or serve food at the house. Farm visits and farm to fork dining

READ MORE...
Holy Isle

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...
Golf Courses

There are 7 golf courses on Arran. The nearest ones to the house are at Machrie, Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine) and Lochranza.

READ MORE...
Fishing

Salmon and sea trout, river and loch fishing at Machrie river; Iorsa river and Loch Garbad. For more information click below.

READ MORE...
Douglas Hotel

Understated decor, a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service combined to ensure a memorable bistro dining experience on Arran.

READ MORE...
Dougarie Beach

A beautiful sandy beach located two miles to the South of Banlicken. A great location for kids and dogs.

READ MORE...
Crazy Golf and Clock Golf

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...
Co-op Brodick

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...
Cairnhouse Stables

The nearest riding stable (recommended) open all year, offering horse riding and pony trekking for novices and experienced riders.

READ MORE...
Cafe Thyme - Old Byre Showroom, Machrie

Excellent freshly made food, highly recommended and very close to Banlicken. Can cater for special parties and functions with prior notice.

READ MORE...
Brodick Castle

Opened in 2019 with an interactive visitor experience in the castle, including a Victorian arcade, lighting, costumed interpreters & sounds.

READ MORE...
Brodick Bar

Brodick Bar and Brasserie, on the Isle of Arran - Great food, relaxed atmosphere, in an idyllic setting. A warm family welcome awaits.

READ MORE...
Blackwaterfoot Beach

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...
Blackwaterfoot Bakehouse

A bakery with magic inside, wild Arran yeast breads, and a wonderful head chef with very sophisticated bread skills and taste.

READ MORE...
Auchrannie Hotel

With three dining options at the Auchrannie Hotel, you're spoilt for choice! With locally-sourced ingredients, all food is freshly prepared.

READ MORE...
Auchindrain

Step back in time to an authentic & beautifully preserved Highland farm and township, keeping all the character of how people lived.

READ MORE...
Arran Heritage Museum

The Heritage Museum has exhibits reflecting the social history, archaeology and geology of the island of Arran.

READ MORE...
Arran Distillery - Lochranza

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...
Arran Coast

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...
Arran Brewery

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 Bike Hire

Arran's own bike club serving both residents and guests. Get in touch for advice about routes, tracks and trails.

READ MORE...
Arran Bike Club

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...
Arran Adventure

Adventure Activities including: archery, mountain biking, mountain bike hire, gorge walking, Segway. No prior experience necessary.

READ MORE...
A&C Cameron Post Office & Grocer

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...