What To Do On Arran

What To Do On Arran

Having now booked your week’s self-catering vacation on the Island of Arran, the question is how to choose from the many options available? This will be in part influenced by weather, partly by interest and appetite for new adventures and experiences but irrespective there is a lot to choose from!

Starting with the outdoors we have written a sperate blog dedicated to the wide range of walking opportunities.  And if you find yourself wishing you had brought a bike then contact the bike hire company on the main drag in Brodick or make contact via: https://www.arranbikehire.com

Turning to other possibilities and remembering that you are surrounded by water:

Outdoor Activities

Kayaking

Take to the water under your own steam with Kayak Arran and get a different perspective on our beautiful island and its abundant wildlife. Offering half and full day sea kayak tours in small groups, led by experienced local guides, with all equipment provided they will tailor your experience to your requirements. Kayak Arran has a fleet of boats for a wide variety of paddlers.  They have 3 'touring' kayaks that are particularly stable, suitable for large and/or inexperienced paddlers as well as a wide and stable double kayak where the person in the front of the double need not paddle at all, Kayak Arran can do all the work from the back of the boat.

Lamlash Cruises

The Holy Isle, just off the coast in Lamlash, has an ancient spiritual heritage stretching back to the 6th century. Lamlash Cruises offers a range of boat trips and day visitor crossings to the Holy Isle and other local locations during the summer season operating daily from the Old Pier in Lamlash. Contact Grant for more information. 

If you would like to learn more about Arran’s Marine Protected Area and meet some of its extraordinary sea life the Discovery Centre is the place to go. Suitable for all ages, with live animals, information panels, films and hands-on activities. COAST (Community of Arran Seabed Trust) volunteers will share with you the latest news and campaigns to protect Scottish sea life.

For some land based Adventuring then get in touch with Otter’s Tail and to quote their website, have ‘ an unforgettable experience on the beautiful island of Arran.  They will take you to places you might otherwise never have seen and bring you back smiling.’ Try some gorge walking or a scrambly walk with a trained guide

There are few places with such an abundance of assessable  geology and for this Arran has been named as a UNESCO Global Geopark, which focuses on promoting ‘geotourism’, environmental awareness and community engagement. Arran Geopark offers a range of activities, including guided geological tours, educational workshops, and conservation initiatives; all aimed at increasing understanding of the international importance for locals and visitors, while protecting the island's natural resources.

Another way to explore inland in a more leisurely way is by Mogabout: a unique way of reaching some of the more remote parts of Arran using a luxurious 4 x 4 Mercedes Unimog 16-seater vehicle exploring Arran’s forest tracks and rugged coastline with a knowledgeable guide sharing some of the island’s history, culture, geography and ecology.

Notwithstanding the varied opportunities for outdoor recreation there are many indoor options. A visit to Brodick Castle shines a light on some of Arran’s past.  A couple of years ago, the Castle was renovated and now has a new interactive visitor experience plus there are the beautiful country gardens that you can stroll through.

Whisky Distilleries

On Arran we have two established distilleries. In the north is Lochranza, the home of the Isle of Arran Distillery. Closer to Whiting Bay in the south is the Lagg Distillery a more recent operation-it opened its  doors to the public in June 2019 and is producing a more peated whisky than its northern relative. They both have Visitor Centres with tasting sessions (advisable to book ahead) and cafes. 

Art & Culture

Arran Museum

This excellent museum was opened in the 1970s and tells the story of the island’s culture and social history.  There is a café on-site and is open most days from 10:30 to 16:30. It charts many aspects of life on Arran through the years and has been crafted and maintained with love by local volunteers.

Art and Crafts on Arran 

The Arran Art Trail is a unique opportunity to check out the wide variety of artists that make their home in Arran.  Click here to access a copy of their brochure with details on where they are located and when you can visit.

Arran Art Gallery is based in Whiting Bay and features many local island artists.

Saltwater Gallery is based in Brodick and features artists using a wide range of mediums and styles, many with a long-standing relationship with the ocean and several have strong connections with Arran

Also based in Brodick and immediately opposite the Saltwater Gallery is the home of Arran’s preeminent leatherworking family: https://www.mackenzieleather.co.uk

Finally, and no guide of what to do on Arran would be complete without mention of the extensive Golfing opportunities. Boasting 7 courses across the island – with the nearest being a 5-minute walk away!  For more information about what’s on offer including details about the Arran 7 day all course Golf Pass click here.

Ready to explore Arran?

Book your self-catering accommodation and enjoy the freedom to experience everything the island has to offer, at your own pace.

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Cruickshanks offers luxury self-catering accommodation on the Isle of Arran, providing a peaceful and private retreat for couples looking to explore the island. We are always happy to offer local advice and recommendations to help you make the most of your time on Arran.