The island of Arran is located off the west coast of Scotland and is one of its most accessible island with easy transport links from Glasgow. It’s a year-round destination with plenty to do and see from learning more about the history of the island to exploring its hiking trails and nature.
Arran is nicknamed “Scotland in Miniature” because you can experience everything that Scotland is known for on the island. Arran is a great option for a day trip from Glasgow, if you’re spending some time in the city.
Here are some things to do on a day trip to Arran to help plan your itinerary.
How to get to Arran from Glasgow
Arran is very easily accessed from central Glasgow, making it an ideal destination for a day trip if you’re visiting the city. First, you can get the train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour which takes around an hour.
Once you get to the harbour, you can take the ferry to Arran. The ferry sails up to 11 times each day with a sailing time of about 50 minutes.
The ferries are comfortable and you can sit inside or enjoy the views outside if the weather is fine. Refreshments are served onboard and we grabbed a full Scottish breakfast on our way to Arran.
Once you’re on the island, you can rent a car to use the local buses to get around. There are three main routes on the island and these operate in line with the ferry times.
Things to do in Arran
There’s so much to do in Arran, that really it would be better to visit the island on a short break, or even a longer stay. However, if you’re only there for the day, you can still see a lot and make the most of your time here.
Take a Mogabout tour
Mogabout provides guided tours of the lochs, distilleries, glens, castles, beaches, and woodlands of Arran in their 16-seater 4×4 vehicle. Choose from forest tours or coastal tours and explore the natural wonders of the island.
A Mogabout tour is an excellent option if you’d prefer not to explore independently. It’s also great if you only have a day on Arran as you cover a lot of ground.
Visit the Arran Heritage Museum
If you want to learn more about the history, heritage, and culture of Arran then head to the Arran Heritage Museum. Open since 1979, the museum recreates buildings as they would be in villages of times gone by on the island.
You’ll see a cottage with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, plus a wash house, milk house, stable, and bothy. The museum is run by volunteers and the exhibits give more information about the archaeology, social history, and geology of the island.
Sample some Arran whisky
Arran is home to two whisky distilleries: Lochranza and Lagg. You can take a tour and do tastings at both of these.
We visited the Lochranza distillery where we learned more about whisky making on the island and got to sample a few. I wasn’t a fan of some of them but I loved the Arran Gold whisky liqueur – perfect for adding to coffees or to indulge in at Christmas!
Brodick Castle
If you’re a fan of visiting castles, then add the National Trust property Brodick Castle to your list. The current building has been there since 1844 but the location was used for fortresses long before that because of its strategic position overlooking the Firth of Clyde.
Explore the inside and find out more about its aristocratic history or head outside to the beautiful formal gardens. There’s acres of country park to explore and an adventure playground for the children.
Feed the Highland coos
For the cutest activity on the Isle of Arran, feed the Highland coos at Bellevue Farm. This family-run working farm offers tours of either an hour or two hours where you can learn more about day-to-day farming life and meet the animals living here.
I really enjoyed feeding the gentle giant highland coos (or highland cows!), although the texture of their tongues freaked me out a little at first!
Where to stay on Arran
There are plenty of things to do on the Isle of Arran so I wouldn’t blame you if you decide to extend your time there and stay for a couple of days. For a small island there is lots of choice when it comes to accommodation with everything from glamping huts to B&Bs and luxury hotels.
Save: The Lagg
Splurge: The Arran Lodge & Arran Sleep Huts
