Family 4-Day Break in The Heart of Argyll

Recommended by Heather Thomas-Smith from Heathery Heights

Enjoying a break away surrounded by amazing scenery and fresh air with children means that some of the best gems are those where you can cater for yourselves or eat out as you wish taking away the stress of having to be up at a certain time. And having the freedom to come and go to activities and to explore means that having you own space to kick up your feet at the end of the day or let the kids indulge in a game or film after day out on the water feels like it has been earned.

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Places to Stay

There are lots of superb self-catering options available and many cottages now include four-day breaks.

Here are a few suitable options for Mid Argyll. These are generally for a family of four but there are plenty more options for larger cottages from the providers below, you can check out extensive list on our Stay section.

Ederline Estate ( The School House) – guests have access to paddle boards, kayaks, rowing boats, etc
Port Ban Holiday Park – bike and kayak hire, onsite café and shop, play park, games hall, putting green, tennis court, small football pitch and small bowling green
Melfort Village – playpark, putting green, paddock and onsite restaurant
The Bullock Shed
Keepers Cottage & Tayvallich Estate
Killean Farmhouse Rowan Cottage)
The Blue Cottage
Blarghour - The Stable - pref. age 5 and above)
Buidhe Island (The Kelpie Chalet) – right by the sea (better for older children)
Visit Cladich – farm tours available on site
Portsonachan – has the Cruachan Restaurant next door and access to boat hire etc

Some favourite family activities

There are lots of activities and places to explore with children in the area. Some firm family favourites include.

Inveraray Jail, Inveraray Castle and Gardens and a walk up to Dun Na Cuaiche Watchtower
Get to know the history of the area with a visit to Kilmartin Museum and keep an eye out for their free walks and activities over summer
A visit and beaver walk at the Argyll Beaver Centre and/or join one of their Summer Seashore Safaris (when available)
Wildlife boat trips with Venture West, Fyne Sea Tours, Sealife Adventures, Crinan Classic Charters
A trip to Fyne Den (younger children)
Pony trekking at Lunga Stables
A day trip on the Waverley or Vic 32 (pref. age 8+)
Explore castles and ancient sites (Tarbert Castle, Carnasserie Castle, Kilmartin Glen, Keills Chapel)
Go paddleboarding or canoeing with Kayak Majik
Hire bikes from Ally’s Bike Hire and cycle along the Crinan Canal or explore the Tayvallich peninsula
Go for a swim or beach comb at Kilmory Beach or Carsaig
A farm trip with Visit Cladich

Book a bespoke family experience with Heathery Heights and Swim Dan the Merma (in conjunction with Highlands Rewilding) and enjoy a day of guided foraging, learning about local plants and seaweeds, have a soothing dip in the sea and a three course wild food picnic. Both guides can also offer separate guided and immersive experiences including guided history walks, foraging experiences, plant ID and wild swimming.

Get out in nature

Get all those feet out in nature as there are lots of coastal and woodland walks including those at Taynish National Nature Reserve, Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, Knapdale woods, Torinturk and Crinan Woods.

For those exploring the canal Polly’s Coffee Stop offers a super selection of snacks, hot drinks and cakes with full meals being served at the Crinan Hotel and nearby Tayvallich Inn.

Lochgilphead boasts several cafes including the Salty Dog at the MACPool – ideal if you have wanted to go for a swim.

If visiting Tarbert explore Bruce’s Castle and the Tarbert hill walk or go for a saunter and swim at White Shore then enjoy one of the eateries which offer lunch and dinner with the option for take away food too, including excellent seafood from the Silver Darlings. The Gather and Café Ca Dora offer lite bites, cakes and ice cream. The The Red Herring and Lulabelles offer high quality evening meals for that extra treat.

Food to enjoy for everyone

Inveraray has a wide choice of excellent cafes and places to eat including The George, Brambles/Campbell Coffee, The Cottage Restaurant and Ocho.

And although you may want to keep the sweets at bay there are a couple of old fashioned sweet shops which may tempt the young ones in… Bee Sweet in Lochgilphead certainly has plenty to choose from.

If staying close to or visiting Ardfern Lucy’s offers super lunches and afternoon tea and the Loch Melfort Hotel and Melfort Holiday Village both boast restaurants.

Got some extra spare time?

If you think you need to stock up on books the Argyll Book Centre in Lochgilphead and Loch Fyne Gallery in Tarbert have a good selection.

Watch out for local craft events too as many are child friendly.

And if you need a rest from driving you can always book private hire with a local guide such as Argyll Bespoke Car Tours or Inveraray Private Hire.

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Heart of Argyll in Pictures

Dun Mor Crinan Woods Viewpoint Marc Pickering (2)

Ready to plan your Heart of Argyll trip?

All you need to know

This list is just a suggestion of how you could spend your time in the Heart of Argyll. The region has a range of activities and experiences to suit everyone, across all seasons.

VISIT HEART OF ARGYLL

A place rich in natural and historic wonder, surrounding the scenic and popular waterway of the Crinan Canal.

Explore Kilmartin Glen Explore Inveraray

Crinan Canal on YouTube

STAY HERE

Find your place to stay from luxury hotels for a relaxing retreat to holiday parks and self catering options for adventure seekers, and everything in-between.

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