Have a look 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.
Days Out
Skipness Fish Cabin
Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.
Arran Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum has exhibits reflecting the social history, archaeology and geology of the island of Arran.
Brodick Castle
Opened in 2019 with an interactive visitor experience in the castle, including a Victorian arcade, lighting, costumed interpreters & sounds.
Skipness
In a beautiful location overlooking Arran is Skipness Castle & chapel, the Seafood cabin and Skipness smokehouse, great for all the family.
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.
Auchindrain
Step back in time to an authentic & beautifully preserved Highland farm and township, keeping all the character of how people lived.
Paddle Steamer Waverley
The Last Sea-Going Paddle Steamer in the World – magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish.
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.
Eating & Drinking Out
Auchrannie Hotel
With three dining options at the Auchrannie Hotel, you're spoilt for choice! With locally-sourced ingredients, all food is freshly prepared.
Douglas Hotel
Understated decor, a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service combined to ensure a memorable bistro dining experience on Arran.
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.
Brodick Bar
Brodick Bar and Brasserie, on the Isle of Arran - Great food, relaxed atmosphere, in an idyllic setting. A warm family welcome awaits.
The Wineport
This summer-only cafe-bar has great outdoor tables for sunny days and does a nice line in pleasing pub-style fare.
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.
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.
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.
Skipness Fish Cabin
Fantastic seafood in the grounds of a beautiful house and ruined castle overlooking the sea and across to Arran. Highly recommended.
The Velo Cafe - Lagg
Run by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts. No nonsense menu features homebaking with vegan and gluten free choices too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Sandwich Station - Lochranza
A great little sandwich shop, takeaway only, highly recommended with excellent choices for vegetarians and vegans also!
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!
Food & Local 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.
The Arran Butcher
Butcher shops covering the Blackwaterfoot and Lochranza areas, a mobile shop offering Island delivery of naturally reared quality meats.
The Island Cheese Shop
Island cheese - Fresh Scottish Arran cheddar cheese and world class Arran Blue cheese from the Isle of Arran, Scotland.
Blackwaterfoot Bakehouse
A bakery with magic inside, wild Arran yeast breads, and a wonderful head chef with very sophisticated bread skills and taste.
Island Gourmet
Robin Gray - Chef and grower. Can deliver or serve food at the house. Farm visits and farm to fork dining
Woodside Farm
Fresh mainly homegrown produce, buy at the farm or order for Friday delivery to the house. Vegetables, meat and poultry items available.
Pirnmill Village Store & Post Office
General convenience store with newspapers, off licence and Post Office serving the north west of Arran.
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.
Local Activities
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.
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.
Dougarie Beach
A beautiful sandy beach located two miles to the South of Banlicken. A great location for kids and dogs.
Walking
There are many walks on Arran from gentler coastal routes to the more challenging mountain hikes. Click below for trail ideas.
Golf Courses
There are 7 golf courses on Arran. The nearest ones to the house are at Machrie, Blackwaterfoot (Shiskine) and Lochranza.
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.
Arran Bike Hire
Arran's own bike club serving both residents and guests. Get in touch for advice about routes, tracks and trails.
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.
Cairnhouse Stables
The nearest riding stable (recommended) open all year, offering horse riding and pony trekking for novices and experienced riders.
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.
Fishing
Salmon and sea trout, river and loch fishing at Machrie river; Iorsa river and Loch Garbad. For more information click below.
Watersports
North Ayrshire on the Clyde Estuary is a top sailing destination, with vast waters, breathtaking scenery and first class facilities.
Kayaking
Get a seal’s eye view of the Isle of Arran with a coastal kayak tour, all equipment supplied. No experience necessary
Sup Arran
Never tried out Stand Up Paddleboarding? Give it a go right here on Arran with an ASI qualified instructor.
Swimming
Locations: below the house and in the sea; swimming pools at Kinloch Hotel in Blackwaterfoot and The Auchrannie Hotel.
Otters Tail
Visit Otter's Tail Adventures for holiday activities on the Island of Arran. These include sea kayaking, gorge-walking and hillwalking.
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.
Arran Adventure
Adventure Activities including: archery, mountain biking, mountain bike hire, gorge walking, Segway. No prior experience necessary.
Mogabout
Get off the beaten track with their unique forestry tours or take a coastline tour taking in spectacular views and famous landmarks.
Paragliding
Flying Fever paraglIding courses and funday/tandem flights. Paragliding is weather-dependant, pay on the day instead of buying a voucher.
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.
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.
