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We may be a little biased, but to us there’s nowhere better to head off for a break to than the Isle of Arran! 

Despite the island being only 432 square kilometres, there’s an awful lot to do. But fear not. As permanent residents of the island, we know our home inside out and have compiled the essential Isle of Arran visitor’s checklist, so you don’t miss out on your next trip.

1. Explore the wilderness

To visit Arran and not take advantage of the incredible scenery would be a heinous crime! Revered around the world for its ruggedly beautiful terrain, you’ll find rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs and miles of coastline where the waves gently kiss the shore. 

Coming upon any of Arran’s many beautiful golden sandy beaches, you could be forgiven for thinking you had gone on holiday abroad! For a beach suitable for family days out, a popular choice is to head to Brodrick. The beach itself is close to local facilities, as well as a grassy area, making it the perfect place to kick back, relax, and have a picnic. For those looking for a little more seclusion, Duke’s Beach (or Strabane as it is officially known) can be accessed by footpath where Brodick breaks by the mouth of Rosa Burn. If going by road, Duke’s Beach can be accessed by the main road at Cladach.

For avid hikers, the Arran Coastal Way is a must-do. The route covers a 65 mile stretch around the island. However, be warned - this hike can be a challenge and will take roughly around six to seven days to complete. Proper planning is required and shouldn’t be attempted lightheartedly. The Arran Coastal Way passes through 12 villages, including a stop at Lochranza, so why not pop by Lochranza Distillery to say hi?

For those looking for something a little more leisurely, Walk Highlands offers a range of hiking trails for varying abilities across the entire island.

2. Trace Arran’s history

Arran’s history stretches back thousands of years. Explore the 4,000 year old Machrie Moor standing stones or the ancient carvings on the walls on King’s Cave, discover Viking burial sites, or visit the island’s castles, including Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle. For those with a passion for history, a stop to the Arran Heritage Museum is almost mandatory. Found at Rosaburn, the museum showcases geology, archaeology and life on the island - both past and present. Families are welcome to take part in the interactive exhibits and explore the grounds of the museum, which was originally a school. 

3. Indulge in the culture

For a small island, Arran sure packs a punch when it comes to local art and culture! 

Art lovers can spend an afternoon of delight at the Arran Art Gallery in the village of Whiting Bay. The gallery, which opened in 2005, features the works of 80 Scottish artists, showcasing a range of mediums including ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture and much, much more. 

Visitors to Arran can also attend events throughout the year, such as the Arran Folk Festival, the Arran Agricultural Show and the Arran Highland Games, which celebrate the island's culture and heritage.

4. Outdoor adventures

We’ve already mentioned some of the walking routes hikers can enjoy, but there’s plenty more on offer on Arran for the outdoors adventurer. Fans of watersports can enjoy sea kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

If you’d rather stay on dry land - but not necessarily with your feet on the ground - why not try your hand at climbing, abseiling, orienteering, mountain biking, or gorge walking?

4. Squeeze in a round of world-class golf

A trip to the Isle of Arran without partaking in a game of golf is an opportunity missed! Arran has seven golf courses, all of varying difficulty and size. For hardcore players planning to hit several courses during their stay, an investment in the Arran Golf Pass may prove to be thrifty. 

A pass costs just £140 and will grant access to all courses for seven rounds of golf, as well as access to the driving range. The pass will allow access to most courses at all times of the year, however in the instance of Lochranza Golf Course, checking availability in line with seasonality (April to September) is advised. 

Each pass is valid for the duration of 12 months from purchase too, so if you don’t manage to play all courses in one trip, it’s the perfect reason to come back and visit again!

5. Wildlife spotting

Arran is teeming with wildlife that would make even David Attenborough jealous. Keep an eye out for majestic red deer roaming the hills, seals basking on the coastline, red squirrels in the forests and a sky full of birds, from golden eagles to puffins. Don't forget your camera!

6. Sample the local cuisine

The Isle of Arran boasts a fantastic culinary scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes and pubs dishing out scrumptious fare made from locally sourced ingredients. 

Islanders pride themselves on utilising our “local” larder - and as such, Arran’s produce of fish, meat and dairy is like no other. 

A quick recce of TripAdvisor will tell you about the best eateries in relation to where you are staying. However, we also recommended the local produce by a Taste of Arran. From cheese to chocolate, there’s not much that a Taste of Arran doesn’t offer - and if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, you can even have a hamper of food prepared in advance of your arrival, ready to be consumed upon arrival. 

7. Family fun

The Isle of Arran is a great destination for families. The island has lots of family-friendly activities, such as the Arran Outdoor Education Centre, which offers a range of outdoor activities for children and adults; Auchrannie Leisure Centre, which has swimming pools, a gym and a spa; the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, and Arran Mogabout 4x4 tours. There are also plenty of child-friendly accommodation options, such as self-catering cottages and holiday parks. 

8. Go whisky tasting at Lochranza Distillery

Of course, no trip to the Isle of Arran would be complete without coming to see us here at the distillery! 

There’s nothing we love more than opening our doors and imparting the magical alchemy of whisky making. Our whisky tours and tastings operate all year round and provide a truly unique insight into the work and love that goes into the craft of whisky making. Meet our local workforce and get to know about the small, but mightily talented stillmen behind our award winning single malts. 

Are you planning to visit the Isle of Arran? What is on your must-see checklist? Tell us what you’ll be up to on Facebook and Twitter now!