5-day family-friendly itinerary for the Kintyre Peninsula

🏰 Day 2: Castles, Stories & Animal Encounters

Morning

Davaar Island Walk (tide-dependent)

• Walk the tidal causeway at low tide to explore sea caves and the famous cave painting of Christ.

• Great adventure for older kids. Bring wellies or old shoes!
  
  

Alternative (for young children or poor weather):

• Visit Campbeltown Museum – packed with fossils, artefacts, and a huge model ship.
  
  

Lunch

• Café Bluebell or takeaway picnic from The Harbourview Grille.
  
  

Afternoon

Visit to Torrisdale Castle Estate (20 mins north of Campbeltown)

• Woodland walks, gardens, river views and a gin distillery for adults.

• Kids will enjoy the open space, wildlife spotting, and fairy-trail feel.
  
  

• Kintyre Gin is made at Beinn an Tuirc Distillery which is located in an old farm building on the estate. Book a tour and/or enjoy a cuppa and cake in the tearoom

Evening

Dinner at The Glen Bar & Restaurant (Carradale) or family cooking night at your accommodation.

🐚 Day 3: Southend Adventure Day

Morning

Drive to Southend (30–40 mins)

• Visit St Columba’s Footprints – ancient carved stones by the shore.

• Explore Keil Caves – full of myth and mystery.
  
  

Beach Time at Dunaverty Bay

• Sheltered bay with soft sand and calm water – perfect for little ones.

• Bring buckets, bodyboards, and a picnic blanket.
  
  

Lunch

• Muneroy Tearoom – proper home baking and sandwiches (legendary cakes!).
  
  

Afternoon

Explore Dunaverty Rock or walk to nearby viewpoints.

Optional: visit Southend Play Park for a short stop before heading back.

Evening

Games night, BBQ, or local takeaway (fish & chips in Campbeltown).

🦭 Day 4: Carradale, Forest & Wildlife

Morning

Carradale Beach & Harbour

• Calm waters, scenic views and often very quiet.

• Walk along the sand, skim stones, or look for sea creatures in rock pools.
  
  

Midday

Carradale Network Centre & Woodland Trails

• Great woodland play, fairy trails, and a sensory garden.

• Good picnic spot or café lunch in Carradale.
  
  

Afternoon

Saddell Bay & Castle

• Short woodland walk to a quiet beach.

• Look for Antony Gormley’s sculpture standing in the water!

• Great place for stories, shell collecting, and quiet time.

Evening

• Return to base via Campbeltown or stay locally in Carradale.
  
  

Optional dinner out or cosy evening indoors.

🚢 Day 5: Island Day – Isle of Gigha

Morning

Ferry from Tayinloan to Gigha (20 mins – car optional)

• Book in advance or travel as foot passengers with bikes or scooters.
  
  

Explore Achamore Gardens

• Huge open grounds perfect for hide and seek, exploring, and picnics.
  
  

Beach Time at Twin Beaches or Ardminish Bay

• Safe and shallow for paddling or wild swimming.

• Great views across to Islay and Jura.
  
  

Lunch

• The Boathouse – seafood and kids’ options.

• Or pack a picnic and enjoy the shore.
  
  

Afternoon

Walk or cycle the length of the island (flat & family-friendly roads)

• Spot seals and seabirds.

• Visit the community play park before catching the ferry back.
  
  

Evening

• Farewell dinner back on the mainland.
  
  

Or spend your last night on Gigha if staying over (e.g. Gigha Hotel or self-catering).

👪 Bonus Family Tips

• Weather changes quickly – bring waterproofs and suncream!

• Pack beach toys, binoculars, and games.

• Supermarkets in Campbeltown, but stock up before heading to smaller villages.

• Roads are mostly single-track – drive slowly and enjoy the views.

If you are looking for a shorter Kintyre itinerary, check it out here