Kildonan Beach, Arran
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is a place where you can find a little bit of everything you'd ever want from a Scottish island. It has an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, verdant forests, great cultural festivals and a wealth of tasty local produce.

Get the latest updates on Scotland's ferries to plan your trip - spring and summer 2026 sailing information is now available and Scotland's islands are ready and open to visitors.

Great things to do on Arran

A short break on Arran is perfect all year round; this island is a great place to escape busy city life.

Arran outdoor adventures

Stunning landscapes or adrenaline pumping adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Isle of Arran Geopark

Find information about the Isle of Arran Geopark, part of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, including why Arran is so special, the local area and more.

Cycling on Arran

Explore Arran by bike on a two-wheeled island adventure.

Relax with Arran wellness experiences

Relax and restore in the calming natural land and seascapes of the island.

Creative workshops and experiences on Arran

Unleash your inner creative on Arran and find inspiration from island life.

Top days out ideas

Find somewhere new to discover on the Isle of Arran, with ancient sites, family attractions, Arran's oldest distillery and more.

Arran Snorkel Trail

Check out the Arran Snorkel Trail and see lots of marine life up close. From dolphins and whales to basking sharks.

Flying Fever Paragliding

Have an adventure of a lifetime as you soar the skies of Arran.

Brodick Castle

Steeped in history and beautiful scenery, get ready for the perfect family day out at Brodick Castle.

Machrie Moor Standing Stones

Experience the magic of the Machrie Moor Stone Circles on the west side of Arran.

Lochranza Distillery

Have a dram on the Isle of Arran's first distillery.

Lochranza Castle

Lochranza Castle is situated on a peninsula extending into beautiful Loch Ranza in the north of Arran.

Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries

Follow a route

Check out our ideas for short breaks in Arran with things to see and do. Follow a walking, art or heritage trail around the island, or discover longer routes on Arran and beyond.

See what's on the Isle of Arran

Find out what’s on the Isle of Arran with music festivals, whisky celebrations, Highland games and family-friendly events taking place across the island throughout the year.

Sunset over the Isle of Arran viewed from Ayr Beach

Arran Show, 5 August 2026 – discover livestock competitions, local produce, crafts, rural demonstrations and family-friendly activities at one of the island’s biggest community events.

Brodick Highland Games, 8 August 2026 – experience traditional Highland dancing, piping, heavy events and family entertainment with spectacular coastal and mountain scenery as the backdrop.

Arran Whisky Festival, 25 – 27 June 2027 – celebrate Arran’s whisky heritage with tastings, distillery tours, live music and special events taking place across the island during this popular annual festival.

Map of Arran

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How to travel to and around Arran

Getting to Arran

Ferry

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates three car ferry services connecting the island to the mainland. Routes and sailings vary seasonally, so it’s advised to check timetables in advance.

Ardrossan to Brodick is the main route linking the island with Ayrshire and takes around 55 minutes. Ardrossan Harbour is accessible by road and by train from Glasgow.
Troon to Brodick is a crossing which takes around 55 minutes. Troon is around 40 minutes from Glasgow and can be reached by both car and public transport.
Claonaig to Lochranza serves the north of the island from Claonaig on the Kintyre Peninsula with a crossing time of around 30 minutes. Useful for those travelling via the west of Scotland.

Book your trip on the CalMac website

Train

Getting around Arran

Cycling

Arran offers 9 road routes for exploring the island by bike, as well as having cycle hire available across the island.

Plan your cycling trip on the VisitArran website

Bus and coach

Driving

Walking

The Douglas Hotel, Isle of Arran
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Places to stay on Arran

Get inspired and explore accommodation options on the Isle of Arran.

Find more accommodation on Arran

Lochranza Distillery, Isle of Arran
© Aildh Beaton Ridgeline Prints

Places to eat on Arran

Taste your way around Arran as you try tasty cheeses, refreshing beers, traditional oatcakes, tempting chocolates and delicious ice cream.

Browse food & drink options

The beach at Brodick Bay with a view beyond to Goat Fell, Isle Of Arran

Scottish Island Adventures podcast - Arran

Looking to plan a trip to Scotland’s most accessible island? Join Coinneach MacLeod with special guest Kirsty Wark as they uncover the magic of Arran on the very first episode of the Scottish Island Adventures podcast.

Listen to the Scottish Island Adventures podcast series

Find out more about Arran

Get ready to explore more of Arran with these fantastic locations. You'll find lots of things to see and do for the whole family.

Brodick

This bustling port is the largest on Arran. Home to the peak of Goatfell, delicious eateries, an 18-hole golf course and much more to explore.

Lamlash

The most populated village on Arran boasts spectacular views out to the Holy Isle and great opportunities for sailing and boat trips.

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