View of Dunoon and the River Clyde
Peter Jarvis
Dunoon
Just a short ferry away from Glasgow, enjoy a west coast escape to the Argyll town of Dunoon.
Dunoon at a glance
- Actividades y aventura:
Cowal Way, walking & hiking, kayaking & paddleboarding, cycling & mountain biking
- Eventos y festivales:
Cowal Highland Gathering, World Highland Dancing Championships, CowalFest
- Historia y patrimonio:
Dunoon Pier, Castle House Museum, Highland Mary statue, Victorian promenade
- Naturaleza:
Argyll Forest Park, Loch Eck, Benmore Botanic Garden, Holy Loch
What to expect in Dunoon
Arriving in Dunoon, you'll discover a cheerful coastal town where attractive Victorian architecture looks onto some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Take a walk along the waterfront and historic pier, explore fascinating local stories at Castle House Museum, or take a short climb to the Highland Mary statue for unmissable views across the Firth of Clyde. Just beyond the town, adventure awaits in the ancient woodlands of Argyll Forest Park and the tranquil waters of Loch Eck.
Oh! Bonnie Dunoon, sae heavenly fair,
Where e'er I may wander my heart will be there,
Wi' high heather hills keeping guard o'er the toon,
Aye my thoughts will be yonder in Bonnie Dunoon.
Bonnie Dunoon, Pipe Major John McLellan, 1943
Highlights in Dunoon
From Victorian landmarks to waterside views and forest walks, you'll find plenty of reasons to extend your visit to Dunoon.
Dunoon's maritime heritage
Take a stroll along Dunoon Pier and waterfront promenade, where generations of visitors arrived "doon the watter" from Glasgow. Visit Castle House Museum to reveal stories of Victorian tourism and Highland Mary, whose statue overlooks the town on Castle Hill.
Dunoon Pier
© 2017 Jeff Whitehill
Benmore Botanic Garden
Just outside Dunoon, this amazing 120-acre garden is home to plant collections from across the globe. Feel the scale of the towering Giant Redwood Avenue, explore exotic Himalayan and Asian flowers, and enjoy some quality time in the garden.
Enjoy a day at Benmore Botanic Garden
Benmore Botanic Garden
Adventures in Argyll Forest Park and Loch Eck
Enter one of Scotland's most arresting landscapes, with many opportunities for walking, cycling, kayaking and wildlife spotting. From the shores of Loch Eck to the trails of the Cowal Way, try your favourite outdoor activity in an unforgettable setting.
Loch Eck, Argyll
What's on in Dunoon
Experience one of the world's largest Highland games and three exciting days of culture, music and tradition or join the walks at Cowalfest to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and fascinating wildlife of the area.
Cowal Highland Gathering
The largest and most prestigious Highland games in the world, it attracts competitors and spectators from across the world.
Cowalfest
Enjoy three days of walks around the beautiful Cowal peninsula at one of Scotland's oldest walking festivals.
World Highland Dancing Championships
Admire the skill and speed as the best Highland dancers in the world compete for the Cowal Gold Medal.
See Dunoon through a new lens
Capture dramatic views across the Firth of Clyde from Dunoon's waterfront and photograph the trees and trails of Argyll Forest Park.
Trip ideas in Dunoon
Ready to start planning your Dunoon escape? Whether you fancy a scenic weekend break or want to explore a new loch or garden, these trip ideas are a great place to begin.
A great-value break in Dunoon & Cowal
You can experience Dunoon without stretching your budget. This trip idea combines attractions such as Dunoon Burgh Hall with coastal walks, wildlife spotting at Holy Loch Nature Reserve and visits to fascinating historic sites like the Kilmodan Stones.
Things to do in Dunoon: the complete guide
Stand beneath the 150-year-old Giant Redwood Avenue at Benmore Botanic Garden and discover the story of Highland Mary at the local museum. For extra buzz, time your visit with the Cowal Highland Gathering in August.
Discover things to do in Dunoon
Walk, cycle and explore the Cowal Peninsula
Follow sections of the Cowal Way, move slowly through peaceful forest trails and enjoy some of Scotland's finest outdoor scenery. Walkhighlands provide lots of options, from waterfront walks to longer adventures around lochs, woodlands and mountains.
Boat tour of Gare Loch and Loch Long from Dunoon
© Sue Burton
Castle House Museum, Dunoon
Loch Restil, Argyll y las Islas
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
El Jardín Botánico de Benmore, Argyll y las Islas
© Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh / Sybil Balwin
Plan your trip
Getting to Dunoon
Bus y autocar
Coach and local bus services connect Dunoon with Glasgow and destinations throughout Argyll. Many services coordinate with ferry crossings, making it easy to travel without a car.
Ferry
Coche
Accessibility
For independent accessibility reviews and visitor feedback, visit Euan's Guide, which includes listings and reviews for attractions and venues in the area, including Dunoon Ferry Terminal.
Explore nearby
Discover more of the wild beauty of Argyll & Bute, visit the buzzing city of Glasgow or extend your trip for a journey into the Scottish Highlands.
Argyll & Bute
Explore Scotland’s wild west coast and uncover its world-famous whisky heritage and rugged landscapes.
Glasgow
Big-hearted, bold, and bursting with character, there’s an unmistakable energy to Glasgow.
The Scottish Highlands
Green valleys, vibrant culture, towering mountains, historic castles and peaceful lochs: the Highlands is the Scotland of your imagination.