I’ve loved Arran ever since my dad used to take me up to the bow of the CalMac ferry to watch the ropes being cast off as we headed out of Ardrossan, out to sea in search of endless adventures on an island we visited every summer. I now take my own kids back every year and we’ve just been back again. Gather your wee ones around now and get ready to visit Arran – after you read our 8 reasons you should take your family on holiday to Arran you’ll be booking a trip!
1. Stay at Scotland’s Only Resort
The Auchrannie stars as the only resort anywhere in the Scottish isles. It could scarcely be more family-friendly – indeed I’d go as far as saying it is the best geared place to stay in the isles if you have children in tow. There are two hotels – we prefer the more modern spa hotel with its dedicated family rooms, which come complete with bunk beds. They have a swimming pool in the complex, a sports hall and even a dedicated softplay centre for the younger ones. The attitude of the staff always impresses too as they realise that happy nippers make for happy parents.
2. Get Wet and Wild
There are a great choice of adventure sports businesses on Arran these days. I really like what Lochranza Centre do and their background. When the PGL centre closed here the staff used their redundancy to take it over, so you are really helping employ local people when you spend your money here. This year we bashed out with them to North Glen Sannox gorge walking. This is brilliant fun for all ages as your instructor kits you out with all the gear and helps you battle up the surging waters, plunging into deep pools and sliding down rock slabs as you go. My daughters loved this and I reckon your kids will too!
3. Canoe with Wildlife and History
We stick with the Lochranza Centre now with a canoe session out in Lochranza. It’s a spectacular setting as rugged mountains loom above and golden eagles soar on high. Then there is the ever-present Lochranza Castle, which really gets young imaginations racing. Our instructors were spot on, helping our girls navigate through some hefty breezes and then setting up a sail to work our way back across the bay. The instructors were supremely patient with our wee ones too.
4. Share Great Food
For lovely fresh café-style food with a view you cannot do better than Little Rock. They serve great wraps and work in local produce with the crazy golf outside to play on afterwards. At the Auchrannie itself Cruize is designed with families in mind with a menu that swings from pizzas to steaks. Casks Café at Lochranza Distillery serves up venison burgers that hail from Arran. Then there is the restaurant at the Glenisle Hotel in Lamlash. Don’t be put off that it’s a boutique hotel as families are certainly welcome as we found out when we went in for some great fish ‘n’ chips. Last but certainly not least I thoroughly recommend the Brodick Brasserie. Under exciting young chef Timur Jay Ünal this is proper fine diming that sets the tastebuds tingling. They have a kids menu too, or you can introduce older children to fine dining.
5. Wonder at the Wildlife
Arran is the only isle in Scotland to boast all of the country’s Big Five wildlife. Head to the red squirrel hide at Brodick Castle to see these cute creatures up close, or just look out for them in the grounds. For common seals it’s the rugged coastline between Brodick and Corrie, or Kildonan. Take a drive from Sannox to Lochranza and you have a great chance of seeing red deer – you even spot them in Lochranza itself. You’ll often spy Golden Eagles on that drive from Sannox to Lochranza too – if not head for a walk in Glen Rosa.
6. Introduce Them to Art
Arran today is alive with art galleries, studios and various creatives, so it’s a great island to teach wee ones more about art on. We like exploring the Arran Art Trail and every year head for the charms of the Arran Art Gallery in Whiting Bay. They are always so welcoming and the artwork on sale is consistently high quality – we find it really hard to leave without buying anything! The girls enjoy just wondering around talking about the various styles and mediums.
7. Learn About COAST and Dive in!
Arran is home to Scotland’s first NO Take Zone https://www.arrancoast.com/no-take-zone/ in Lamlash Bay so it is fitting that it is now home to Scotland’s first Marine Protected Area visitor centre – COAST Discovery Centre. This is an essential stop for little ones where they can learn all about the local marine habitat. COAST has done some really pioneering work and the team are always delighted to share it with all the family. Look out too for their guided snorkelling experiences. We’ve been in the water with them and it really is a thrilling experience for kids and big kids alike!
8. Discover Another World and its Wildlife
New for 2022 for Lamlash Cruises are boat trips that open up unique Holy Isle, which sits just offshore in Lamlash Bay. My girls were fascinated that the entire island is owned and run by a Buddhist community. You can book a cruise that lets you explore the island itself, or the one we did that circles the island revealing the secrets of the nature reserve that blankets much of the island. Wee minds boggle at the sight of wild Saanen Goats, Eriskay Ponies and Soay Sheep.
- This post comes in conjunction with Visit Arran (www.visitarran.com). All opinions are expressed are our own and are independent.
