:

  • English
  • Español
  • Italiano
  • Deutsch
  • Nederlands
  • Français
Navigation generated at 2026-5-20 1:18:49
    • All Places to go

      Cities

      • All Cities
      • Aberdeen
      • Dundee
      • Dunfermline
      • Edinburgh
      • Glasgow
      • Inverness
      • Perth
      • Stirling

      Popular Places

      • Ben Nevis
      • Glencoe
      • Loch Lomond
      • Loch Ness

      Towns

      • All Towns
      • Aviemore
      • Dumfries
      • Fort William
      • Kirkwall
      • Lerwick
      • Oban
      • Peebles
      • Pitlochry
      • St Andrews

      Islands

      • All Islands
      • Isle of Arran
      • Isle of Islay
      • Jura
      • Lewis & Harris
      • Mull
      • Orkney
      • Outer Hebrides
      • Shetland
      • Skye

      Regions

      • Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
      • Argyll & The Isles
      • Ayrshire & Arran
      • Dumfries & Galloway
      • Dundee & Angus
      • Edinburgh & The Lothians
      • Fife
      • Glasgow & Clyde Valley
      • Loch Lomond, Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
      • Highlands
      • Perthshire
      • Scottish Borders
    • All Things to do

      Attractions

      • All Attractions
      • 20 Top Attractions
      • Ancestry
      • Arts & Culture
      • Castles
      • Free Attractions
      • History & Heritage
      • TV & Film Locations

      Outdoor Activities

      • All Outdoor Activities
      • Cycling
      • Golf
      • Mountain Biking
      • Ski & Snowsports
      • Walking & Hiking
      • Watersports

      Food & Drink

      • All Food & Drink
      • Beer & Breweries
      • Gin tours & tastings
      • Scottish whisky

      Landscapes & Nature

      • All Landscapes & Nature
      • Beaches
      • Ben Nevis
      • Lochs
      • National Parks
      • Northern Lights
      • Standing Stones
      • Wildlife Watching

      Tours, Routes & Trails

      • All Tours, Routes & Trails
      • Islands & Island Hopping
      • Itineraries
      • Scotland's UNESCO Trail
      • Tours
      • Walking Trails

      Events

      • All Events
      • Edinburgh's Summer Festivals
      • Highland Games
      • Scottish music festivals
    • All Accommodation

      Hotels & Lodgings

      • B&Bs & Guesthouses
      • Hostels
      • Hotels

      Caravan & Camping

      • All Caravan & Camping
      • Glamping
      • Wild Camping

      Self Catering

      • All Self Catering
      • Cabins & Lodges
      • Cottages

      Unique Places

      • All Unique Places
      • Castles

      Other Accommodation

      • Luxury Accommodation
      • Pet Friendly Accommodation
      • Romantic
      • Wedding Venues
    • All Travel & planning

      Travel to Scotland

      • From England & Wales
      • From Europe
      • From Ireland
      • From North America
      • From Other Continents

      Travel in Scotland

      • Air
      • Bus & Coach
      • Ferry
      • Train

      Driving in Scotland

      • All Driving in Scotland
      • Car Hire
      • Driving Routes
      • Electric Vehicles

      When to visit

      • All When to visit
      • Spring & Easter
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter, Christmas & New Year

      Practical Information

      • Eco-Travel
      • FAQs
      • Holiday Carbon Calculator
      • Passes & Offers
      • Passports & Visas
      • Weather

      Ideas & Advice

      • Outdoor Safety Information
      • Travel Blog
      • Travel Newsletter

      Holiday Types

      • Accessible Holidays
      • Beauty Spots
      • Budget-Friendly Holidays
      • Countryside Breaks
      • Family Holidays
      • Farm Stays
      • Off the Beaten Track Holidays
      • Solo Travel
      • Weekend Breaks
      • Wellness Retreats
  • Explore Scotland
BETA: Our site is evolving to give you a better experience.
Your feedback helps us improve.

Kildonan Beach, Arran

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Islands
  4. Isle of Arran

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

The King's Cave, Isle of Arran

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.

  • Walking on Arran
  • Arran Coastal Way
  • Arran Art Trail
  • Arran Arts Heritage Trail
  • The Coig Touring Routes

See what's on in Arran

Sunset over the Isle of Arran viewed from Ayr Beach

Events

Keep up to date with the latest events, festivals and things to do on Arran. 

  • Arran Folk Festival
  • Arran Whisky Festival
Explore all events on Arran

Map of Arran

Explore Isle of Arran

Loading

Javascript is needed to show this map.

Javascript is needed to show this map.

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

The train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour takes about 45 minutes, where you can then catch the ferry over to the island. 

You can also catch the train from Glasgow Central Station to Troon which takes around 40 minutes, before taking the ferry over to Arran.

Check train times on the Scotrail website

Find out more about how to get to the Isle of Arran

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

There are three main bus routes covering north Arran, south Arran and "the String" which generally tie in with the ferry timetables. In the summer, additional seasonal bus operators run tours which are a great way to take in the sights.

Find out more about Arran buses on the VisitArran website

Driving

The road networks skirt the island's coastline, with a road dissecting the centre of the island, known locally as "the String". Some of the roads are single track, with plenty of passing places. Car hire and taxis are also available on the island. 

Check the VisitArran website for more details

 

Walking

There are all kinds of walking routes on Arran, from beaches to glens and mountain trails. It's a great way to get around!

Find out more about walking on Arran

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. 

  • Accommodation on 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. 

  • Ayrshire and Arran Taste Trails
  • Island Cheese Company
  • Arran Botanical Drinks
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. 

  • Scottish Island Adventures podcast - Arran
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.

Share on

Facebook
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Twitter
Email

Other things you might like

Category: Places to go

Scotland's destinations

Category: Places to go

Ayrshire & Arran

Category: Places to go

Scotland's islands

Category: Travel & planning

Scottish islands & island hopping

Category: Places to go

Outer Hebrides

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Get in touch

  • Contact us
  • Feedback & Complaints
  • Submit an event

Our other sites

  • Business Events
  • Business Support Hub
  • Travel Trade
  • Asset library
  • Corporate
  • Brand Scotland

Find us on

Find us on

  • About us
  • Accessibility
  • Acceptable use
  • Cookies
  • Environmental policy
  • Privacy
  • Social media
  • Terms of use
Brand Scotland

© 2026 VisitScotland. All rights reserved.