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Sunset over Arran (Credit: VisitScotland/ Paul Tomkins)
Home / Explore / Regions / Arran and Cumbrae

Arran and Cumbrae

Two of Scotland’s most accessible islands, Arran and Cumbrae are popular for a quiet break from the hurly burly of city life. The larger of the two, Arran, is known as ‘Scotland in miniature’, and the island’s fascinating history, from early Bronze Age to contemporary village and farm life is explored in the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum. Today, Arran’s rich cultural scene is boosted by arts, music and drama festivals, as well as the annual Arran Farmers’ Show and Brodick Highland Games.

Cumbrae, a short ferry trip from Largs, is a mecca for sailors and watersports enthusiasts, who congregate around Millport Bay, and for cyclists who come to enjoy the quiet, circular coastal road. Garrison House is home to the Museum of the Cumbraes (the larger island has a smaller neighbour too) where exhibitions focus on the history of Millport and the two isles. Here you can read legends of smugglers and fisherfolk and get an insight into island life during World War II.

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Locations in Arran and Cumbrae

Kilpatrick Dun Explore fascinatingly complex history of this multi-period archaeological site. Add Kilpatrick Dun to an itinerary
A monument consisting of three large stones atop a bed of beige coloured gravel and green shrubs. The Holy Isle can be seen across a thin body of water in the top right quarter of the image
Lamlash Clearances Monument Learn the impact of the Arran Clearances on communities across the island. Add Lamlash Clearances Monument to an itinerary
stone caves are set into the side of a mountain with a rocky beach below
King's Caves Explore the caves which have inspired famed legends. Add King's Caves to an itinerary
Crocodile Rock Admire the beloved Crocodile Rock - an icon of the Isle of Cumbrae. Add Crocodile Rock to an itinerary
Lochcranza Distillery Experience the incredible flavours of Arran whisky. Add Lochcranza Distillery to an itinerary
Newtown Bay Be inspired by the beauty of this bay at on Cumbrae's south coast. Add Newtown Bay to an itinerary
Kilmory Discover thousands of years of history in one village Add Kilmory to an itinerary
FSC Millport Learn about the rich history of marine research at this unique field centre. Add FSC Millport to an itinerary
Sliddery Discover a village with outstanding natural and cultural heritage Add Sliddery to an itinerary
The Isle of Cumbrae Explore Scotland’s most accessible island. Add The Isle of Cumbrae to an itinerary
Millport Pier Admire the beating heart of Millport's maritime heritage. Add Millport Pier to an itinerary
Isle of Arran Heritage Museum Explore the rich history and community heritage of the Isle of Arran. Add Isle of Arran Heritage Museum to an itinerary
Kilbrannan Sound Experience breathtaking views of the Kintyre Peninsula Add Kilbrannan Sound to an itinerary
Arran Sample all that’s on offer in ‘Scotland in miniature’. Add Arran to an itinerary
Lochcranza Castle Discover a centre of medieval activity in the heart of northern Arran. Add Lochcranza Castle to an itinerary
Brodick Bay Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery in the heart of historic Arran Add Brodick Bay to an itinerary
Farland Point Relax in nature and take in stunning views of Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Scottish mainland. Add Farland Point to an itinerary
Arran Botanical Drinks Unwind and savour incredible flavours at Scotland's only cocktail beach bar Add Arran Botanical Drinks to an itinerary
Machrie Moor Standing Stones Discover a remarkable centre of Neolithic activity on the Isle of Arran. Add Machrie Moor Standing Stones to an itinerary
Kingscross Viking Fort Admire the site of a Viking fort at the stunning Kingscross Point, Arran. Add Kingscross Viking Fort to an itinerary
Torr A’Chaisteal Dun Explore the site of an immense Iron Age fortified settlement in south-west Arran. Add Torr A’Chaisteal Dun to an itinerary
Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park Wander through thousands of years of history at Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park. Add Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park to an itinerary
Lagg Whisky Distillery Discover the story of one of the Isle of Arran's most iconic malts. Add Lagg Whisky Distillery to an itinerary

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Itineraries within Arran and Cumbrae

The Coastal Marvels of Millport

Unwind and explore the wonders of Millport’s coastline in this short, self-guided itinerary.

Discovering 'Arran Water'

Circumnavigate Arran while exploring the history of illicit distilling and whisky smuggling in this illustrated trail from the COAST project.

Arran Through the Ages

Journey through time and discover the rich history of the Isle of Arran.

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