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We have always loved Arran and now our boys are 6 and 8 we love Arran even more. If your children love the outdoors then Arran is full of adventures, biking, hiking, rock pools to explore, secret rope swings and wildlife spotting.

Adventures

This was the first year our boys walked up Goat Fell (the largest mountain on the island). It took them 2 hours up and 2 hours down with plenty of rests to play I spy. The path were well marked and the views were fantastic. You can go from the paths at the castle which are gentle but we like going from High Corrie as you can park your car at the top of the village.

We love jumping of the pier at Lamlash when the tide is high, as its easy to get in and out and there is a coffee shop to warm up in afterwards. You can also take a trip to Holy Island from here but it can be expensive for the whole family at about £40 for a family of 4. We also like the play ground with a view of the sea.

We have visited this rope swing for years and its one of the best. If you drive through Lamlash and turn right at the chutney shop then follow the road till the entrance to the wood and the public car park you will find the swing.

If you are able to take bikes then you will find lots of mountain bike trails and the tourist information point gives you print outs for all kinds of routes. We love Sannox and small children can bike to the falling rocks and parents can walk with them.

Brodick Castle is National Trust and always has lots of events on. They have a great play ground and a bronze age hut with events through out the holidays to make bread, clay pots, spinning and lots more. We love going there for Easter day.

Beaches

K is just the best sandy beach with plenty of rock pool exploring, shelter and a little walk along to a pub that serves ice cream, drinks and food all day. There is a great campsite next to the beach. We like parking at the top of the hill next to a set of steps that go past a swing… not many people know about this spot so its great.

Other beaches we love are – Standing Stones Sannox as there is a lawn that goes down to the beach. There is a great horse riding school and the 2 hour trek takes you into the mountains, along the beaches and through the woods (£30 each).

Blackwaterfoot- is a great beach and the golf club has a great coffee shop and restaurant with stunning views. They serve food all day and very child friendly.

Wildlife

You will see so much wild life on Arran. Seal watching at Brodick or Lamlash is great fun. You will always be looking for dear on the hills but Lochranza have the dear chilling out by the side of the road and paddling in the sea.

We made a little video with our 6 year old for his schools project in one day as there was just so much to see. If you like catching crabs late August-September is always fun.

Wet days

-Make soap at Arran Aromatics just out of Brodick next to the fish and cheese shop.

-Great pool for public use at Auchrannie Hotel (just heading out of Brodick) for a about £5,50 for adults and £3.50 for children over 5. We like the fact that parents can take it in turns to watch the children while enjoying the steam room and sanarium as part of the entry price. They also have a great restaurant with a games room and little soft play room.

-Next to the Auchrannie in Brodick is an indoor soft play area that also has an outdoor play area if the sun does get out.

-If your children are a little older the tour of the distillary at Lochranza is fun especially the tasting at the end and yet again another good coffee shop.

Places to Stay

Arran is an island of 5,000 people but in the summer the island can have over 15,000 visitors. We recommend hiring a house but the hotels on the island are great. The Auchrannie has houses to let or hotel rooms with great pool facilities.