Kintyre is a wonderland of Medieval sites; castles dating back centuries, 18th Century Abbey’s and Victorian-era architecture. Relish in the rich history of Campbeltown – including its days as a bustling resort town and the rise of its distilleries.
HERITAGE CENTRE: Full of information, artifacts, and exhibits showing Campbeltown’s rich history.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 11:30 to 16:30 (4:30pm); Sunday 14:00 (2pm) to 16:30 (4:30pm)
GLENBARR ABBEY: A glimpse of family life as it existed in a beautiful, 18th-Century house with grounds, forest walks, and gift shop.
Hours of Operation: Open from Easter to the 1st of October. Wednesday-Sunday 11:00 to 16:00 (4pm)
Scotland Sightseeing
If it isn’t the beautiful Scottish landscapes that capture you, or the miles of gorgeous coast and roaming wildlife, the centuries of culture and architecture certainly will.
CAMPBELTOWN POTTERY: See pottery being made in the shop, from the potter’s wheel to the kiln.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 8:30 to 17:00 (5pm)
DAVAAR ISLAND CAVES: See the magnificent paintings that have attracted so many visitors over the years.
Hours of Operation: Contact Visitor Information for the day’s tides
KINTYRE EXPRESS: Private charter passenger boat services tailored to your individual requirements are available; a fast and comfortable sightseeing option for anyone looking to explore anywhere from Campbeltown Loch to the northern coast of Ireland.
Hours of Operation: Available soon
As It’s Meant to be Seen
Kintyre is never short on paths to explore. From the Mull of Kintyre, with its panoramic views of Northern Ireland, to the mountains of Bein Ghuilean overlooking Campbeltown, from an ocean walk down Westport Beach to the historic caves of Davaar Island, Kintyre never leaves you wanting for sites to see.
Did you know… that the road made famous by The Beatles in their 1970 song, “The Long and Winding Road” is the same one that you’ll travel to reach Machrihanish Dunes? It’s true! When Sir Paul McCartney was a Beatle, he and his late wife Linda often spent time at a farm they owned just a few miles from Machrihanish—High Park Farm.
The Beaches of Kintyre
Kintyre has many gorgeous and unique sections of coastline. No matter where you’re standing in Kintyre, you’re always a short distance from a long stretch of shoreline sand or a scenic, rocky coast. The beaches at Machrihanish are known for some of the best surfing in all of the U.K. While here, you will often find surfers catching a wave just steps from The Ugadale Hotel & Cottages.
CARRADALE BAY: A very long section of beach known as one of the best in Kintyre. Spend a day relaxing by the waves and soak in the breathtaking waterside views of Kintyre.
SADDELL BAY: A fantastic area ideal for swimming. Famous for being the place where Paul McCartney’s music video, Mull of Kintyre, was shot.
MACHRIHANISH BEACH: A golden beach next to Machrihanish Golf Club. Over 3 miles of sand perfect for walking or running.
WESTPORT BEACH: An ideal beach for long walks or surfing. Check out the historic castles, medieval gravestones, and forts, or simply swim among some of the best waves in Kintyre.
BELLOCHANTUY BEACH: A rich location filled with wildlife, beautiful views, and rocky shores that are great for hiking or climbing.
Activities For Kids in Scotland
Kintyre is a playground for adults and kids alike. Dozens of Scottish beaches and walks, nature, wildlife, a brand new state-of-the-art playground next door, and culture all combined with the comforts of The Village at Machrihanish Dunes makes the area an ideal family vacation destination.
Next door to The Ugadale Hotel & Cottages is the new Machrihanish Playpark, featuring a wide variety of state-of-the-art play equipment including a play pirate ship with many decks, two steering wheels, a slide, a climbing net, a staircase, a hammock, and two masts with flag – where captains and mates of different ages can set sail together on a sea of imagination.
Campbeltown’s Aqualibrium is a state-of-the-art multi-functional leisure complex offering spectacular views of Campbeltown Bay. Enjoy a six-lane swimming pool, fitness suite, library, childcare, a bistro, steam rooms, and sauna.
A regional museum entirely focused on Kintyre, with exhibits featuring prehistoric discoveries from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age; late 19th Century domestic items, medical instruments, and jewellery from Campbeltown; early 20th Century photography and fine art from all over the region.
Pony rides for children 4-6, and horse riding through the beautiful scenery of Kintyre.
Recently renovated, the oldest continuously run, purpose-built cinema in Scotland still showing films.
For an unparalleled wildlife experience with superb bird watching and spectacular scenery, Machrihanish offers what is arguably the very best of Kintyre. The Observatory offers a great educational experience within walking distance of The Ugadale Hotel & Cottages.
Straight From the Cask
As many whisky aficionados know, Campbeltown has a long and storied history as one of Scotland’s principal whisky producing regions. In its heyday at the turn of the twentieth century, it was the largest whisky producing town in the world, with 34 different distilleries. However, the combination of Prohibition and the Great Depression in the United States eventually led to most of the distilleries going out of business. Today, the town is still home to three distilleries—Springbank (Scotland’s oldest family-run distillery), Glengyle, and Glen Scotia—whose high-quality offerings are known and appreciated by whisky lovers around the world. A visit to Campbeltown should be on the “must do” list of every serious whisky lover.
Just a short walk from the distilleries, The Royal Hotel is pleased to welcome whisky clubs, societies, and all who love whisky to stay with us and experience the world of Campbeltown whisky. Through Springbank Distillery, the hotel can arrange tours of the Springbank and Glengyle Distilleries and other sites of whisky interest and tastings in Springbank’s Tasting Room.
For a history of whisky in Campbeltown, see http://springbankwhisky.com/about/place/
