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Isle of Mull History Archive

Top 10 Things to do with Children on the Isle of Mull

The outdoors is certainly one of the Isle of Mull’s greatest attractions.  With miles of unspoilt coastline and stunning views around every corner, you’re never short of things to see.  So if you are in the midst of planning your next family holiday and are thinking about days out and activities to do with the kids, you might find this list of our top 10 things to do with children on the Isle of Mull a helpful starting point.  We’ve put together this little list to help entertain your little ones no matter what the weather.

 

1.Explore life from the seas around Mull at the Isle of Mull Aquarium

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

The Isle of Mull Aquarium in Tobermory

Located in Tobermory, the Mull Aquarium is a ‘catch and release’ Aquarium.  This means the species on display are ‘resident’ for a maximum of four weeks before being returned to the water.  As a result there is always something new to see on each visit.  Kids will love the interactive touch pool sessions. There are a good selection of toys and souvenirs too, not to mention the mesmerising contour sand pit!  Contact 01688 302 876

2. Mull Pony Trekking

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Kids will love seeing Mull from the saddle!

Catering to both experienced and first time riders, Mull Pony Trekking offers a superb opportunity for kids to gain experience with the ponies whilst seeing some of Mull’s finest scenery.  Taster sessions can also be booked, ideal for the very youngest riders and those who are a bit unsure.  Perfect for toddlers are the shetland pony rides. After a quick brush and pat you can lead your children out on a short ride.  The more experienced riders will love cantering along the shore on the beach trek.  Contact Liz: 07748807447

 

3. Rainydays indoor soft play and cafe

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Located within Aros Hall on Tobermory’s Main Street, Rainydays soft play will let children burn off that excess energy no matter what the weather!  There are a range of ‘climbing blocks’, slides and a ball pit.  Drinks and snacks can also be purchased and there are a selection of books and magazines too.  Contact:  rainydaysaroshall@gmail.com

 

4. Visit Duart Castle and Tearoom

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull as viewed from across the bay

Kids will love a visit to Mull’s Duart castle.  The castle is the seat of clan MacLean and dates back to the 13th century.  You explore the inside of Duart, where there are exhibits and displays detailing the castle’s history.   Steps lead right up to the roof terrace, where the are outstanding views.  After looking around the castle you can enjoy a sit down and some delicious food and drinks in the tearoom.  Walking trails lead around Duart point.  There is a millennium woodland walk and even a small sandy beach to find!  Duart Castle also hosts a range of events and attractions that take place throughout the summer.  Contact: 01680 812 309

 

5. Explore the stunning gardens at Lip na Cloiche

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Paths weave through the stunning gardens at Lip na Cloiche

Situated on the Isle of Mull’s west coast, Lip na Cloiche gardens will be a firm favourite with children and adults alike.  Entry is by donation and a maze of footpaths let you explore this stunning hillside garden.  The gardens are densely planted with a wide range of plants that thrive in the warm sea air.  The gardens feature a mix of beach-combed and ‘found’ items that are beautifully incorporated into the planting in a way that will surprise and engage children and adults too.  You can also purchase craft items and plants and a proportion of the proceeds are donated back to local charities.  Contact: 01688 500 257

 

6. Take a family friendly walk

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Aros Park is perfect for a family walk

Walks on the Isle of Mull for kids don’t have to involve climbing Ben More, the island’s Munro. You can see some great views at lower levels and with little effort.  Aros Park is a great option for walking with children on Mull. Located just south of Tobermory, Aros Park has a network of maintained tracks, including some that are suitable for pushchairs too.  In sunny weather children will enjoy ball games on the grass where there is also a climbing frame and picnic areas.  In heavy rain the park is stunning with its many impressive waterfalls that thunder into the sea of Tobermory harbour.  There are trails into the woods with adventure courses to complete and stunning views over the harbour to Tobermory.  See details and maps on our walking page.

 

7. Make waves at the Isle of Mull Swimming Pool

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Kids enjoying the Mull swimming pool

The Isle of Mull Swimming Pool is centrally located in Craignure at the Isle of Mull Hotel.  This 17m long pool is great for children because the depth is 1.2m. There is a shallower toddler/learner pool too.  Adults can also enjoy use of the spa, which has a sauna, steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi.  A range of beauty treatments are available and there is a Rasul Mud room.  After everyone has enjoyed the pool you can head over for a bite to eat in the hotel lounge bar.

 

8. Discover the Isle of Mull’s past at The Old Byre

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

The Old Byre heritage centre near Dervaig, Mull

The Old Byre heritage centre is located just outside of Dervaig in north Mull.  Children can play in the covered play area, which has a selection of toys and games.  There are picnic benches where you can enjoy food and drinks from the cafe.  The heritage centre has a excellent display of models that show life like scenes from Mull’s past.  There are also informative films you can watch and a gift shop too.  Contact: 01688 400 229

 

9. Hit the beach for sandcastles and paddling!

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Kids playing on the beach at Calgary on Mull

A trip to a beach is also a good bet and Mull has some of the finest beaches you could wish for.  Whether it’s picnics or sandcastle building, paddling or fishing, children always seem to have a way of making their own fun and games given an expanse of sand to do it on!  Mull has such a beautiful range of beaches and coastline to enjoy with sands of every colour.  Kick start your next beach day with our guide to beaches on the Isle of Mull.

 

10. Become an island explorer and take a boat trip!

Plan a family holiday to the Isle of Mull and your children are guaranteed a great adventure, from swimming to beaches, aquariums, castles and more...

Staffa and basalt columns

Mull offers some amazing boat trips exploring the waters and small islands around its coast.  The trip to Staffa is an ideal short trip to do with children.  The sail takes around 40 minutes from Mull and you have a chance of see wildlife along the way.  Landing on Staffa you get an hour ashore to explore the island on foot (taking care!).  You can guide kids around to the impressive Fingal’s cave, and watch waves crash inside making a tremendous noise!  In spring and summer, puffins arrive on Staffa and young children will enjoy watching these colourful birds.  This is an ideal first boat trip, being shorter in length but big in drama!  See more about Staffa and a list of Mull boat trip operators to contact.

 

These are just a sample of some things to do with kids on the Isle of Mull but you’ll find plenty more.  You’ll also see we have a brilliant range of holiday cottages that our great for families.  See our full range at Isle of Mull Cottages and do get in touch if you’d like any help or advice: 01688 400 682 or mail@isleofmullcottages.com

 

What are your favourite activities to do with your children on Mull?

A Quick Guide To Exploring Iona & Iona Abbey

When you visit the Isle of Mull you can also visit the other islands that are situated off Mull’s coast.  Iona is undoubtedly the most popular of them all and it’s easy to see why, not least because of the stunning Iona Abbey.

Iona from St Ronan

Arriving at Iona and the waters of St Ronan’s Bay

The journey starts in Fionnphort, Mull’s most south westerly village.  You can tuck into fresh seafood on the slipway whilst you wait for the ferry.  The return ticket will set you back a very reasonable £3.30 for an adult or £1.70 for a child.

The crossing takes ten minutes and you will arrive at Iona’s largest settlement, Baile Mor.   The sea in St Ronan’s bay is such a striking blue colour, the white sandy beaches and stone cottages couldn’t be any more picturesque.

Watch our video guide to visiting Iona:

Most visitors make a bee line for the Abbey, a short walk that takes in some of the sights of Iona on the way.

Iona Abbey as you arrive on the ferry

Iona Abbey as seen across St Ronan’s Bay

Iona bench

A bench on Iona encourages visitors to absorb the peace

Iona post office and ferry

Iona post office with the ferry turning in the distance

The site of Iona Abbey dates from 563, when St Columba established a monastery on the island.  Tickets to enter the Abbey are purchased at the Historic Scotland ticket office.

There’s lots to see in the abbey including the impressive cloisters, which have undergone restoration and feature many impressive stone carvings:

Iona abbey cloiseters

The cloisters in Iona Abbey

Abbey Iona cloisters

A face carved in stone in the cloisters of Iona Abbey

stone carving on iona

One of the corner carvings of Iona Abbey cloisters

Abbey cloisters columns Iona

Detail of the stone columns of Iona Abbey’s cloisters

After you have looked around the Abbey you can enjoy lunch at one of Iona’s eateries before exploring other areas of the island.

Iona from above

The whole of Iona from south to north

Many visitors climb Dun I, the island’s highest point.  North beach at Iona’s northern most tip is a stunning beach too, with great views back to Mull.

Dun I sign on Iona

A sign points the way to Dun I, the highest point on Iona

Iona north beach Mull

The white sands of North beach on Iona with Mull in the distance

 

On Iona’s west and southern coast you can enjoy relative peace and quiet as most visitors stick to the island’s east coast and the area around Abbey.

Iona makes a great day out from Mull and is on most visitors ‘to do’ list.

 

Have you visited Iona Abbey? What’s your favourite spot on the island?