Things to do on the Isle of Mull

Calgary Art in Nature | Calgary

Positioned behind the beautiful Calgary Beach, Calgary Art in Nature exhibits work by local artists as well as the resident woodcarver. There is a tearoom and gallery and a network of walking trails through the local woodland around the many sculptural pieces of art work set in the woodland itself.

01688 400256

Glengorm Natural History Walks | Glengorm

Pay a visit to the Glengorm Castle Estate, just a short drive from Tobermory, to take part in guided natural history walks with the Glengorm Wildlife Project. A ranger will lead you and help identify flora and fauna along the way, revealing the island's biodiversity and rich history.

01688 302321

Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust | Tobermory

The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust are a charity committed to conserving marine life in Scotland's west coast seas. Their Discovery Centre is located on the harbourfront in Tobermory, with informative displays, inspiring talks and family friendly activities. They also lead seasonal events, including headland watches.

01688 302620

Isle of Ulva | Nearby Island

The island of Ulva reached via a 5 minute ferry trip off the west coast, is a great place to explore on foot. There are no cars on the island and some excellent signed walks on the cobbled roads. A visit to the restored 'Shelia's Croft', an old black house, is not to be missed. Click here to find out more.

Lip na Cloiche | Ulva Ferry

This much acclaimed garden is open to visitors year round. Set on a west facing hillside, the garden has been lovingly created and is very imaginative, with chicken runs bordering the garden fence and pieces of driftwood and other found objects making up the steps and borders. The owner also offers plants and craft items for sale. No entry fee. Well worth a visit.

01688 500257

Mull Aquarium | Tobermory

Mull Aquarium is located within the Tobermory Harbour building - which is situated in the large car park beside the harbour in Tobermory. This is a catch and release aquarium; species are donated by local fishing boats and are held on display for a time before their return to open waters. There are touch pools, along with exhibits about the marine life found around Mull.

01688 302876

Mull Museum | Tobermory

Located on the on the harbour front in Tobermory, Mull Museum (entry fee, donation welcome) has a good range of exhibits covering geology, ancient history right up to the more recent crofting days. There is also a range of literature on sale about the island's history.

01688 301100

Mull Paddle Sports | Tobermory

Mull Paddlesports offers sea and freshwater kayaking, canoeing and paddle board training and guided excursions, as well as bell boat and dragon boat experiences on the island. 

07812 938977

Mull Theatre & An Tobar | Tobermory

At Driumfin on the outskirts of Tobermory (see map marker), visitors will find the Mull Theatre which hosts performances fom April through to October. In the town itself, just up the hill behind the main street is An Tobar, the arts centre with its gallery and cafe. An Tobar has live music performances as well as exhibitions in the gallery and is well worth a look on a visit to Tobermory.

01688 302211

Pony Trekking | Killiechronan

For keen riders, or for those wanting an activity for all the family, there is pony trekking availabile at Killiechronan, situated in a stunning part of the island at the head of Loch na Keal. There are lots of options available from gentle pony treks to more challenging hill rides.

Rainydays | Tobermory

Rainydays is a community run indoor soft play area situated at the rear of the Aros Hall on the main street in Tobermory. Rainydays is open all year with extended opening times in the holidays. Healthy snacks and drinks are available for children, with teas and coffee and home baking from the cafe.

01688 302415

The Old Byre Heritage Centre | Dervaig

Take the road south from Dervaig towards Calgary and you will see The Old Byre Heritage Centre signposted on your left hand side as you leave the village. There is a small tearoom with gift shop, a covered play area for children and a museum for visitors to enjoy. The museum has some great displays, and as well as informing about the history of the island, has some good information about wildlife, flora and fauna too.

01688 400229

Tobermory | North Mull

A visit to the beautiful village of Tobermory with its array of coloured buildings on the sea front is not to be missed. There are a range of good shops, restaurants, cafe's and pubs for the visitor. For further information visit our villages page.

Tobermory Distillery | Tobermory

Take a tour at the distillery, situated at the southern end of the harbour next to the large, free car park and buy a fine bottle of single malt to take home at the end of the tour. Established in 1798, this is the only distillery on the island and one of the oldest in Scotland. Booking advised for tours.

01688 302647

Whale Watching | Tobermory

Tours depart from Tobermory. You sail out to the area of sea of North Mull's coast, where the deep water currents create the rich marine environment frequested by these large marine mammals. To find our more visit our boat trips page

Willow Workshops | Dervaig

Willow weaving workshops in Dervaig. Join Leen for a morning or day making a birdfeeder or basket, or for a family group, get creative weaving a collection of willow fish to take home. Email contact@calltainncroft.co.uk to find out more.

Duart Castle | Near Craignure

Duart Castle sits on a rocky prominentry at Duart Point. The castle is first seen when approaching the island on the ferry. It is the ancestoral home of the Clan Maclean and is open to visitors during the summer months and hosts various events throughout the year. You can walk around the castle and head up onto the roof terrace for amazing views. There is also a tearoom and some excellent short walks around the point.

01680 812309

Macquarie Mausoleum | Gruline

For a relatively small island, Mull has made quite its mark on history and one of its most famous former residents is Sir Lachlan Macquarie, who came from Ulva and went on to become the Governor of New South Wales in Australia.

You can take an enjoyable, peaceful walk to the Macquarie Mausoleum, located at Gruline, close to Loch na Keal, to see the mausoleum and find out more about its history. This area is especially lovely in spring, when pockets of woodland are blanketed with bluebells.

Mull Eagle Hide | Craignure

Located at Craignure this year, the hide (booking essential), is one of the best places to get a close view of these birds. The rangers will also share their knowledge about the birds and their habitat, well recommended.

01680 812556

Salen Bay Hire | Salen

Take to the water and explore Salen Bay with Salen Bay Hire. Stand-up paddle boards, plus single and double kayaks, available to hire. All hires come with a paddle and life jacket (bring your own wetsuit).

info@salenbayhire.co.uk

Swimming Pool and Spa | Craignure

Visit the Isle of Mull Swimming Pool near Craignure. This 17 metre long pool has great sea views and an excellent Spa attached with sauna, steam room and outdoor jacuzzi pool. They also offer a range of beauty treatments.

01680 700265

Ardalanish Weavers | Ardalanish

From their stunning location behind the beach Ardalanish Weavers produce tweeds and products for global export. The Weavers shop can be visited and you can learn about the process and purchase the products. They also sell refreshments and snacks too.

01681 700265

Bendoran Watersports | Ardtun

Sea kayaking, sailing and water sports on the Ross of Mull. Half and full day trips available with guiding, or the option to hire a kayak or dingie for those with suitable experience.

07398 934532

Iona | Nearby Island

A fifteen minute ferry crossing from Mull's south western tip, the Isle of Iona, with its ancient Abbey and stunning beaches is one of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites. There are numerous eateries and gift shops on the island. Click here to find out more.

Mull Willow | Ardtun

Mull Willow offer willow weaving courses from their beautiful workshop on the Ross of Mull. You can learn the traditional craft of basket making as well as more modern art and sculptural work. You can book on a half day course, making a willow bird box for your garden or a beautifully woven basket, or visit for a full day and create a stool.

07742 611781

Pennyghael in the Past | Kilfinichen

Pennyghael in the Past is a small museum that documents the dynamic history of this part of south-west Mull. Contact pennyghaelpast@btinternet.com to arrange a visit during your stay. Thanks to its location in Glen Sellisdeir, this makes a great addition to a day trip around Loch na Keal or a visit to Tiroran and Burg.

Ross of Mull Historical Centre | Bunessan

Located in Bunessan, beside the ruins of an old corn Mill, this historical centre informs about the rich crofting history in this area of the island of Mull. Great for those interested in geneaology.

01681 700659

South West Mull Makers | Fionnphort

If you're spending time in Fionnphort or will be crossing over to Iona, make time for a visit to South West Mull Makers on your way. The result of lots of local artists, craftsmen and women, you'll find handmade items from paintings to pottery, jewellery to baskets. They also host some events throughout the year from their base in Fionnphort's Columba Centre.

07835 61358

Tireregan Nature Reserve | Knockvologan

Exploring Tireregan Nature Reserve is not without effort - you'll cross boggy land and uneven terrain - but the rewards are beautiful areas of woodland, views of ruined cottages following the Highland Clearances and finally, the white sands of Traigh Gheal. In this wild setting, it's easy to switch off and feel at one with the wildlife, while experiencing a snapshot of the island's nature and history.

Cycle Mull | Island Wide

Electric bikes can be hired from £25 per day from Cycle Mull.  They have mountain bikes and child bikes too.  Cycle Mull are located  just a short walk up the hill from Tobermory harbour.

01688 302923

Fishing | Island Wide

The Isle of Mull has some excellent fishing opportunities. As well as 300 miles of coastline, there are estuaries, lochs, rivers and sandy marks to explore. There are regulations and permits available for the rivers and lochs.  Tackle and Books (who have a shop in Tobermory) also have a good range of fishing supplies and permits availble, and produce an excellent map with further information:  Tackle and Books Guide and Tackle and Books Angling Maps.

Geological Features | Island Wide

From the fossil beds at Ardtun to MacKinnon's Cave and MacCulloch's Fossil Tree, Mull has a wealth of interesting geological features to be explored. Some are reached more easily than others, so have a look at our walking page to find out more about routes to see these impressive geological features.

Guided Wildlife Tours | Island Wide

These mini bus wildlife tours, taking a whole day and usually including lunch, can be a good thing to do at the start of your stay. The guides will be able to show you the best areas of the island for watching wildlife this season, and you can then revisit some of these localities during the rest of your holiday.

Ruins | Island Wide

Signs of ruined villages are present around the island. One of the most popular to visit is the ruined village at Shiaba, which is fairly well preserved with many remnants of walls that depict the fishermen's cottages that once stood there.

Walkers can also visit the ruined village of Gualachaolish, above Loch Spelve. Just a little further south from here, the ruin of Moy Castle can be seen from the walk to Laggan Sands at Lochbuie.

Staffa | Nearby Island

A delightful 45-minute sailing to the small island of Staffa should not be missed. This geological wonder has a large sea cave all of columnar basalt. You can walk around the island and into Fingal's cave, before heading to the grassy pleatau on top, where puffins can be seen during the early summer months. Click here to find out more.

Standing Stones | Island Wide

There are several locations where you can see standing stones on the Isle of Mull. Two of the most popular are the Kilmore Standing Stones in the north-west of the island and the Lochbuie Stone Circle in the south east. Find out more about visiting them with our guide to walks on the island.

Treshnish Islands | Nearby Islands

This archipelago lies just off Mull's north west coast and is an excellent place to see Puffins up close. The islands are reached via a boat tour and the main island of Lunga can be explored on foot and makes for a great day out for all the family. Click here to find out more.

Golf Courses | Craignure & Tobermory

There is an excellent 18 hole golf course above Tobermory with stunning panoramic views. There is also an 18 hole course at Craignure. Both have a clubhouse and are open to non members.

Walks on Mull | Island Wide

There are a huge variety of walking opportunities on the island. One well worth doing, is the climb up the Isle of Mull's highest mountain, Ben More, and don't forget to fit in one of the many excellent coastal walks, such as the long walk to Carsaig Arches. See our Walks on Mull page for more ideas.

Beaches on Mull | Island Wide

Go for a day at the beach. There are some fantastic sandy beaches on the island and a day spent exploring one will be enjoyed by all. See our list of Beaches on Mull

Landscape Photography | Island Wide

Join a photography workshop on the island during your stay. Islandscape Photography offer one and two day options as well as photography tours which are primarily field based with some studio tuition too. Family orientated workshops are also available – suitable for children aged 8 and over. Just contact Sam Jones for more information. 07747 601900.

Road Cycling on Mull | Island Wide

The Isle of Mull being largely single track roads though beautiful terrain is a fantastic place for cycling. Bike repair and hire can be arranged through the shop; On Yer Bike in Salen 01680 300 501. There are also a couple of annual events, a Cyclocross and a Cyclosportive.

Mountain Biking on Mull | Island Wide

There are excellent mountain biking routes across Mull. Options range from marked Forestry Commission Trails and old drovers roads to picking you own route over Mull’s mountains. Bike repair and hire can be arranged through the shop; On Yer Bike in Salen 01680 300 501.