Arisaig in Scotland is a pretty gem along the country’s west coast and boasts stunning beaches, curious attractions, and great activities. If your inland Scottish journey takes you to its Western coast, make sure to stop by and discover the tremendous number of things to do in Arisaig.
Arisaig is a village in Inverness-shire, just south of the Mallaig region in the Scottish Highlands. The town is surrounded by lochs and spectacular wildlife, with a wide range of accommodation available. Complete with a post office, lodging, and a railway station, you won’t be lacking in amenities in Arisaig. Exploring the island’s highlands is a special treat when you holiday in Scotland, with some incredible things to do while you’re here.
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Things to do in Arisaig
Arisaig is filled with things to do and enjoy some time as you travel the breadth and width of the Scottish isles’ countryside.
The village is famous for its harbour and boat trips, making it easy to hop aboard and enjoy the natural beauty hidden beneath the ocean waves. For a bit more personal touch, why not try kayaking?
Otherwise, scattered around Arisaig are stunning beaches that make the rest of the Inverness-shire envious. They are a hop, skip, and a jump away through the local railway station. There are so many hidden gems tucked away throughout the Highlands that discovering them is half the fun. See our guide for the top things to do in Arisaig.
Land, Sea and Islands Centre
When arriving at Arisaig, your first destination should always be the great Land, Sea and Islands Centre.
You can find Scottish books, a collection of excellent displays, and much information about the beautiful bay of Arisaig. There are also fun-filled activities for children as you learn about the best holiday activities.
Visit Loch Morar
As you make your way down to Arisaig, pay a visit to the fascinating and mysterious Loch Morar.
It’s an incredible way to begin your journey down to this magnificent village. Step aside, Loch Ness, because Loch Morar has its own monster – Morag! You may even catch a sighting of this popular sea monster in the Scottish Isles.
If you’re travelling around Scotland before arriving at Arisaig, you should consider this location heavily.
Try Arisaig Sea Kayaking
Beyond the shores of the village of Arisaig lies some of the most beautiful ocean views and wildlife thatArisaig has to offer.
Travellers who want a more personal journey through the serene waters outside Arisaig will love the sea kayaking. Amidst calm ocean waves or a through the clear waters near a loch’s shore, kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Arisaig.
Traigh Golf Course
Golfers who visit Arisaig will be delighted to hear of the most westerly golf course in the UK Mainland – Traigh Golf Course!
This immaculate 9-hole course is stunning to play on. There is a raw, natural beauty you can find on Traigh Golf Course that is not found anywhere else and presents some of the most stunning sunset views as you tee off.
Arisaig Archery
One of the best activities for children and adults is the Arisaig Archery, situated overlooking the tranquil Loch Nan Ceall.
You’ll garner great love for archery after a session at Arisaig Archery and maybe even pick it up as a new hobby! The instructors of Arisaig Archery are exemplary and are happy to teach you the basics of this sport as you take turns shooting at the archery range.
The Prince’s Cairn
Just north of Loch Nan Uamh sits the Prince’s Cairn, a monument to the departure of Bonnie Prince Charlie for his unsuccessful 1745 rebellion.
This Cairn marks a point just off the A380 and overlooks the stunning loch around it. Any history buffs will thoroughly enjoy the brief trail walk and history surrounding the Prince’s Cairn location and the beautiful views of the loch’s shore.
Silver Sands of Morar
From Arisaig to Morar, the stretch of beaches dot this coastline is the envy of all in this beautiful country!
The Silver Sands of Morar describe the many incredible beaches that you have the opportunity to visit as you explore Arisaig and the West Coast. Complete with fine, white sand, crystal clear waters, and spectacular views of the many small isles near Arisaig like Rum, Muck, and the dominant Cuillin Hills on Skye.
Camusdarach Beach is a particular highlight and an essential visit for any beach holiday to Arisaig!
Larachmhor Gardens
Head east from the village of Arisaig, and you will discover one of its finest hidden gems – The Larachmhor Gardens.
The Gardens are host to a fantastic collection of exotic plants that have been cultivated by eccentric entrepreneur John Holms, with a particular focus on beautiful rhododendrons. The gardens are considered to be private but are open year-round to visitors who will respect the lovely and enriching space that’s been created here.
St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s is one of the most striking churches you’ll see as you explore the village of Arisaig. The church dates back to 1849 and was fully intended by the creator, Rev. William McIntosh, to make a statement – its dark stone bricks are evident of that!
Inside, the church is even more impressive, as the interior is blessed with lancet windows, a pipe organ, and 8-foot tall wood panelling. The tower of St Mary’s Church is likely the most eye-catching of all and makes stopping by the church utterly irresistible.
Loch Nan Ceall
Just off the beautiful village of Arisaig sits Loch Nan Ceall, a sea loch with many stunning islands and a visitor’s gateway to the west coast of Scotland.
Taking a journey to significant attractions in Scotland such as the Isle of Skye or the other isles like Muck is easy from the loch. Otherwise, boat trips will reveal the natural beauty of Scotland’s coastline and the wildlife hidden underneath the waves of Loch Nan Ceall.
West Highland Line
One of the best ways to travel Scotland towards Arisaig is the West Highland Line, considered one of the most extraordinary rail journeys in the world!
The line takes you from Edinburgh to Mallaig, with one of the final stops being Arisaig. Hop aboard the line at the railway station and discover everything from the beautiful Fort William, Inverness-shire, and the many other destinations throughout the West Scottish countryside.
Other Things To Do in Highlands
- Things to do in Aviemore
- Things to do in Beauly
- Things to do in Brora
- Things to do in Caithness
- Things to do in Carrbridge
- Things to do in Drumnadrochit
- Things to do in Fort Augustus
- Things to do in Fort William
- Things to do in Gairloch
- Things to do in Invergordon
- Things to do in Inverness
- Things to do in Kingussie
- Things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh
- Things to do in Lochinver
- Things to do in Loch Ness
- Things to do in Nairn
- Things to do in Newtonmore
- Things to do in Strathpeffer
- Things to do in Thurso
- Things to do in Ullapool
- Things to do in Wick
