The town of Brodick, Scotland, is the main village on the Isle of Arran and is home to many attractions. Brodick, from the Norse word for ‘broad bay’, is usually the first town people arriving in Arran experience. It’s a busy port town that acts as the main commercial centre of the island, with many more things to do in Brodick.
Brodick is a holiday-maker’s dream, especially if you’re a fan of outdoor activities. The harbour receives thousands of visitors who use the main ferry terminal across one of the busiest crossings on the west coast of Scotland.
You can reach the ferry terminal by car or using the national rail network, both providing stunning views along the way. The town has all the amenities you’d ever need, and there are several excellent restaurants, shops, a health centre, and even more places to explore. Stick with us as we explore the many…
Things to Do in Brodick
There’s a feeling of excitement when waking up in Brodick Bay and realise you have an entire island at your fingertips.
Brodick is a great basecamp to start exploring the rest of Arran, and there are great climbing spots like Goatfell and other hiking trails across the beautiful mountains of Arran. In the nearby vicinity, you can visit the beautiful Brodick Castle, meet the Rosa Burn Ducks, or enjoy a wee dram at the Isle of Arran Distillery.
Before packing your bags to visit fascinating history museums and formal gardens, see our guide for the top Things to Do in Brodick.
Brodick Castle & Country Park
One of the first attractions you should consider exploring is the magnificent Brodick Castle & Country Park.
It’s the perfect day for a family outing, and you can enjoy a beloved visitor experience. The Castle has a Victorian-styled arcade and excellent mood lighting as you explore the period pieces of furniture, paintings, and sporting trophies.
Best of all is the surrounding estate grounds, which make you feel like you’re long-lost nobility surveying your country villa.
Isle of Arran Heritage Museum
Founded in 1979, this extraordinary attraction gives those visiting Arran a deeper look into its heritage history.
The heritage museum has a little something for everyone, and children can enjoy the hands-on displays at the museum. At the same time, adults can pursue a deeper look into their heritage or just indulge in the museum’s artefacts.
Only one of many splendid museums in Arran, we highly recommend you begin your adventure into the island with some time understanding its past at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum.
Glen Rosa
One of the best and most accessible trails you can undertake a short distance from Brodick is Glen Rosa.
With beautiful views over the craggy mountains of Goatfell, Glen Rosa presents some of the most stunning views of the Isle of Arran. It’s not a short walk and should take about two to three hours to complete.
Highlights include the blue pool, wild goats, and the towering sights of Goatfell nearby.
Climb Goatfell
Goatfell is a great challenge to surmount while in Brodick, perfect for any lover of the outdoors.
Thankfully, Goatfell is less than one hour away from Brodick and presents an opportunity to summit the highest peak in Arran. Always come prepared though, and make sure to pack your best hiking boots and water bottle.
Brodick Golf Club
The stunning golf club at Brodick is an incredible opportunity to practise and test your mettle.
The 18-hole golf course has spectacular views of the east coast of Arran. There’s nothing better than ending the day off with a round on the putting green at Brodick Golf Club.
Afterward, you can relax and sip coffee overlooking one of the finest views that Brodick offers – into the ferry port and village centre
Visit Holy Isle
Head south along Arran’s east coast and you’ll soon spot the picturesque Holy Isle, which you can reach by a smaller ferry terminal
The island is a beautiful holiday retreat where you can attend spiritual events and classes to revitalise your mind before turning to work.
You can check out their website to see what they may have on offer when you go.
Rosa Burn Ducks
During your sightseeing adventure in Arran, make sure to take a pit stop at Rosa Burn Ducks.
You can buy food from an honesty box and feed the adorable ducks, swans, geese, and other gracious birds. No matter when you visit, there is always a group of birds for you to see, so don’t miss out!
Isle of Arran Brewery
Home to award-winning beers and ales, the Isle of Arran Brewery has been a small, independent distillery since the turn of the century.
Come and see the distillery for yourself, enjoying the sights and smells of the brewing process. Whisky is the favourite drink for most distilleries, making a trip to taste the ales and beers at Isle of Arran a refreshing change of pace.
Clauchlands Point
Just before you reach Holy Isle, make sure to stop by Clauchlands Point, which overlooks the Firth of Clyde and Lamlash Bay.
The area is made up of significant biodiversity, giving every length of Clauchlands Point a new and unique feel. The views are romantic, so couples enjoying the Isle of Arran a trip to see this attraction.
See the Isle of Arran
Brodick is only the tip of the iceberg regarding things to do on the Isle of Arran.
The rest of the island is yours to uncover, with plenty of attractions that involve the island’s rich history. Indeed, the Isle of Arran is famed for its excellent distilleries and has many incredible types of whisky, beer, ale, and more for you to sample.
Other than culinary and whisky pursuits, the nature walks and rides available on Arran are unrivalled, with a particular focus on the unique geographical make-up of the island.
North Sannox Pony Trekking
One of the great ways to experience the Isle of Arran is atop a horse or pony.
These friendly equines at North Sannox Pony Trekking are one of the more unique ways to experience the island. Children will also love the interactive element of feeding, grooming, and riding the gentle giants at this pony trekking centre.
Arran Coastal Way
Looking for a real adventure on the Isle of Arran, why not try to undertake the Arran Coastal Way – Arran’s North Coast 500.
This stretch of 105 kilometres of coastline offers only the best views and sights the island has to offer and neatly intersects Brodick along the way. You can tour distilleries, stop by luxury accommodations, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this remote Scottish island.
Catch a Boat Trip in the Firth of Clyde
From the tourist information centre in Brodick, you’ll quickly learn that one of the best morning or afternoon activities is a voyage through the Firth of Clyde.
You may have arrived at Brodick on a ferry, but that’s nothing compared to the speedy boats that can take you around the island.
And while dolphins and basking sharks are rarely spotted en route on the busy ferry crossing, the same cannot be said for the various sailing boat trips you can hire from the central hub in the city.
See the Works of Marvin Elliot
You can see the works of Marvin Elliot, famed woodworker, sculptor, and Arran native, as you make your way up north of Arran’s east coast from Brodick.
Here you can admire the beautifully sculpted pieces that Marvin Elliot has brought into the world, possibly even taking a piece or two home with you, should you be utterly charmed by the artistry.
Other Things To Do in Scottish Isles
- Things to do in Arran
- Things to do in Harris
- Things to do in Islay
- Things to do in Isle of Lewis
- Things to do in Isle of Mull
- Things to do in Isle of Skye
- Things to do in Kirkwall
- Things to do in North & South Uist
- Things to do in Orkney
- Things to do in Portree
- Things to do in Shetland
- Things to do in Stornoway
