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March in Argyll is something special. The days are getting longer, the landscapes still have that raw Highland drama, and best of all—there’s hardly anyone here.
Ifyou’re thinking of escaping to the west coast this month, here are some recommendations on things to do while you’re here (all are dog friendly).
1. Explore Argyll’s Beautiful Gardens
Argyll is home to many stunning gardens, from grand estate gardens to hidden botanical gems. Spring brings the first blooms, making March a lovely time to explore them.🔗 Gardens of Argyll
2. Walk Westport Beach (2 hrs from Inveraray)
Enjoy a refreshing stroll along this six-mile stretch of golden sands and dramatic Atlantic views. Perfect for wildlife spotting or clearing your head.🔗 Westport Beach
3. Shop Local at Inveraray Pier Market and Inveraray's Beautiful Boutique Shops (Inveraray)
Explore Inveraray’s characterful independent shops and boutiques at your leisure in March—quieter streets mean relaxed browsing and plenty of time to chat. Discover local treasures, from Scottish crafts and top outdoor clothing to unique whisky gifts, jewellery, and handmade Scottish interiors. It's lovely way to spend an afternoon before returning to The George for a cosy drink by the fire.
On 15th March, Inveraray Pier Market hosts fantastic local artisans, delicious food, and handmade crafts—ideal for finding unique Scottish treasures.🔗 Inveraray Pier Market
4. Visit Inveraray Castle & Climb Dun na Cuaich (Inveraray)
Explore Inveraray Castle’s stunning grounds and gardens ahead of its opening on 27th March. Take the short hike up Dun na Cuaich for breathtaking views over Loch Fyne.🔗 Inveraray Castle
5. Find Your Perfect Dram at The George, Whisky Bar of the Year 2025
With over 500 whiskies behind our bar, let our team guide you to your ideal whisky—a perfect March warmer by one of our roaring fires.🔗 The George Hotel
6. Savour Fresh Langoustines from The George's AA Rosetted Restaurant
Taste freshly caught local langoustines straight from our boat, Ceol na Mara, served beautifully at The George—March is prime shellfish season!🔗 Ceol na Mara Seafood
7. Step Back in Time at Inveraray Jail and Escape Room (Inveraray)
Discover Scotland’s historic justice system through costumed actors and authentic cells at this immersive 19th-century prison museum. Test your families skills in the new escape room!🔗 Inveraray Jail
8. Visit Ardkinglas House, Woodland Garden, Gruffalo Trail & Fairy Trail (15 min from Inveraray)
Explore the stunning Ardkinglas estate, featuring one of Britain's tallest trees, picturesque woodland trails, and a beautifully preserved historic mansion. Embark on a charming woodland following the magical Gruffalo and Fairy Trail. Young explorers will love discovering whimsical carved characters from the beloved story hidden along scenic woodland paths. March offers a quiet, enchanting visit amid budding trees and spring flowers—a perfect day out for families.🔗 Ardkinglas Estate
9. Explore Ancient Sites at Kilmartin Glen (50 min)
Older than the Pyramids and even quieter in March, Kilmartin Glen is a mystical and eerie landscape of prehistoric stones, cairns, and rock carvings. Voted one of the Top 5 Places in the World to Visit by The NY Times in 2023.Don’t miss the newly refurbished Kilmartin Museum.🔗 Kilmartin Glen
10. Visit St Conan’s Kirk (30 min)
This quirky, fascinating church on Loch Awe blends architectural styles from Norman to Celtic, including a relic from Robert the Bruce himself.🔗 St Conan’s Kirk
11. Visit Kintyre Gin Distillery (2 hrs from Inveraray)
Take a tour of Kintyre Gin Distillery, Scotland’s sustainable craft gin producer located in Campbeltown. Discover how their award-winning gin is made using local botanicals, and finish your visit with a delightful tasting—perfect for gin lovers and curious newcomers alike. 🔗 Kintyre Gin
12. Walk or Cycle the Crinan Canal (55 min)
Follow the beautiful Crinan Canal on foot or by bike along its peaceful towpath—9 miles each way or 17 miles round-trip.🔗 Crinan Canal
13. Wander Crarae Garden (20 min)
This tranquil Himalayan-style garden reopens in March, offering peaceful walks and early blooming plants, perfect for a relaxing stroll.🔗 Crarae Garden
14. Wander (and Stargaze) at the Magical Puck’s Glen (1 hr)
Step into another world at Puck’s Glen, a lush and enchanting woodland filled with moss-covered pathways, cascading waterfalls, and wooden footbridges. March is the perfect time to experience this atmospheric forest gorge—misty mornings and fresh greenery create a truly magical setting. The clear March nights are ideal for stargazing in the enchanting surroundings of this fairy-tale woodland gorge.🔗 Puck’s Glen
25. Visit Knapdale Beaver Trail (1 hr)
Explore woodland trails through a historic forest where you might spot evidence of Britain’s only wild beavers, reintroduced here after 400 years.🔗 Scottish Beavers at Knapdale
16. Visit Dramatic Waterfalls
With winter rains still fresh, Argyll's waterfalls are especially impressive at this time of year.
17. Explore Kilchurn Castle Ruins on Loch Awe (30 min)
One of Scotland’s most picturesque castles, this atmospheric ruin sits peacefully by Loch Awe.🔗 Kilchurn Castle
18. Take a Ferry to Lismore Island (1 hr 15 min)
Enjoy Scotland’s shortest ferry ride (just minutes!) and explore this peaceful island’s walking trails and history.🔗 Isle of Lismore
19. Stargazing at Argyll Dark Sky Sites
Enjoy stunning views of constellations, planets, and even the Northern Lights from one of Argyll’s remote stargazing spots.🔗 Argyll Dark Sky
20. Hunt for Fossils on Mull (ferry required)
Take a fascinating coastal hike to visit Mull’s famous 50-million-year-old fossilised tree.🔗 Mull Fossil Tree
21. Photograph Glen Coe (1 hr 15 min)
Capture breathtaking images in this iconic valley, known for its dramatic early-spring landscapes and moody skies.🔗 Glen Coe
22. Spot Seals & Sea Eagles on Loch Etive (45 min)
Take a boat tour on Loch Etive to spot seals, sea eagles, and possibly red deer against spectacular mountain scenery.🔗 Loch Etive Cruises
23. Visit the Tranquil Isle of Gigha (1 hr 30 min drive + ferry from Inveraray)
Take a leisurely day trip to the charming Isle of Gigha, known for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and famously mild climate. Explore the island by bike or on foot, visit the colourful Achamore Gardens as they start to bloom in March, or savour fresh seafood at a local café. It’s the perfect peaceful getaway to welcome spring.🔗 Visit Gigha
24. Cycle the Stunning Crinan Canal Path (55 min)
Cycle the picturesque 9-mile towpath (17 miles round-trip), enjoying peaceful spring views along Scotland’s most beautiful shortcut.🔗 Crinan Canal Cycling Info
25. Visit Fyne Ales Brewery (20 min from Inveraray)
Discover one of Scotland’s finest craft breweries, tucked away in the picturesque setting of Glen Fyne. Fyne Ales offers brewery tours and tastings where you can sample award-winning beers like Jarl and Avalanche, brewed with pure Highland water. March is an ideal month to visit—fewer crowds, fantastic seasonal brews, and a cosy brewery taproom to warm up in afterward.🔗 Fyne Ales
26. Whisky Distillery Tour with The George Hotel’s Minibus and Driver
March is perfect for visiting Argyll’s famous whisky distilleries—Oban, Campbeltown, and Ardnamurchan, to name a few. No crowds, just pure liquid gold. P.S. Arrange our minibus and driver to take you wherever you would like to go (and bring you back safely).🔗 The George Hotel Whisky Page
27. Take a Refreshing Cold Dip in a Loch
Feeling brave? Choose one of Argyll’s secluded lochs and immerse yourself (briefly!) in the crisp March waters. Invigorating, memorable, and perhaps slightly mad—but perfect before a huge bath and a dram by the fire.
28. Spot Wild Otters on the Isle of Seil (1 hr 20 min)
Take a leisurely drive to the beautiful Isle of Seil, known as one of Argyll's top spots for otter spotting. Quietly stroll along rocky shores, scanning the water’s edge for these shy, charming creatures. March’s quietness increases your chances of catching sight of these playful locals as they fish, groom, and play along the shoreline.🔗 Isle of Seil Otter Watching
29. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William (1 hr 40 min from Inveraray)
For an unforgettable March day out, board the famous Jacobite Steam Train—known from the Harry Potter films—as it journeys across the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct. Enjoy dramatic Highland scenery, historic sites, and sweeping views of Loch Shiel and Ben Nevis. Early spring offers quieter trains and spectacularly moody landscapes.
31. Master the Art of Stone Skimming on Easdale Island (1 hr 15 min)
Easdale Island hosts the famous World Stone Skimming Championships every year. March offers you a chance to practice your skills quietly, away from competitors' eyes.
32. Explore the Lost Village of Kilmory Oib (50 min from Inveraray)
Take a step back in time with a visit to Kilmory Oib, a fascinating abandoned village hidden deep within the Argyll woodlands. Walk among the peaceful ruins of old cottages, stone walls, and haunting remains of a community abandoned centuries ago. March’s quiet atmosphere adds to the mysterious, evocative feel of this hidden gem.
33. Enjoy Live Music and a Roaring Fire at The George
Music, whisky, and a crackling log fire—what more could you ask for? Our weekends are lively, our drams are strong, and our fires are always lit.
34. Visit the Sacred Isle of Iona (2 hrs drive + ferry from Inveraray)
Take a day trip to the serene Isle of Iona, renowned for its rich spiritual history and stunning beaches. Wander around the beautiful Iona Abbey, soak up the island's peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy the tranquility of early spring without the summer crowds. It's a journey that's worth every mile.🔗 Isle of Iona
Discover Ancient Rock Art at Achnabreac (45 min from Inveraray)
Take a fascinating walk through Achnabreac Forest, home to one of Britain's largest collections of prehistoric rock carvings. Dating back over 5,000 years, these mysterious carvings, with their swirling patterns, are beautifully visible in the crisp March sunlight. The peaceful woodland trails make for an ideal morning or afternoon exploration into Scotland’s ancient past.🔗 Achnabreac Rock Art
Visit the Inveraray page on our website:
Wild About Argyll's - Things to do page is packed full of ideas for things to do in Argyll in March:
Heart of Argyll - An essential resource for anyone visiting Argyll:
March is truly one of the best months to visit Inveraray and Argyll—uncrowded, dramatic, and full of adventure. And if you need a warm, welcoming place to stay after your explorations, you know where to find us.
