Holiday rentals and lettings on the Isle of Arran

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental on the Isle of Arran?
• Holiday rentals on the Isle of Arran: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring the Isle of Arran: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see on the Isle of Arran?

• Diverse accommodation types: From charming cottages and cosy log cabins to spacious holiday homes, each property is carefully selected to provide authentic character combined with modern comfort for every visitor.
• Premium amenities included: Many properties feature pet-friendly policies, hot tubs, gardens, high-speed internet, scenic views, fireplaces, televisions, full kitchens, and reliable heating systems for ultimate relaxation and convenience.
• Prime locations available: Choose from five distinct areas including Lamlash for beaches, Pirnmill for sunsets, Lochranza for wildlife, Kilmory for culture, and Corrie for history — each offering unique advantages and attractions.
• Exceptional guest ratings: Holiday rentals consistently receive outstanding reviews, praised for stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, comfortable amenities, and authentic island charm.
• Excellent dining options: The Isle of Arran features highly-rated restaurants serving everything from refined French cuisine to locally-sourced seafood, alongside casual dining featuring fresh sandwiches, traditional fish and chips, and homemade baking in tea rooms.

The Isle of Arran offers a diverse range of holiday rental properties for every visitor. From charming renovated cottages and cosy log cabins to spacious holiday homes, there's something for everyone. Look out for amenities such as:

• Pet-friendly facilities
• Whirlpools or hot tubs
• Gardens
• Fireplaces or chimneys
Beach access

This is one of the best spots for quiet cottages in Scotland, ideal for lovers of rural getaways. If that sounds like your dream holiday, you could also try cabins on the Isle Of Skye, Aviemore or Loch Lomond.

What are the best areas to stay on the Isle of Arran?

The table below details areas for specific interests:

Holiday rentals on the Isle of Arran consistently receive excellent reviews. Guests praise the stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, comfortable amenities, and authentic island charm that make their stays unforgettable. Here are some of our top-rated properties from the past year:

1. Shedock Cottage - 9.7+: Guests love the completely modernised interior, cosy fireplace, and convenient location just 2 miles from Blackwaterfoot beach, perfect for walking and hiking holidays.
2. Ivybank Cottage - 10.0: Ivybank Cottage: visitors rave about the stunning sea views over the Holy Isle, the comfort of this traditional cottage, and its proximity to local pubs, restaurants, and the Holy Isle ferry.
3. The Creagan Cottage with sea view and garden - 9.1+: Guests love the stunning views over the Firth of Clyde in this six-person cottage. Pets are welcome, making it ideal for a trip with your four-legged friends.

The Isle of Arran is a picturesque Scottish island nestled in the Firth of Clyde, offering dramatic mountain landscapes, pristine beaches, and a warm, welcoming island community.

✈️What is the best way to get to the Isle of Arran?

The Isle of Arran is best reached by ferry, with air links a drive away. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By ferry: The main crossing runs from Ardrossan on the Ayrshire mainland to Brodick, with a shorter seasonal crossing linking Claonaig to Lochranza in the north of the island.
• By car: Drive to Ardrossan, around an hour from Glasgow, to catch the ferry to Brodick.
• By air: Glasgow's two airports, Glasgow International and Glasgow Prestwick, are the nearest for flights.

🍴Where to eat on the Isle of Arran?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The French Fox is the best rated restaurant on the Isle of Arran. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Sophie recommends The Drift Inn in Lamlash: a relaxed, family and dog-friendly seafood and grill pub looking straight out across the bay to the Holy Isle — a lovely spot for dinner after a day of exploring.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit the Isle of Arran is spring and autumn, offering quieter roads and good conditions for hiking Goat Fell and the island's coastal paths.

Summer

• Best for: The island's festivals and the longest days of the year, running from June to August.
• Weather: Mild but often wet, typical of Scotland's west coast.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, though midges can be an issue inland on still summer evenings.

Winter

• Best for: A quiet island escape, mild for the latitude.
• Weather: Mild but changeable, with shorter days.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and low-key, with a peaceful feel across the island.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

• Best for: Hiking Goat Fell and the island's coastal paths, with quieter roads than summer.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the peak summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our local Isle of Arran hosts recommend timing your August visit to coincide with the Brodick Highland Games. Held on the island every year since 1886, this annual contest is a perfect way to get a taste of Scotland's unique culture and history.

1. Visit the Giants' Graves
2. Stroll St Molios Church, Shiskine
3. Explore King's Cave
4. Catch one of Arran's festivals
5. Sample the island's food and drink

1. Visit the Giants' Graves

   Just outside Whiting Bay, these Neolithic chambered tombs were found with dozens of ancient artefacts and offer a glimpse into the island's earliest communities.

2. Stroll St Molios Church, Shiskine

   Open to the public every Sunday, this peaceful church is worth a visit for its architecture as much as its services.

3. Explore King's Cave

   Formed by changing sea levels, this cave is said to have sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century and offers sweeping views across the island.

4. Catch one of Arran's festivals

   Depending on when you visit, look out for the Arran Malt and Music Festival, Arran Folk Festival or Arran Mountain Festival, each celebrating a different side of island culture.

5. Sample the island's food and drink

   Try traditional Scottish oatcakes, local cheeses, haggis, Cullen skink and, of course, Arran's own single malt whisky.