Campbeltown Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety tips, and transportation options in Campbeltown, Scotland.


Introduction to Campbeltown

Nestled in the southernmost tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, Campbeltown, Scotland, is a historic town spanning over centuries of Scotch Whisky heritage. Once the ‘whisky capital’ of the world, Campbeltown is now home to numerous distilleries, which attract connoisseurs and enthusiasts from around the globe. But that’s not all! There’s plenty to see and do here; natural beauty abounds, and you won’t want to miss visiting the charming town itself.

List of Places to Visit in Campbeltown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Campbeltown Heritage Centre: A must-visit for those invested in local history, the heritage center offers interactive exhibits and artifacts depicting the town’s transformation in the industrial era.
  • Springbank Distillery: One of the few distilleries in Scotland that still produces whisky using traditional techniques, this is a must-visit for all whisky lovers. They offer tours scrupulously detailing every step of the whisky-making process.
  • Davaar Island: This uninhabited island, accessible via a cave at low tide, is home to the Davaar Island cave painting, a stunning religious tribute that took three years to complete.
  • Campbeltown Picture House: Built-in 1913, the Picture House is a perfect example of classic Art Deco design and excellent acoustics; a perfect stop for movie lovers.
  • Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse: The lighthouse boasts a breathtaking view of the Irish Sea, and is a perfect stop for history buffs who love visiting lighthouses.

Natural Attractions of Campbeltown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Machrihanish Beach: This stunning, sandy beach is perfect for a stroll or a day out with the family.
  • Kintyre Way Walking Trail: The 85-mile walking trail, stretching from Tarbert to Machrihanish, offers stunning views of rural Scotland, a great way to explore the outdoors.
  • Growthorn’s Farm Trail: This farm trail offers guests the opportunity to interact with farm animals and experience the farm lifestyle.
  • Kiloran Bay: An isolated, relatively uncrowded white sand beach on Davaar Island with crystal clear waters.
  • Westport Beach: The charming, peaceful Westport Beach is situated amid rolling hills, and its calm waters make it an ideal spot for beachcombing and exploring.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Campbeltown

  • Kintyre Way: A variety of winding and undulating trails take walkers through hills and glens, with views of the Mull of Kintyre and the Irish Sea.
  • Lossit Loop: An eight mile walk through twisting, limpid brooks and verdant fields, accompanied by plenty of bird and animal sightseeing opportunities.
  • The Carradale Canter: A picturesque coastal route with stunning views of Arran and Jura plus ample opportunities to see otters, seals and porpoises.
  • Mull of Kintyre Way: This 45-mile scenic route is a must-visit; it boasts of stony sea cliffs, heaps of iconic lighthouses and breathtaking islands.

Best Things to Do in Campbeltown: Activities and Tours

  • Experience Distillery Tour: Enjoy Campbeltown’s finest whisky with this comprehensive and hands-on tour.
  • Sea Kayaking: Discover Campbeltown’s dramatic coastline and waves with guided sea kayaking expeditions.
  • Cycling and Mountain Bike Tours: Journey through lush hillsides, curious villages, and peaceful beaches with a guided cycling or mountain bike tour.
  • Candle Making Sessions: Learn the art of candle making in Campbeltown’s unique experiences.
  • Fishing Trips: Fantastic fishing can be had off the coast of Campbeltown; a day’s fishing trips can be organized by local companies around the stunning sea lochs that circle the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Campbeltown

Day Activity
Day 1 Experience Springbank Distillery and take a walk around the harbour.
Day 2 Visit the iconic Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse and enjoy a leisurely walk on Westport Beach.
Day 3 Climb the Davaar Island to view Davaar Island cave painting and try kayaking.
Day 4 Discover the history of Campbeltown in the Heritage Center and Cycle round the area.
Day 5 Take a scenic drive to Machrihanish Beach and explore the Kintyre Way Walking Trail.
Day 6 Visit Kiloran Bay on Davaar Island and embark on a short hike.
Day 7 Take a candle making session and enjoy the nightlife in Campbeltown.

Food and Drink Scene of Campbeltown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood Platters: The seafood platters at Campbeltown’s finest Restaurants made from locally sourced ingredients are a must-try for seafood lovers.
  • Haggis: A Scottish Classic, haggis is served with tatties and neeps, potatoes and turnips, for a complete Scottish meal.
  • Cullen Skink: A traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock.
  • Arbroath Smokies: Smoked and salted haddock that is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavour and aroma.

Local Beverages

  • Springbank Whisky: A classic Scotch whisky, produced locally using traditional techniques, is a must-try when visiting the town.
  • Kintyre Gin: Produced locally with locally-sourced ingredients, Kintyre gin is a must-try for gin lovers.
  • Fyne Ale: A light, refreshing Craft Ale, perfect for a sunny day out.

Where to Stay in Campbeltown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Royal Hotel Campbeltown: An elegant, old-school hotel with a fantastic coastal view, is a perfect place to stay, located right in the center of town.
  • The Campbeltown Backpackers: Low-budget accommodation with exceptional services and excellent surroundings; perfect for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of Campbeltown.
  • Argyll Arms Hotel: Known for its exquisite rooms and on-site restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, Argyll Arms hotel is ideal for luxury travellers.
  • Craigard House Hotel: With fantastic views of the Campbeltown Loch, the Craigard House Hotel is a popular option for those looking for comfort and elegance.

What to Buy in Campbeltown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Kintyre Gin: The perfect souvenir for gin lovers, Kintyre gin is unique to Campbeltown.
  • Springbank Whisky: Scotch whisky, produced locally using traditional techniques, makes a great souvenir.
  • Campbeltown Heritage Centre: Don’t leave without purchasing a book or souvenir that reminds you of Campbeltown’s rich history.

Local Culture and Customs of Campbeltown

It is worth noting that the residents of Campbeltown, Scotland, take immense pride in their heritage and traditions. Visitors are always welcome, but it’s advisable to respect the town’s customs. If you’re unsure about something, be sure to ask, and the locals will be happy to help you out.

Best Time to Visit Campbeltown

The best time to visit Campbeltown is from April to September when temperature ranges around 13°C to 20°C. This is when the sunsets are fabulous, making it an excellent time to explore the natural beauty of this historic town.

Do’s and Don’ts of Campbeltown

Do:

  • Discover the whisky heritage: Campbeltown is a must-visit destination for all whisky lovers and enthusiasts.
  • Explore the outdoors: One of the strengths of Campbeltown is its natural beauty, and with so many hiking and walking trails in the area, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages: Campbeltown is renowned for its fresh and locally produced food, and you won’t want to leave the area before trying some of it.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave without visiting the distilleries: Campbeltown is famous for its whisky; it would be a sin to leave without discovering Scotland’s famous spirit.
  • Don’t litter: The residents of Campbeltown take immense pride in their local environment, so it’s essential not to leave rubbish behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Campbeltown

Campbeltown is generally a safe place, with the locals being warm and welcoming. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s essential to be careful with your valuables, especially in public areas. It is always advisable to travel in groups at night, particularly in unfamiliar places.

Health in Campbeltown

Campbeltown boasts of one of the best healthcare providers in Scotland, with Kintyre and the islands community hospital providing quality healthcare services.

Getting to Campbeltown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Campbeltown

  • Campbeltown Airport: Located three miles northwest of Campbeltown, the airport is linked to Glasgow, operated by Loganair. A regular direct shuttle service from the airport to the town is available.

Bus Stations Near Campbeltown

  • Campbeltown Bus Station: Situated on Bolgam Street, the Campbeltown Bus Station is the central hub for all bus routes in and around the town.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: A few companies, including Avis and Hertz, provide rental cars at Campbeltown airport.
  • Taxi Services: Several local taxi firms offer a range of taxi services around the town, from airport shuttles to tourist excursions.

How to Get Around in Campbeltown

Exploring Campbeltown can easily be done on foot, especially if you’re in the town centre. If you want to explore other areas, the best way to do so is by car or bicycle. Several local companies provide rental bikes if you need them, and taxis are readily available if you don’t fancy driving.

Where to Go Next from Campbeltown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Campbeltown is a gateway to West Scotland, ripe for exploration. After exploring Campbeltown, you might want to visit nearby destinations, including:

  • Islay: Accessible via ferry from the port in Kennacraig, Islay is renowned for its great whiskies and rural beauty.
  • Mull of Kintyre: Explore the area around the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse with its rich history, stunning views of the Irish Sea, and excellent walking and hiking paths.
  • Inveraray: A picturesque town with outstanding architecture, it’s worth visiting the neo-gothic Inveraray Castle and its stunning gardens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Campbeltown is an excellent destination to visit, full of picturesque landscapes, world-renowned whisky, and warm Scottish hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Campbeltown offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip. Be respectful of the town’s customs and take advantage of the friendly locals readily offering advice. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful pocket of Scotland!

Campbeltown reflections Campbeltown reflections The cave with MacKinnon's painting The cave with MacKinnon's painting