Things to Do in Dunoon

Below is a sampling of things to do while visiting the beautiful Scottish town of Dunoon. This list is not exhaustive, and always check directly with the attraction via their website or phone for opening hours.

Of course we’re going to put our e-bike tours top of the list! Our e-bike day trips are aimed to be accessible, safe, and fun, showing you the natural beauty of Dunoon and the surrounding areas. We run day trips Wednesday through Sunday, March through to October. Bookings must be made 24 hours ahead of time to guarantee a tour. Please don’t wait and book yourself on that tour!

Castle House Museum is at the heart of history of Dunoon, and located in the heart of Dunoon! If you come by CalMac ferry, you won’t miss the castle on the hill. This museum illustrates the history of Dunoon from Neolithic times to wartime, including clan history of the Lamonts and Campbells. A great indoor attraction to visit on a rainy day. Opening times are 10am – 4pm (last entry 3:30pm), Tuesday – Saturday.

Benmore Botanic Garden and Puck’s Glen are only a mile apart and connected by a quiet walking path that takes you under enormous trees. Puck’s Glen is a magical hike through a gorge marked by waterfalls and ethereal beauty. The Glen is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland so there are no opening times or entry fees, but it has been affected by storm damage and is currently closed to the public with plans for reopening in 2026.

Benmore Botanic Garden is celebrated for its towering conifers and spectacular rhododendrons, rich in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. It is open daily from 1 March – 31 October, 10am – 5pm. There is also the Redwood Cafe at Benmore serving delicious food and coffee, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Exploring Dunoon and the Clyde coast by boat is the way to do it. Historically, travel in Argyll was far easier via water (the great mountains and glens were hard going before the days of paved roads and cars) and Wreckspeditions gives you the opportunity to do just that.

Go for a forage with experienced forager and guide Sharon on the beaches and in the woods around Dunoon. Sharon holds walking and foraging events throughout the year and season dependent. Mushrooms, seaweed, and wild garlic foraging are some of her most popular walks. Perfect for anyone wanting to grow their connection with nature and the land around us.

Fancy a dip in the cool waters and then warming up in a seaside sauna? Sauna Mara is a mobile sauna that parks itself in Toward and Ardentinny respectively. Book your spot online and enjoy the hot and cold in one session!

More outdoors ideas, Quadmania offers quad bike adventures, clay shooting, and archery from their location in Blairmore.

Go “doon the watter” on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. The PS Waverley calls regularly at Dunoon and Blairmore from spring until autumn each year. Check their schedule for sailing times, or coordinate your trip to Blairmore or Dunoon for when the Waverley is stopping by.

Dunoon hosts world-class events throughout the year, from the Cowal Gathering at the end of August to street markets, music festivals, and sports events.

Dunoon Presents runs a range of exciting, fun, cultural events throughout the year including music, sports, markets, and family-fun activities.

What’s On Dunoon is your guide to local events happening in the area.