Making Memories on the Isle of Mull: 10 Unforgettable Family Experiences
1. Family-friendly campsites on the Isle of Mull (50)
4. Family activities on Mull Island (20)
5. Child-friendly attractions on the Isle of Mull (10)
13. Mull Island day trips for families (30)
19. Island hopping with kids from the Isle of Mull (30)
Scotland is a special place to explore with children, but taking a short ferry journey from the Scottish mainland just makes the adventure even more exciting. There are several different routes to the Isle of Mull making it one of the most accessible islands on the West Coast, but the ferry to the Isle of Mull is the easiest option when travelling with children. The Isle of Mull has around 300 miles of coastline, white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, mountains and offshore islands to explore, there is something for children of all ages. This blog post details our top recommendations for things to do on the Isle of Mull with kids. Mull is a deceptively large island, so I have grouped these recommendations together in terms of location, rather than ranking in preference.
Visiting Mull Aquarium was a standout experience for us. As Europe’s first catch-and-release aquarium, it offers a unique approach where local fishermen bring in fascinating sea creatures, which are then returned to their natural habitats after a short stay. A highlight of the visit was the engaging touch pool talk included in the ticket price. We had the opportunity to hold various sea creatures, while learning about their behaviors and habitats. Despite being smaller than other aquariums we’ve visited, Mull Aquarium offers excellent value, with family tickets (for 2 adults and 2 children) priced at just £20.
This innovative and interactive experience is a must-see child-friendly attraction on the Isle of Mull.
2: Crabbing in Tobermory. Originally built as a fishing port in the 18th century, Tobermory is now the main town on the Isle of Mull. The picturesque harbour offers plenty of spots for crabbing, a fun activity for all ages. There’s also a small sandy bay where children can play or paddle in the sea, making it a perfect family destination. This is a great wildlife spotting location on the Isle of Mull for children.
3: Indulge in Isle of Mull Ice Cream. While in Tobermory, don’t miss the chance to try Isle of Mull ice cream. Made using local dairy produce from Sgriob-ruadh Farm, the only dairy farm on the island, this treat is a delightful way to taste the local flavors and support local agriculture.
4: Embark on a thrilling boat tour with Staffa Tours. This is one of the best outdoor adventures on the Isle of Mull for families. Offering several departure points around the island, their Wildlife Adventure cruise is perfect for families, especially since children aged 5-16 qualify for a children's ticket and those under 5 go free. Depending on the time of year, this exciting tour offers a chance to see minke whales, basking sharks, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, common and grey seals, white-tailed and golden eagles, harbour porpoises and a wide variety of seabirds. It’s an unforgettable adventure that brings you closer to Mull’s incredible marine life.
5: Mull Pony Trekking gives you the opportunity to ride on native highland ponies. With a range of treks suitable for all ages and abilities, with hill treks, or beach treks, there really is something for everyone. Based in stunning Killiechronan, at the head of Loch na Keal, it is one of only 40 National scenic areas in Scotland. It is also one of the best areas in Mull for spotting wildlife.
6: Loch na Keal is an ideal spot for observing otters and white-tailed sea eagles. While wildlife spotting requires patience, the Isle of Mull is renowned for its rich wildlife. Many enthusiasts and photographers visit Mull specifically to see these magnificent creatures. If you see a cluster of cars and people with binoculars, stop and join them, you might get lucky and witness some incredible wildlife.
7: No trip to Mull with kids is complete without visiting one of its glorious beaches. Calgary Beach is a firm favourite and one of the best family beaches on the Isle of Mull. Offering sand dunes that provide some shelter from the wind and turquoise waters perfect for paddling. The beach also features plenty of rocks on one side, ideal for rock pooling and climbing. For older children, the water is great for paddleboarding or swimming. For more details on spectacular beaches an things to see and do on the Isle of Mull, click here.
8: The Isle of Mull, the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides and the fourth largest off the coast of Scotland, boasting a population of approximately 2,800 people. Its location is ideal for island hopping, with numerous smaller islands nearby. Two fabulous island day trips for families include the Isle of Iona and the Isle of Ulva. You can watch a short video of our time on Iona here. Steeped in history, the magical Isle of Iona is surrounded by turquoise seas and spectacular white sandy beaches, sure to capture the imagination of your young adventurers. It is worth noting that all vehicles (including campervans and motorhomes) are not allowed on Iona. The only way to reach the island is via a 10-minute foot ferry operated by @calmacferries from Fionnphort, Mull. The main harbor is pushchair-friendly, but if you plan to hike to some of the more remote beaches, consider using a sling for very young children. Don't worry too much about the distances, as Iona is only 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles long, making it fairly easy to navigate on foot.
Buy your Google Map guide to the Inner Hebrides here. It includes:
Campsite recommendations, overnight parking/ community wild camping spots, chemical disposal points, must see attractions and towns, beaches, hikes, food and drink recommendations, driving routes and blog post links.
9: For an exciting way to explore the coastline, hire a kayak or paddleboard from Salen Bay Campsite. As you paddle along, keep an eye out for curious seals swimming nearby and a variety of sea birds. You might even spot some deer along the shore or catch sight of majestic white-tailed eagles soaring overhead. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Isle of Mull.
10: The Isle of Mull boasts numerous beautiful waterfalls waiting to be explored. Our favourite is Eas Fors Waterfall, arguably the most well-known on the island and one of the easiest to access from the road. You can catch a glimpse of the first part of the waterfall as you drive by, but it's well worth stopping to explore further, as the views only get better. If the weather is nice, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic or a paddle. For more information on Mull's waterfalls, click here.
Exploring the Isle of Mull with your family in a campervan or motorhome offers endless adventures. From pony trekking in scenic landscapes and crabbing in Tobermory to indulging in local ice cream and wildlife spotting at Loch na Keal, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to include these top spots in your itinerary for an unforgettable family holiday on the Isle of Mull.
