Visitor Centres

The Home Farm, Brodick

Don't be misled by the term «Home Farm» - this area of Brodick is a range of shops, places to eat and plenty of parking spaces.

Arran Aromatics

From the main unit - Arran Aromatics now export their products world-wide. Advertised as Scotland's premier gift toiletries and candle making centre, you can watch how some of the products are being made and purchase them at a well-stocked Factory Shop.
Open Mon - Sat 0900 - 1730 Sunday 1000 - 1700. Tel: 01770 302 595

Please . Website: Arran Aromatics

Duchess Court

In this part is now the unique «Island Porcelain» and a well stocked Gift Shop located.
The Porcelain figurines are not only for display and sale, you can also see how they are proudced. The gift shop has unusual nature products and a large Teddy Bear selection.
Open 7 days 0900 - 1730 (during the season; earlier closing in winter)
Telephones: Island Porcelain 01770 303 600, Gift Shop 01770 302 831

various Arran products Arran: Marmalades, beauty products, mustards

Copperwheat Café

A nice bistro-style café open during the opening times of the Duchess Court Shops. Refresh yourselves with a coffee, a tea or a soft drink and have a snack to quench your hungry stomach before or after shopping here.

Creelers of Arran

Arran’s world famous seafood restaurant, «Creelers», is open daily for a wide variety of seafood dishes including locally smoked produce. It sells also fresh and smoked fish and seafood in a small shop near the entrance. The smoked products come fresh from the smokehouse, where Tim James personally supervises the smoking process.
It is open just before Easter until the end of October. Tuesday – Saturday 1230 – 1430 and 1800 – 2130, Sunday 1300 – 15.00 and 1800 – 2130. Phone 01770 302797.

Please . Website: Creelers of Arran

View of the restaurant building, nearly hidden behind romantic trees

The Island Cheese Company

The Isle of Arran being «Clean and Green» seemed a natural place to establish the Island Cheese Company, and so this family business was formed over 15 years ago in the Home Farm of Brodick Castle. Nowadays they sell at 15 farmer’s markets each month and supply a number of outlets throughout the UK. Here, eight wax sealed flavoured cheddars are produced with great care. You may see the people working through a glass wall. The Shop opens along the normal opening times of the centre. Phone Tel: 01770 302788

Please . Website: The Island Cheese Company


a selection of the famous round waxed cheddar cheeses with irresistible aromas

The Arran Heritage Museum, Brodick

a view over lawns towards the main building

A very interesting presentation of artefacts and records of island life through the centuries can be found at the Heritage Museum in Brodick. Anybody interested in archaeology will find a plethora of information about the first settlers on the island. Very interesting is as well the vast archive which is not only excellently organised but also continuously supplied with information in word and pictures. A field trip for anyone in search of his/her roots on Arran or interested in the islands history. Appealing to both adults and children alike, the centre is open daily (10.30 to 16.30) during the summer months and on Wednesdays only in winter. The tea room is really to be recommended. A large parking area has ample space for the visitors cars.
Tel: 01770 302636

Please . Our Website The Arran Heritage Museum


Balmichael Visitor Centre, Shiskine

This well known and well visited centre is home to small craft studios, gift shops and an Antique shop is located in Shiskine Valley, just at the outskirts of the village of Shiskine and 20 minutes away from Brodick along the String Road. There are retail outlets (Trareoch Crafts, The Lemon Tree, Island Treasure, Stable Antiques) as well as facilities for children - an adventure playground and quad bikes (also for adults!). At Simon's Ceramics Studio you can paint your own pottery. There is also an indoor playbarn, a Golf driving range, Laser Shooting, an Archery and the Old Mill Coffee House. Balmichael is also the home site of Arran Heli-Tours who can provide you with magnificient views of the island from the air.

the rather grand courtyard of the Visitor Centre where most shops are placed around

Balmichael is special because it's diverse. Hardly anywhere else on the Scottish Isles can you find such a wide range of activities in just one location! Even on a rainy day you will still find a lot to do at the centre. Balmichael Farm & Visitor Centre has a suitably large car park!
Balmichael Farm and Visitor Centre is open 7 days during the summer, closed Monday & Tuesday during the winter. Many of the facilities and shops operate 'business as usual' at this time, so please consider the centre if you are planning a visit during Arran's off-peak season. Tel: 01770 860430

Please . Our Website @ the Balmichael Visitor Centre


The best Boy on Arran with his Dad:

Fredi and dad enjoying a snack in mammis kitchen

Brodick Castle

A summer morning at Brodick Castle viewed from its splendorous gardens

The Castle, built on the site of a viking fortress, was home to the Dukes of Hamilton. Let yourself be taken back in time and walk through their former residence and admire amongst others the superb collection of silver, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies. The castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and set in beautiful grounds with parcs, gardens, nature trails and walks, an adventure playground, a restaurant and a gift shop.
Open daily in the summer (tours available). Winter hours vary (see local press).
Tel: 01770 302 202

web: National Trust of Scotland


Isle of Arran Distillers, Lochranza

Scotland’s newest distillery offers extensive tours,whisky tastings, fine lunching in their first floor restaurant and a very well stocked shop to purchase Arran Malts and a carefully selected range of unusual gifts.

the generous visitors reception room a view from the outside in misty conditionsthe wellstocked shop

Open daily throughout the summer, see website press for winter hours. Tel: 01770 830 264

Please . web: Isle of Arran Distillers


Cladach Visitor Center, Cladach, near Brodick

The Cladach Visitor Centre is well worth a visit either by car taking the coastal road to Corrie or by walking along the Duke's beach along the edge of Brodick Golf Course, where an array of sea birds, seals and other wildlife can be seen.

The Isle of Arran Brewers

Set in the shadow of Arran's imposing Brodick Castle, with panoramic views of Brodick Bay and Goatfell Mountain, our new, high-tech micro-brewery blends naturally with its stunning surroundings.

front elevation of the brewery and its visitor reception room

Built to the highest standards to ensure that quality and consistency are maintained, our new brewery combines the art of traditional brewing with a natural blend of the island's unique water and the finest ingredients. The result is a range of ales which, like Arran itself, offers something very special. A competent explanation of the brewing process is then finished off with a genrous tasting of these special local beers. Phone 01770 302 353.

Please . Web: Isle of Arran Brewery


MacKenzie Leather

Alan MacKenzie is a maker of high quality leather handbags, briefcases gladstone bags and medical bags. All the bags will be specially made for you. You can chose from a range of leathers and lining colours and he will be happy to send you leather samples. If you have any enquiries or would like to place an order please do not hesitate to contact Alan. Tel:01770 30 2311.

Please . Our Website MacKenzie Leather


Arran Active

A very essential shop for all guests of Arran who need to buy clothing and equipment for the «Great Outdoor Experience». With this shop very handy, it does not matter if you forgot to bring your outdoor stuff with you. They will certainly be able to equip you with most things you need for your hike or camping trip.
Open Monday to Saturday, 1000 – 1600. Phone 01770 302 416.

Please .


The Wineport Bar and Restaurant

The Wine Port, opened at the end of March 2006 is situated at the foot of Goatfell. With pedestrian access to Brodick Castle, the «Wine Port» has outdoor seating and a large car park.

sandstone front of the wineport with outdoor seating area

Where possible we source and use local products from local producers and at the Wine Port we have Arran Ale, Arran Malt Whiskies, home made baking using local produce, for soups, casseroles, pizza's, Pasta dishes and a variety of sandwiches. Scones, shortbread, Tea's. Coffee's and soft drinks are also available. Enjoy a glass of wine from our extensive collection. Open from early morning through out the day to early evening you will experience a warm welcome in comfortable surroundings. We welcome you and hope that you enjoy the «Wine Port» and your stay on the Isle of Arran. Tel 01770 302 977

Our Website Wineport Restaurant and Bar


Don’t Forget...

… there are many small independent craft studios, galleries and exhibits scattered around the island. Further information on some of these is listed in the village/region pages.