Top 6 Rainy-Day Outings from Pleasant Hill Scotland

Although the West of Scotland has its glorious days, basking in splendid sunshine sometimes for weeks on end, it has been known to rain in these parts. So, what do you do when faced with rainy days? Never fear, there are any number of rainy-day activities to entertain all ages staying at Pleasant Hill Scotland, your perfect Scotland holiday home.

1. A day in Inveraray

A day in Inveraray is a winner for everyone. Experience one of the finest and best-preserved jails and courtrooms in the world at Inveraray Jail and step back in time to a 19th-century prison. Experience what life was like for the real men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up here. Explore the atmospheric historic buildings at your leisure and meet costumed characters who animate the past in this unique living museum. Guests at Pleasant Hill Scotland, a family-friendly holiday home in Scotland, benefit from discounted ticket prices. {Just ask for details.}

Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, and the most iconic and well-maintained visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.

Break up the day with lunch or tea at The George Hotel. Originally two private houses completed in 1770, they were part of a project by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, started in 1744, to build a whole new town in Inveraray - one of the first examples in Scotland of a planned town. In 1860 the two private houses were amalgamated into the George Hotel by the Clark family, in whose possession it remains. Excellent food and a warm welcome await.

2. Glencoe: An Atmospheric Wonder in Any Weather

Arguably Scotland’s most famous and historic glen, Glencoe was recently voted as Scotland’s most scenic and most romantic glen. Over the years, many well-known and highly successful films have been shot about and within the glen. Some of these feature brief scenes, whilst others have involved elaborate sets and a considerable amount of shooting.

Filming for the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, took place on location in Glencoe in 2003. Other films and TV series you may well have seen include Highlander (starring Sean Connery), Outlander, Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail, and Rob Roy, starring Liam Neeson.

Set within traditional 18th-century thatched cottages in Glencoe Village, Glencoe Folk Museum holds an eclectic array of objects celebrating local heritage and providing an insight into the history of the area and its people. For food, the Clachaig Inn is an award-winning restaurant offering great hospitality in the heart of Glencoe.

3. Hidden Wonders of Ben Cruachan

Deep within the mountain of Ben Cruachan, on the stunning shores of Loch Awe, is Cruachan Power Station, one of the country’s most amazing engineering achievements. Discover one of the hidden wonders of the Highlands - a power station buried a kilometre below the ground. At its centre lies a massive cavern, high enough to house the Tower of London. Enormous turbines convert the power of gravity-led water into electricity, available in your home at the flick of a switch.
Not far away is Inverawe SmokeHouse and Fisheries. An exhibition tells you all about the history and ancient craft of smoking fish. An amazing collection of models shows the old ways of catching or poaching salmon. Learn about the extraordinary life cycle of the salmon. An onsite shop and café offer spectacular local produce.

4. Fine fresh fish at the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar in Cairndow.

Or, try out award-winning locally-produced ales at nearby Loch Fyne Brewery. Weather-permitting whilst in the area, and to capture children's imagination, consider Ardkinglas Woodland Garden which is renowned not only for its fine collection of conifer trees but also for the magical Gruffalo Trail and Fairy Trail.

5. Oban: A Window into a Watery Wonderland

Just outside Oban, you can enjoy exciting marine displays, talks & feeding demonstrations at Oban Sea Life Sanctuary. This will open a window into a watery wonderland . . . teeming with amazing sea creatures of astonishing variety. Nestling amidst pine trees on the shores of picturesque Loch Creran, the sanctuary combines a spectacular aquarium with a busy rescue and rehabilitation facility for grey seal pups.
Nestling beneath a steep cliff, Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single-malt Scotch whisky. Founded in 1793, the distillery is in the heart of the town and has a rich history when brothers Hugh and John Stevenson established the Oban Brewing Company. Book a tour, sample the malt and shop to take some home!
To eat? Ee-usk and Cuan Mor are well-regarded seafood restaurants, situated in the heart of beautiful Oban Bay, overlooking Kerrera, Lismore, and the mountains of Mull and Morven beyond. Caledonian MacBrayne ferries and fishing boats ply the bay amongst the yachts and dinghies. There is always so much to watch.

6. Glasgow: Culture and Fun

Closer to Pleasant Hill Scotland, you might head into Glasgow’s city centre for a day of culture and fun.

Of nearly 30 museums in Glasgow, the Science Museum and the award-winning Riverside Transport Museum are amongst our favourites. With over 3,000 objects on display, there’s everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams, and cars to a Stormtrooper. Get hands-on with interactive displays. Walk along recreated Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow’s rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls or help put out a fire with the interactive fire engine. Wander outside and clamber aboard the three-masted tall ship, Glenlee.
Not far away, Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery is also a firm favourite with both locals and visitors. It has stunning architecture and such a family-friendly atmosphere. Daily organ recitals take place at 1 o’clock. Explore 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, marvel at Salvadore Dali's 'Christ of St John of the Cross', and so much more. There is an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions and displays.
The Grosvenor Cinema is Ashton Lane’s Independent Cinema showing the latest films and old classics. A fabulous old, restored cinema with a great family-friendly café inside. In fact, with any number of great restaurants and bars in Ashton Lane, you will be hard-pushed to choose between them!

Read Also: Your Guide to Milngavie: Top Attractions Near Pleasant Hill Scotland

Looking for more things to do?

Whether you're after outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a relaxing day exploring local museums and restaurants, there’s always something to discover near Pleasant Hill Scotland. For more ideas to make your Scotland holiday home experience unforgettable, visit Pleasant Hill Scotland, where you'll find suggestions for family-friendly outings, hidden gems, and exciting activities for all ages. Just ask – there is always so much more!