From its sea lochs and iconic villages to the sheltered beaches and islands, Dunoon offers a robust taste of Scotland’s famed Highlands. Renowned for its jovial atmosphere, Dunoon is home of the Cowal Highland Gathering, the largest Highland games in the world.
Things to do in Dunoon
Step into the past at the Castle House Museum. Explore a collection of ancient artefacts and admire photographs that showcase Dunoon’s Victorian history. Enjoy stunning views of the Firth of Clyde and Dunoon’s lush scenery while relaxing in the castle gardens.
Walk through the majestic moss-covered forest of Puck’s Glen. Experience a magical atmosphere as you navigate a narrow gorge overflowing with waterfalls, shallow pools, impressive rock walls and wooden bridges. For an adventure, try the longer Benmore trail that passes under Californian Redwoods and overlooks a brilliant rhododendron display.
Visit the enchanting Benmore Botanic Garden. Set within the mountainside of the Cowal Peninsula, Benmore features flora from Chile, Japan, Tasmania and Bhutan. Discover classic sculptures, such as “A Boy with Two Dolphins” and historical lodgings that shed light on the garden’s origins.
Journey to the Argyll’s Secret Coast on the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula. Choose from walking, sailing, cycling, golfing and windsurfing as you explore one of the most pristine and untouched regions in the United Kingdom. Discover the ancient ruins and crumbling castles sprinkled across the land, including the fairy tale-like Dunans Castle.
Getting around Dunoon
A little over an hour from Glasgow by car, Dunoon can also be reached by train from Glasgow Central to Gourock, then by ferry from Gourock to Dunoon. The city of Dunoon is easy to explore by foot, but hiring a car is best for exploring the surrounding lochs and highlands. Glasgow Airport is 1.5 hours’ drive from Dunoon.