4 Ideas for Rainy Days

Hopefully you'll experience some lovely west coast sunshine during your stay at Airdeny but, as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, you may find yourself looking for ideas on where to spend a rainy afternoon.  These attractions are all worth a visit during your visit to the Taynuilt area, whatever the weather, and will certainly brighten up a wet or grey day!

Cruachan Hollow Mountain

A focal point in the scenery that surrounds the chalet park and a watch-guard over Taynuilt, Ben Cruachan has a towering presence in the area.  But did you know that it deep within the mountain you will find one of the country's most impressive feats of engineering?  Just a short drive from Taynuilt and on the shores of Loch Awe, you can visit Cruachan Hollow Mountain to learn more about this fascinating power station, hidden one kilometre beneath the ground.  Take a guided tour to explore the heart of this underground world (£7 for adults and £2.50 for children).  There is also a Visitor Centre with a free exhibition, a lochside cafe and a gift shop.    

Glencoe Visitor Centre

About an hour's drive from Taynuilt on the A828 or the A82 takes you to Glencoe, one of Scotland's most breathtaking glens.  The mountain scenery is hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric even on a grey day.  The National Trust's award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre is a wonderful place to find out more about the area's history, landscape and wildlife, with an interactive exhibition, audiovisual presentations and information displays.  Children also receive an activity book to keep them busy.  There is a cafe where you can shelter from wet weather with a hot drink and home-baking, and a gift shop to browse.  

Inveraray Castle 

Inveraray is around a 40 minute car journey from Taynuilt, along the A85 and the A819, and has two fantastic attractions that you could explore on a rainy day.  Delve into the past with a tour of Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell.  As well as touring the beautiful rooms and discovering the castle's fascinating history, you can visit the gift shop and enjoy lunch or a snack in the castle's lovely tearoom, with its Scottish-sourced menu.

Inveraray Jail 

Children will love stepping back in time at Inveraray Jail, one of the world's best preserved jails and courtrooms.  With many interesting exhibitions, and warders and prisoners who bring the jail's history to life, you can discover what life would have been like for its prisoners.  Your visit will start by learning about the torture and punishment of prisoners, and you can then take a seat in the courtroom, before exploring the old and new prisons. 

Other good places to while away a rainy afternoon are the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary, Oban Distillery and the Oban War and Peace Museum.  

Or, of course, you could always simply curl up in your comfortable chalet with a good book or DVD! 

Family-friendly places to eat in the Oban area

Argyll is a wonderful destination for a family holiday, with a wide range of activities on offer from wildlife watching boat trips to outdoor adventure days with Stramash.  From your base at Airdeny Chalets you can spend time walking or cycling, explore the beautiful west coast or the many lovely lochs, head north to Fort William and Lochaber, known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, or take day trips to the nearby islands.

If you're enjoying a family Easter break in the Oban area, here are some ideas of places to refuel after a busy day exploring.

The Oban Chocolate Company

Situated on Corran Esplanade, you can drink in views of Oban Bay as well as the divine hot chocolate.  The spacious chocolate cafe and shop has plenty of seating, and a kid's table, with jigsaws and books to keep younger children entertained.  You can choose from a variety of different hot chocolates, as well as coffees and Belgian waffles, made to order.

They also run kids chocolate workshops throughout holidays, lasting around 45 minutes and aimed at 4-10 year olds.

Poppies Garden Centre

Poppies Garden Centre is signposted off the A85 as you travel south towards Oban.  Located on the edge of the Firth of Lorne with views towards Dunstaffnage Castle, Poppies is another wonderful little cafe.  Younger children will enjoy watching ducks and birds at the feeder on the outside seating area from the cafe's window in the colder months, and there is an extensive menu from which to choose, with smaller portions for wee ones.  Make sure you leave room for the delicious home baking!

Castle Stalker View

If you're heading north on the A828 during your holiday, or planning a tea break on the journey towards Oban, the View and Co Cafe at Castle Stalker is well worth a stop.  The cafe enjoys stunning views of Loch Linnhe, and its beautiful castle of course, and is also now home to a Wildlife Hub, which children will love.  The menu features local produce and mouth-watering home made dishes, as well as fantastic home baking.

Bossards

This bakery/cafe can be very busy at lunchtime and you may have to wait for a seat, but it has a great menu with lots of choice and is good value for money.  The soups, sandwiches and specials are ideal for a light lunch, or you can choose from a range of home baking if it's just an afternoon snack you're looking for.  Located on Combie Street, as you're heading south, it's not far from the centre of Oban.

Oban Fish and Chip Shop 

As Oban is known as The Seafood Capital, you'd expect there to be good fish and chips on offer - and you won't be disappointed.  What better than a delicious dinner of fish and chips beside the sea after a day exploring the coast?

The Oban Fish and Chip Shop on George Street is a popular choice, with Rick Stein having said that they were 'the best fish and chips I've ever tasted'.  High praise indeed.  Whether you want takeaway to enjoy looking out onto Oban Bay or to sit in the restaurant, this is sure to be a hit with all the family.


If you're thinking about a family holiday in Argyll this spring why not take a look at our availability?  The chalet park is ideal for families, with lots of space for little ones to run around, frequent wildlife visitors and a number of activities and attractions on our doorstep.