Campbeltown is one of Scotland’s premier malt whiskey producing regions and has been bottling fine spirits since the 1800s. The town enjoys a picturesque setting on the banks of Campbeltown Loch, surrounded by rolling hills and rocky beaches. Visit charming museums and distilleries in the town centre and explore the wildlife-rich Kintyre peninsula by boat.
Things to do in Campbeltown
Strolling Campbeltown’s town centre, you’ll notice dozens of handsome historic buildings. Town House on Main Street was built in the 18th century and is one of the most beautiful town halls in Scotland. Enjoy coffee and cake at a cosy café and stop for a drink at an atmospheric local pub.
Campbeltown Museum occupies an elegant Edwardian building designed by famed Scottish architect, John James Burnet. Inside you can see prehistoric weapons, Bronze Age jewellery, antique bicycles and paintings by masters such as William McTaggart.
In its heyday, Campbeltown was home to more than 30 whiskey distilleries. Today, it remains one of Scotland’s five prestigious malt whisky-producing regions. Guided tours take you behind the scenes of iconic distilleries like Springbank and Glengyle. The oldest have been bottling fine Scotch whiskey since the 1800s.
Scenic boat tours depart from Campbeltown and are a great way to explore the Kintyre Peninsula. You’ll cruise past the rugged coastline of Sanda Island and past an enormous granite islet called Ailsa Craig. There’s a good chance to spot local wildlife, including seals and seabirds.
Getting around Campbeltown
Campbeltown is located on the Kintyre peninsula, a three-hour drive from Glasgow and 3.5 hours from Glasgow Airport. Ferries run between Campbeltown and Ardrossan in around three hours, while there’s also a ferry to Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. Campbeltown Airport is a 10-minute drive from the town centre and offers regular flights to Glasgow Airport.