Loch Shuna Lodges - Fun Days Out

Dunadd is a rocky crag rising from the old Great Moor, just north of Lochgilphead. Occupied in the Iron Age, it later became a seat of the kings of Dál Riata, the Gaelic kingdom that spread across Argyll, the islands and the northern Irish coast. It is free to visit and open all year.

The main reward is the carvings on the rock below the upper enclosure. You'll find a footprint and a basin, thought to have been part of a coronation ritual, plus an incised boar in Pictish style and an inscription in ogham script. Digs here turned up tools, weapons, imported pottery and moulds for making fine jewellery. It suits history fans, walkers and anyone who likes an ancient site with a real sense of place.

Tip: Head up to the carved rock below the upper enclosure first to see the footprint, basin, boar and ogham inscription.

Oban Distillery was founded in 1794 by brothers John and Hugh Stevenson, and the town grew up around it. It is one of Scotland's oldest and smallest working distilleries, with just two pot stills, and it sits in the centre of Oban near the harbour.

Guided tours explain how whisky is made on a small scale, with a tasting of the coastal Highland single malt. Oban is known for a balanced, gently smoky style with bright citrus notes, somewhere between the smokier island whiskies and the lighter, sweeter Highland malts.

It's an easy stop on a day in town. The distillery is a five-minute walk from Oban train station, and there is a bar and a retail shop on site. Oban is also the gateway to the West Highlands and the islands.

Tip: Allow extra time to find paid parking nearby, or walk from Oban train station, which is five minutes away.

Inveraray Jail is a Category A listed courthouse and prison, built in 1820 and now a museum. The prison closed in 1889 and the courthouse stayed in use until the mid-twentieth century. You explore on a self-guided tour, with downloadable audio guides in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian.

Visitors can see the courtroom, the old and new prison blocks and exhibits, along with the life stories of people who passed through. Reviewers praise the friendly, in-character staff and say it is fun for both children and adults. Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for the jail.

There is also an escape room for 2 to 6 people, with a minimum age of 8. Players under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Other experiences include personal guided tours, after-hours lantern walks and a murder mystery.

Tip: Dogs are welcome on the jail tour but not in the escape room, and the escape room must be booked online. There is limited free parking in front, and a large car park nearby.