Whether you’re enjoying a whirlwind short-break or rejuvenating week away, the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides has something for everyone. Here we share some of the best things to do on Mull – ready for you to make moments that will become memories to last a lifetime.
One of the largest of the Inner Hebrides’ 36 inhabited islands, the Isle of Mull has been home to thriving communities since Mesolithic times. With its moderate climes thanks to the Gulf Stream, 300 miles of incredible coastline, wild moorland, tumbling waterfalls and craggy peaks, it’s little wonder why the island has drawn so many.
While there is plenty to see on Mull, there are some activities and sights that are a must during a luxury holiday on the island. Here we share with you our favourite things to do, from capturing the Northern lights to exploring historic castles to whale watching on the coast.
Castle Tour
The island’s history has been captured through a number of historic sites around the island, including Bronze Age stone circles, standing stones, and Iron Age brochs. There are also six castles dotted around Mull which portray the island’s more recent history. These include Aros Castle, thought to be the oldest castle on Mull, and Duart Castle, seat of the Clan Maclean for 700 years.
Wildlife Watch
Along with many of its neighbouring islands, Mull is a real haven for wildlife. Providing sanctuary for everything from striking Crossbills and distinctive puffins to agile otters and enormous whales, it’s a real paradise for creatures both great and small. For the best chance to see some of the beautiful resident wildlife, you should hop aboard one of the wildlife tours that operate around the island.
Mull Museum
To learn more about the history of the island and support a local, volunteer-run initiative, head over to Mull Museum. Fully accredited, the museum is packed to the rafters with information about the island and its long history. It’s open between April and October each year and has exhibits on the island’s former ‘blackhouses’, shipwrecks, military past and more.
Beach Browse
There’s nothing better than pulling off your shoes and socks and sinking your toes into soft, powdery sand. Fortunately, all around Mull are some of the most incredible beaches imaginable, making for out-of-this-world destinations for beach sojourns. Calgary Beach, or the ‘Beach of the Meadow’ in its original Gaelic, is one of the most famous – although there are many beaches to choose from.
Visit Tobermory
The colourful town of Tobermory found fame as the setting for the children’s television series, Balamory. The island’s only town, it sits as pretty as a picture on the coast of Mishnish, overlooking mainland Scotland, and boasts a number of multi-coloured buildings painted in playful hues. As well as being particularly photogenic, the town also boasts great shops and restaurants.
Star Gaze
Thanks to minimal light pollution, the night skies over the Isle of Mull are truly spectacular. Brilliantly clear and studded with unimaginable numbers of stars, the skies are perfect for star gazing. Throughout the year it’s possible to enjoy views of the Milky Way, and if you’re really lucky, you can even be treated to one of Nature’s most breath-taking phenomena: the Aurora Borealis.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Mull here.
