Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park is undoubtedly Arran's proudest and most photogenic historic building, and is open to the public seven days a week, although due to constrained finances (as of spring 2009) only (slightly more expensive) guided tours are available inside the castle on Fridays and Saturdays - however these include excellent histories and details from knowledgeable docents. Opening hours - Castle: 1 Apr to 31 Oct, Sun-Thurs 11-4.00 (closes 3.00 in Oct); Country Park: all year, daily 9.30-sunset; Reception Centre, Shop and Walled Garden: 1 Apr to 31 Oct, daily 10-4.30, 1 Nov to 21 Dec, Fri/Sat/Sun 10-3.30. A Brodick Castle Day Out ticket is available from any ScotRail staffed station within Strathclyde or ScotRail Telesales. This ticket includes: Return rail travel from any Strathclyde rail station to Ardrossan Harbour, return ferry travel on the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick Pier, return bus connection with Stagecoach Western from Brodick Pier to Brodick Castle and admission to Brodick Castle.

On the behest of Robert the Bruce, James Douglas, Lord of Douglas, early in the winter of 1307 previous to their attack on Carrack, attacked forces supplying Brodick castle giving a first minor victory and gaining their forces much needed supplies.

He was able in 1307 to dislodge the English from Brodick, one of the first castles to fall to him in his struggle to regain his country.

Arran Brewery, Brodick - located at the base of the footpath towards Goat Fell. There is an independent restaurant facing you in the main driveway, but walk around the corner to the Brewery itself for some generous free beer tasting and the opportunity of buying 8 pint jerry cans of some excellent real ale! Although not technically holding a licence, you can get away with drinking on the adjacent picnic tables.

Lochranza Castle is partially ruined and the interior is not generally accessible, but its setting beside the sea in Lochranza is quite stunning. There are great rock formations and a lighthouse at Kildonan

Ailsa Craig is an island a good few miles from Arran and can be seen from the south end of the island (e.g Kildonan), however, the only way to get there is on an organised trip from the Ayrshire mainland or Campbeltown. Seals are often visible in the sea around Arran

The various standing stones, stone circles and cairns dotted all over the island. An Ordnance Survey map (Landranger 69 or for more detail Explorer 361) will help you locate them. The best-known are at Machrie Moor, near the village of Machrie.

Golden Eagles can be seen over the mountainous north of the island, as well as diving birds around the coast, hen harriers towards the south, ravens widespread, many deer throughout the island and even red squirrels can be occasionally sighted. Many 'migrating birds have been reported between the seasons, including waxwings and crossbills. Some more nnorthern birds have also been known to become windswept southwards, for example the white-tailed sea eagle and long-tailed skuas.

Torrylinn Creamery, Kilmory, 10AM - 4PM. Cheese shop/viewing gallery/picnic area. Traditional cheese making (Dunlop Cheddar) using 100% Arran milk, since 1947.

Island Cheese Company, Home Farm, Brodick, Isle of Arran. Visit the shop at Duchess Court or order Arran hampers online.

Corrie Caves - approx 2/3 into the village, can be accessed from the Shore Road, and is best visited as part of a steep trek to the top of the hill. There is even an old, rusty car in one of them! Note that parking is very limited.