Loch Eck Caravan Park

Benmore Botanic Garden is a 120-acre mountainside garden on the Cowal Peninsula, run by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. You enter along an avenue of giant redwoods, then follow waymarked walks past a pond, a Victorian Fernery and a collection of towering conifers, including monkey puzzle trees and Douglas firs.

Tip: Dogs are welcome on a short lead, but not inside the Fernery. Parking is free, and the high viewpoint is a steep climb, so allow extra time.

Inveraray Castle stands on the shore of Loch Fyne, Scotland's longest sea loch. It is one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture and a Category A listed building. The Campbells, chiefs of Clan Campbell, have a long history here, and the castle's contents give a glimpse into the way their ancestors lived.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets ahead of your visit, as the castle recommends, and check it is open on the day you plan to go.

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.

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.