Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Islay

THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Islay on a Rainy Day

Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Islay

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25 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travellers are saying

  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Laphroaig is my favorite drink on earth, so I was overwhelmed by the opportunity to see the stills themselves. The tour here is remarkable -- we were led this time by Richard, a tall, slim encyclopaedia of company knowledge and procedure. The best part of all was sampling drams in the cask warehouse, a high point of my young life. Certainly make this a priority if you're on the island.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love Bruichladdich, they feel like a sparky start-up even though it's been around for decades. The tour is great: I booked a VIP walkaround with Ashley, a walking repository of company knowledge and procedure. She was dynamic and generous, engaging me like an actual person instead of just a warm body walking through a time-slot. I had a great experience, and the best part was the cask originals she decanted at the end, exclusive to this experience. If that's not enough to get you to go I have nothing else to say.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rebecca led our group through a comprehensive look at one of the finest whiskies on earth, and every step of the process was exhibited to get the best view of how this spirit gets to the bottle. The production floor is state of the art, and the expertise with how they design new expressions is stunning. If you're fortunate the tour will end on the back pier, with a stunning view of Port Ellen harbor.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill Scurry
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I got an excellent tour through the facility by Kyle, who took great care to answer all my questions, but I have to admit that this visit jumped to another level when I paired the tour with a vault tasting experience. Mark the Viking sat me down and poured some earth-shattering drams which spanned recent history from bottles priced beyond the £1,000 range. We spoke for hours, giving each empty vessel time to dry out to smell how the flavor in the glass had changed. The plant is stunning, the people are great, and the taste is one of a kind.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • spc354
    Clarks Summit, PA573 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took public transportation. It is approximately halfway between Port Ellen and Port Askaig. We did not take the tour, but did the tasting at the bar in the visitor center Good selection available for sale.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alan304
    Cranford, NJ1 524 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Instead of being located along the water to facilitate transport of their whisky, Kilchoman is located on a farm in the hills of Islay. The five mile drive on a single lane road through pastures with sheep and cattle is reason enough to visit. The staff have a strong sense of pride in their 100% Islay orientation. There also is a small cafe with surprisingly good sandwiches.
    Written 20 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alexander Woywodt
    Lancaster, UK327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited in January 2024 for a smoke and peat tasting experience. Lovely atmosphere, one other visitor from Japan with whom I shared my oatcakes so that we did not have to drink on empty stomach. Tasted five whiskies that are artisanal Caol Ila so not in the shops. Very nice experience. Would have liked to learn more about Caol Ila
    Written 27 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • larysa76
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great setting for a social history museum. A fantastic range of objects covering all the significant historical periods on Islay. Mention of famous names as well as those not so famous, and so many lovely stories about the objects. Three great quiz sheets challenged us and helped us better understand the displays. Fantastic staff, so welcoming and friendly. Lots of fun and a good afternoon out.
    Written 31 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah P
    Greater London, UK162 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a very nice tasting here. The guy doing the tasting was extremely engaging and knowledgeable. Their single malt isn’t ready yet so we tried 3 of their blends which was fun as we hot to compare the different regional styles. Also had lunch here. The food was great and the views over to Jura are stunning. The visitors centre is very modern and a great space. The staff in the restaurant were lovely. Will try and come back soon when the single malt is ready to try.
    Written 17 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HGilbertRN
    San Clemente, CA6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden Gem!! We ventured onto Islay for the Whisky and happened to pass a sign for Islay Wines. We were delighted!
    You open the gate into Helen & Kenneth’s yard and are welcomed by a cute wood shed with a sign guiding you to ring a bell. Shortly after, you’ll be greeted by Helen & 4 cocker spaniels. This alone is worth the visit, but I do recommend taking advantage of the free tasting.
    The wines are based on rhubarb, bramble berries, and barley. Very unique and balanced, not sweet.
    Throughout your visit with Helen, you’ll learn how her business came about, life on the island, and get lots of cuddles with her dogs. Her warm personality makes her such a lovely host.
    Highly recommend.
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PonyUpMum
    225 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited to buy some gifts to take home to extended family. Really good range of things to buy but the lady in the shop was lovely. Local knowledge was brilliant and really friendly and up for a chat. Lots of advice on where to take the kids
    Written 25 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David C
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Considering it’s run by volunteers, they do an amazing job. Actually better than some places with paid staff. Great displays with really thorough information. Amazing library. The guys there are really helpful and friendly. I wish we’d come here on our first day.
    Written 26 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ryan Jackson
    29 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to the island for whisky obviously, and didn't even know this existed. My father in-law wanted to stop for some beer on the way home & our taxi driver went out of his way to take us here. We were able to sample a variety of beers, most of them very good. The chocolate stout was excellent. Highly recommend the stop if your looking for some beer while on the island. They serve this beer on the local ferries as well.
    Written 29 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DJM1945
    Montrose, UK1 939 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The location of this gallery could hardly be better with a nearby beach. There is a great variety of high quality art which surrounds the tables and seating. The coffee and cakes were also very good.
    Written 17 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DJM1945
    Montrose, UK1 939 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The buildings in this square have been significantly changed as they have been converted into a number of local businesses including an art studio, a gin shop and a marmalade shop
    Written 20 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.