A weekend in Isle of Mull

A colourful harbour, sea eagles and boat trips to Iona and Staffa

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Mull is the second-largest of the Inner Hebrides, reached by a short ferry from Oban. The main town, Tobermory, has brightly painted houses around a harbour, and the island has castles, beaches, mountains and some of the best wildlife watching in Britain.

It is also the starting point for boat trips to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, and for the short ferry to Iona.

Best forWildlife lovers, Walkers, Couples, Families

Best time to goMay to September for wildlife trips and the best weather. Spring and autumn are quieter.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereGlasgow: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car or train to Oban, then a 50-minute ferry to Craignure.

Check prices for a weekend in Isle of Mull

Plan your weekend in Isle of Mull

Top attractions in Isle of Mull

Tobermory

A pretty harbour town of colourful houses, shops and a distillery.

Duart Castle

A historic clan castle on a rock above the sea, a short drive from the ferry.

Calgary Bay

A beautiful white sand beach on the north-west coast.

Wildlife boat trips

Trips to see sea eagles, whales, dolphins and seals.

Iona and Staffa

Day trips by ferry and boat to an ancient abbey island and a famous cave.

Best things to do in Isle of Mull

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Jacobite steam train

The Jacobite is a steam train that runs between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. Allow about 2 hours each way.

Edinburgh Castle visit

Edinburgh Castle stands on an extinct volcanic rock above the city and is Scotland's most visited paid attraction. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre near Aviemore looks after the only free-ranging reindeer herd in the British Isles. Allow about 2 to 3 hours.

More things to do near Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull wildlife boat trip Tobermory and Ulva, Isle of Mull
Iona day trip Iona, off the Isle of Mull
Staffa and puffins boat trip Treshnish Isles, off the Isle of Mull
Oban to Mull ferry day Oban and Craignure, Isle of Mull
Seafood in Oban Oban, Argyll
Hebridean whale watching Tobermory and Oban, Hebrides

Best areas to stay in Isle of Mull

Tobermory

The main town, with the most choice of food and stays.

Craignure

Close to the ferry from Oban.

Fionnphort

The ferry port for Iona, on the south-west coast.

Best hotels in Isle of Mull

Prices for a double room in Isle of Mull typically fall around £130–£220 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Isle of Mull

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Isle of Mull

May to September for wildlife trips and the best weather. Spring and autumn are quieter.

Seasons that suit Isle of Mull well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Isle of Mull

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Isle of Mull

From Glasgow: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car or train to Oban, then a 50-minute ferry to Craignure.
From Edinburgh: About 3 hours 30 minutes by car to Oban, then the ferry.
From Inverness: About 3 hours by car to Oban.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Isle of Mull

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Tobermory.
Saturday: Start with Tobermory, then Duart Castle. In the afternoon, head to Calgary Bay.
Sunday: Visit Wildlife boat trips or Iona and Staffa, then head home.

Packing list for Isle of Mull

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Beach and coast gear

Good to know

Book vehicle ferries well ahead in summer.
Roads on Mull are single track in places, with passing places.
Midges can be a nuisance on still, damp days in summer.

Isle of Mull weekend FAQs

Is Mull good for a weekend?

It works from Glasgow or Edinburgh, but more time lets you reach Iona and Staffa.

Do I need a car on Mull?

A car is very useful, though there are buses and tours between the main places.

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Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.