Discover the Isle of Jura

The Isle of Jura is an island for varied holiday days: whisky history in Craighouse, the three mountains of the Paps of Jura, possible wildlife sightings on the water and a shallow, sheltered bathing spot are among its special experiences. When looking for a holiday cottage, you can therefore consider whether your trip should be shaped more by culture, mountain scenery, water or peaceful discoveries.

Whisky and history in Craighouse

In Craighouse on Jura’s east coast, Jura Distillery is at the heart of an important part of the island’s history. Laird Archibald Campbell founded the distillery in 1810; it was officially licensed in 1831. After closing in 1901, the architect William Delme-Evans rebuilt it in 1963 and reopened it. The Classic Distillery Tour takes visitors through the production area and explains the history of the single malt whisky made there.

The historic sights in Craighouse also include the Old Pier at Small Isles Harbour. The L-shaped pier was built by Thomas Telford in 1814. Those interested in maritime structures, island history and whisky can combine these themes when planning their trip without limiting their holiday to a single activity.

Mountains, sea and wildlife

The Paps of Jura offer a hiking challenge comprising three mountains: Beinn an Òir, Beinn Shiantaidh and Beinn a’ Chaolais. From the Paps, panoramic views extend across the island and the surrounding sea. This landscape is suited to travellers looking for an active day in the mountains and wanting to take their preferred focus for the trip into account when choosing accommodation.

Jura Boat Tours’ RIB trips for wildlife watching offer another perspective on the island. Among the animals that may be seen are dolphins, porpoises, seals, otters and white-tailed eagles. Wildlife watching remains a possible nature experience, but this very diversity makes the boat trip an option in its own right alongside hikes and cultural activities.

Those looking for an activity on the water will find a shallow, sheltered place for swimming at Corran Sands. This allows you to vary your daily plans between mountain scenery, a boat trip and a swim. Another practical element for active holiday days is Jura Cycles: eight adult bicycles and two children’s bicycles are available for hire, by the day or week; helmets are included.

Special island experiences and local products

When the mobile wood-fired Bothan Jura Wild Sauna is operating in Craighouse near the Whisky Gallery, visitors can book individual sessions. For a calmer focus during your trip, there is also Lussa Gin, which uses botanicals sourced locally on the Isle of Jura and pure spring water from the island’s hills.

Getting there and choosing a holiday cottage

The ferry between Port Askaig and Feolin carries vehicles and foot passengers on a turn-up-and-go basis. For travel planning, the first important question is therefore whether you want to arrive by vehicle or on foot. When looking for a holiday cottage on the Isle of Jura, you can then consider your planned priorities: Craighouse provides the setting for the distillery, Old Pier and the possible sauna experience, while the Paps of Jura, Corran Sands and the boat trips each appeal to different interests.

Barnhill, also known as Knockintavill, is another part of the island’s historical story. It is the remote house where George Orwell lived while completing his novel 1984. The place therefore represents a literary connection, without any particular opportunity to visit being inferred from it. This allows you to choose your accommodation on the Isle of Jura according to your preferred travel theme while also leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.

More destinations for your planning

If you would like to extend your search beyond the Isle of Jura, you can find more destinations in Furnace, Colintraive, Bruichladdich, Dunoon, Carradale, Ardfern, Bridge Of Orchy and Dalavich.

For the higher-level travel overview: Argyll And Bute.