Tobermory

Watch from the prow of the ferry as you pull into Tobermory and the small town’s appeal will be immediately evident. Bright, multicolored houses line the front of the harbor, backed by the woods and hills of the Isle of Mull. This picturesque island capital offers an enticing combination of museums, wildlife, arts venues and activities for children.

Visit the standing stones at Baliscate and the Iron Age fort near Sgriob-ruadh to get a sense of Tobermory’s ancient history, which goes back over 3,000 years. The town itself was established in 1788 by the British Fisheries Society. It gained fame among British children in the 2000s as the setting of the television series Balamory.

Stroll around the town center to take in its cultural attractions. The Mull Museum, on the main street, is a small but informative attraction charting the story of the island. Meet underwater creatures at the Mull Aquarium, which also features displays about the shipwrecks in the area.

Embark on a wildlife-watching adventure from the harbor in Tobermory. The waters around Mull teem with life throughout the year. Bring your binoculars on a boat trip to watch for whales, dolphins, otters and golden eagles. On land, look for the herds of deer that roam the hills outside the town.

Tee off at Tobermory Golf Club, which is set above the town and offers panoramic views as you putt. On a clear day, look north to see the Isle of Skye.

Evenings in Tobermory might feature dining on Isle of Mull cheese and freshly caught seafood dishes, or entertainment in one of the arts venues. Watch a touring company at the Mull Theatre or enjoy an event at An Tobar, an arts center hosted in a Victorian-era school building.

Tobermory is located in the northeast of the Isle of Mull and can be reached directly by ferry from Kilchoan. Drive here from Craignure, the main harbor for ferries leaving Oban, in about 35 minutes. Come in summer for the best weather and wildlife-watching opportunities or enjoy quieter days in spring and fall.