The Art Studio

The Art Studio sits a stone's throw from Tarbert's harbour, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper wander round. You're looking at working artist studios and exhibition space - the kind of setup where you can actually watch people creating rather than just gawping at finished work behind glass. It's intimate, unpretentious, and the folk running it seem genuinely pleased when visitors turn up.

The appeal depends entirely on what you're into. If you like contemporary art, talking to makers about their process, or picking up something handmade that actually means something - come in. If you're after blockbuster exhibitions and gift shop tat, you'll find this a bit slight. Most people spend forty minutes to an hour here, maybe longer if you fall into conversation with someone in the studio. Kids sometimes get bored within ten minutes, though the right child - the one who likes watching things being made - could spend twice that.

Tarbert itself is a working village rather than a tourist town, which is precisely why it works. The waterfront's got real character. Both The Gather and Tarbert Holiday Park are within easy reach if you're basing yourself in Argyll - you could easily tack the studio visit onto a morning exploring the village, then head off to bigger parks or coastal walks. Go on a weekday morning if you want relative peace. Free admission would be typical for something like this, but best ring ahead to check current hours and any seasonal closures.