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Islay Natural History Trust Visitor Centre

Discover Islay’s wild side in Port Charlotte: interactive wildlife displays, sea tanks, and a children’s wildlife den in a friendly, seasonal visitor centre.

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Nestled in the conservation village of Port Charlotte on Islay, the Islay Natural History Trust Visitor Centre is a hands-on discovery hub dedicated to the island’s rich wildlife and geology. Explore interactive displays, live sea tanks, a children’s wildlife den, and a touch pool, all run by a local charity passionate about Islay’s natural heritage. Friendly staff help identify your finds, and a small reference library and gift shop round out the experience. Open seasonally, it’s a perfect stop for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the wild Hebrides.

A brief summary to Islay Natural History Trust

  • 33 Main St, Isle of Islay, Port Charlotte, PA48 7TX, GB
  • +441496850288
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit midweek during opening hours to enjoy a quieter experience and more time with staff to discuss your wildlife sightings.
  • Bring any shells, feathers, or interesting finds from your walks; staff are happy to help identify them and may record them in the centre’s database.
  • Check the local posters or the Trust’s website for scheduled natural history rambles and talks, especially in July and August when events are more frequent.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby sandy beach and rocky shore to see some of the wildlife featured in the centre’s displays.
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Getting There

  • Ferry + Local Transport

    Reach Islay by car ferry from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula (about 2 hours) or by scheduled flights from Glasgow Airport to Islay. From Port Ellen or Bowmore, local buses or taxis can take you to Port Charlotte in around 20–30 minutes, depending on your starting point on the island.

  • Walking from Port Charlotte

    If staying in Port Charlotte village, the centre is a short, level walk along Main Street from the beach, pier, or local accommodations. The route is flat and well-surfaced, suitable for families and visitors with mobility aids.

Islay Natural History Trust location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Naturalist’s Gateway to Islay

Tucked away on Main Street in the quiet village of Port Charlotte, the Islay Natural History Trust Visitor Centre is a modest but vibrant gateway into the island’s extraordinary natural world. Run by a small independent charity, this discovery centre is dedicated to sharing Islay’s diverse wildlife, from seabirds and otters to rare butterflies and wildflowers, as well as its fascinating geology. Informative panels, hands-on activities, and a small geological exhibit help visitors of all ages connect with the island’s landscapes and ecosystems, making it an ideal first stop for anyone keen to understand what makes Islay so special.

Interactive Discovery for All Ages

The centre is designed to be engaging and accessible, with live sea tanks and a touch pool where you can gently explore marine life from the surrounding shores. Children are especially welcome in the dedicated wildlife den, where touching and exploring are encouraged rather than forbidden. Activities like identifying mermaid’s purses, measuring your height against an orca’s fin, and a seaweed picture table turn learning into play. A natural history reference library offers deeper reading for keen naturalists, while a small gift shop stocks local wildlife-themed items and souvenirs, with proceeds supporting the Trust’s work.

Seasonal Hub for Nature Enthusiasts

Open from May to September, the centre operates as a seasonal hub for both visitors and locals interested in Islay’s natural history. The Trust organises guided rambles, wildlife activities, and monthly talks, with a more frequent schedule during July and August. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to help identify unusual sightings or wildlife treasures you may have found on the island. Your observations can even be added to the centre’s sightings board and records database, contributing to the ongoing understanding of Islay’s changing environment.

Practical and Welcoming for Families

The centre is fully wheelchair accessible, with level access throughout, making it easy for families and visitors with mobility needs to explore at their own pace. A modest entrance fee helps fund the centre and its activities, with tickets valid for a week, allowing repeat visits. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the island’s birds, mammals, and coastal life, the centre offers a warm, informative, and hands-on experience that complements walks along Islay’s beaches, visits to RSPB reserves, and explorations of the island’s rugged coastline.

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