Isle of Mull - tips?

[Purplepricklesonherback]

We’re planning a trip to Mull for the May half term - we weren’t planning a whole week there but most accommodation seems to rent by the week only so we may try to do six nights. It sounds gorgeous and I’m excited to see the wildlife, but I’m a bit worried about entertaining the kids (4 and 2) all week if the weather is poor.

there are a few old threads but I’d love to hear some recent recommendations for what’s good to do there? Thanks in advance :)

I'm heading to Mull/Iona soon and all the hotels (including the one I've booked) allowed me to book whatever number of nights I wanted?

Regular Mull visitor here, usually about 4 times a year. We don't tend to take the children as they're older and can stay home alone, but we love a trip to Iona on each visit, and a trip to Ulva for food at The Boathouse. We mostly go for walks/runs, and eat our way round the island! The Glengorm tearoom is brilliant for a lunch, Croft 3 does an okay Sunday roast, and The Cheese Barn is a must for cheese scones and cake! The tour round Sgriob-Ruadh (the farm at Mull Cheese) is worthwhile too.

A boat trip to Staffa is lovely to see the puffins and visit Fingal's Cave, and there are some beautiful beaches along the ross.

Another regular Mull visitor here.

The English May half term is usually a good time, weather wise but also very, very, very busy.

Contact accommodation direct about short breaks, as most try to avoid Airbnb and such platforms. We've stayed at, or looked at, Treshnish farm, Cille Mor Lodges, Port nan Gael campsite (they have pods), and Saorphinn Cottages. Hotels will also do short breaks but aren't as easy with kids.

Tobermory Bay Tours are great for younger kids if you think a full day boat trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles would be too much (although the guaranteed puffins, and possible dolphins might be worth it!). You can take small passenger ferries to Iona and Ulva.

Calgary beach has an art nature trail and ice cream shop.

Tobermory is a good base with lots of places to eat out.

Isle of Mull cheese has a lovely cafe and farm tours.

Mull Pony Trekking takes wee ones on Shetland ponies.

Mull Museum and Duart Castle are good on wet days but really just bring your waterproofs!

Either book the Oban to Craignure ferry now, or consider going via the Corran Ferry (south of Fort William), then Lochaline to Fishnish or Kilchoan to Tobermory - all are turn up and go.

Thank you - this is super helpful.

Brilliant, thanks!

Yes - we wanted an Airbnb/cottage sort of thing rather than a hotel as it’s easier with DC :) have a good time!

If you're planning on visiting more than one of the islands served by Caledonian Macbrayne ferries then look at getting a hopscotch ticket. I would also suggest pre-booking your tickets.
Buy your fuel on the mainland (we normally get ours at one of the supermarkets in either Oban or Fort William, depending on which route you take ). Fuel is more expensive on Mull the tankers have to come from the mainland by ferry.
Don't underestimate how long it may take to get from A to B. Most A roads are single track roads with passing places. (And sheep!)
Get your DC watching Balamory before you go. (Only the pink house isn't on Mull, the rest are all in Tobermory).

We don't normally stay in hotels on the island because we have family on there, but i have stayed in the following when the Toasty Clan is gathering:
We've stayed in The Mishnish Hotel (one of the famous coloured houses), but we were on the second floor and all the rooms have sloping ceilings and we couldn't stand up straight and our bathroom was across the corridor. It's also above the public bar.
If you want to stay in a hotel The Mull and Iona Spa Hotel has an indoor pool. It's only 5 minutes from the ferry terminal at Craignure.