Islay packing list

You’ve booked your stay and have your ferry or plane tickets to get to the Isle of Islay. Now all that’s left to do is start planning and pack your bags.

Any good ‘Ileach’ - that’s Scots Gaelic for Islay local - will tell you that the weather on Islay can be unpredictable at the best of times (it’s one of the many reasons we love this place). Which isn’t a problem as long as you come prepared.

Make the most of your stay at Another Place and Islay with our ‘what to pack list’, curated by our team at The Machrie who know it best.

• Swimming kit and flip flops

Whether it’s a bracing morning swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Laggan Bay right on the hotel’s doorstep, or a well-earned dip in the hot tub in our outdoor wild garden after a day on our championship golf links, you’ll need to bring your own flip flops (as we’re committed to reducing single use plastics). Wrap up in one of our fluffy white robes and head out.

• Golf clubs (or hire them with us)

Don’t worry, even seasoned professionals forget their clubs sometimes - hire them at the hotel’s pro shop. If you’re more of a golfing novice or up for a friendly round with friends, you can hire putters for free and play our social golfing concept, ‘The Hebrides’.

• Camera

With breathtaking landscape every way you turn, you won’t want to miss capturing one of Islay’s famous sunsets, or captivating wildlife including otters, deer, stags and migrating geese.

• Binoculars

Keep your eyes peeled above head for Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles. Or wrap yourself on the beach deck and gaze at the starry sky (and Northern Lights if you’re lucky).

• Dryrobe

We have a number of Dryrobes available at the hotel for guests to use - ideal for dashing to the outdoor wild garden sauna, hot tubs, and cold pool - but you may want to bring your own.

• Wellies…

…or save space and borrow some of ours by the hotel entrance, provided by our partner Warm Welly Company. Read more about our partners here.

• A sense of adventure & humour

Pack your bag and stride out onto the island, before coming back to the hotel to share your stories of the day over a hearty meal in 18 Restaurant & Bar.

• A small backpack

Always useful for day trips, your layers of clothes, or for and visiting one of Islay’s ten renowned whisky distilleries. 

• Space in your suitcase…

…to take home a bottle or two of your favourite Islay whisky of course!

• Layers 

Whatever the time of year, layering-up is a must as the weather can change in an instant on Islay. Sunglasses, woolly jumper and swimming kit are essentials.

• Waterproof jacket 

Be prepared for the unpredictable nature of weather in the Scottish Hebrides – it’s all part of its charm.

• Walking boots

You’ll be glad of the ankle support and grip on the rocky paths when exploring the coastline, lochs and Islay’s two RSPB reserves.

• Something for the children

Gather the family in the snug for a game of scrabble, cards and dominoes, or some table football and pool in our new 1891 games room. Settle into a movie in the screening room (just speak to front desk). But if that’s not enough, then you may want to bring something else for the kids.

• Your dog

Dogs are very welcome at the hotel and all around Islay which offers miles of beach, moorland and fields to explore, plus plenty of dog friendly attractions, restaurants and cafes. Your dog will love it!

• An OS map

One for the keen walkers. Or pick one up at reception!

Start packing for your next stay at The Machrie. Book online.