Tobermory, Isle of Mull: The Colourful Harbour, History & Things to Do

Tobermory is the chief town of the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. Its harbour front of brightly painted houses, red, yellow, blue and pink, curves round a sheltered bay below wooded hills.

Why Tobermory Is Special

Tobermory's waterfront is one of the most famous and cheerful sights in the Highlands and Islands, beloved by a generation of children as the setting of the television series Balamory.

It is also the perfect base for exploring Mull, one of the best islands in Britain for wildlife, from sea eagles to whales.

The History of Tobermory

Tobermory was founded in 1788 as a fishing port by the British Fisheries Society, which built the harbour and laid out the town on the shore and on the hill above.

Legend says that a ship of the Spanish Armada sank in the bay in 1588, and the story of its lost treasure has drawn treasure hunters for centuries.

The town's distillery was founded at the end of the 18th century and still makes whisky beside the harbour. In the 2000s, the painted houses of the Main Street became famous as Balamory, in the BBC children's series.

Things to Do in Tobermory

Walk along Main Street and the pier, then climb the steep paths to the upper town for the view over the harbour. Visit the Mull Museum and the distillery (check tour times).

Take a wildlife boat trip from the harbour to look for whales, dolphins and seabirds, or walk the woodland path to the lighthouse at Rubha nan Gall.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Tobermory

Mull's wildlife is the great attraction: sea eagles, golden eagles and otters can all be seen around the island, and boats sail to Staffa and Fingal's Cave and to the Treshnish Isles for puffins in summer.

On the mainland, Benmore Botanic Garden and Crarae Garden in Argyll are within reach on the way back from the ferry at Oban.

Tobermory Through the Seasons

Spring brings puffins to the Treshnish Isles and sea eagles nesting. Summer is the season for whale watching. Autumn colours the woods above the bay, and in winter the painted houses glow under dramatic skies.

Getting to Tobermory

Ferries cross from Oban to Craignure, about 21 miles from Tobermory, and a smaller ferry runs from Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan to Tobermory. Oban has a railway station on the line from Glasgow.

Tobermory: Questions & Answers

Is Tobermory Balamory?

Yes. The painted houses of Tobermory's Main Street were the setting of the BBC children's series Balamory.

How do you get to Tobermory?

Take the ferry from Oban to Craignure and drive or take the bus north, or the small ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory.

Our Advice

Our advice: Take an early ferry from Oban, spend the afternoon in Tobermory, and book a wildlife boat trip for the next morning.