The Oa Parish Church

Getting to The Oa Parish Church means a proper journey to the southwestern tip of Islay, and that's rather the point. This 18th-century kirk sits in isolation on the Oa peninsula, commanding views across to Jura and the Atlantic beyond. The building itself is modest - whitewashed stone, simple lines, the sort of place that feels genuinely old without needing to announce it.

Inside, it's austere and intimate. Wooden pews, a small pulpit, the kind of peaceful quiet that makes you understand why people travelled here on foot to worship. The surrounding landscape is what gets you though. Moorland rolls down to dramatic cliffs, and on a clear day you can see for miles. It's windswept and real, nothing manicured about it.

This is one for walkers and history-minded types rather than kids keen for interactive displays. Allow an hour to wander around, longer if you're planning to explore the coastal paths nearby. The journey from Port Ellen takes about 20 minutes, so it's an easy half-day outing. No facilities out here, so come prepared.

Staying at Islay Glamping Pods puts you ideally positioned for exploring this corner of the island. The church pairs well with coastal walks along the peninsula - you're already making the effort to get out here, so make a morning of it. Expect solitude and genuine remoteness. That's not for everyone, but if you came to Islay to escape crowds rather than fill a schedule, this is exactly the sort of place that justifies the trip.