Tobermory, a colourful town on the Isle of Mull, has been named one of the UK's most charming coastal towns by Lonely Planet, securing the sixth spot on the travel guide's exclusive list of eight.
Rainbow Harbour and Balamory Backdrop
The town is instantly recognisable for its rainbow-coloured houses lining a horseshoe-shaped harbour on the northeast coast. Originally a fishing port in the 1780s, Tobermory Bay now offers a picturesque setting for boats and walks, and served as the vibrant backdrop for the BBC children's series Balamory.
Visitors on TripAdvisor praised the view from the sea, with one noting: "It remains a beautiful view when you arrive from the sea in the charming harbour. Otherwise, there is not much to see (outside the distillery), but the beautiful colourful houses remain a pleasure for photographers." Another remarked that visitors are "immediately drawn to" the bright buildings and appreciate that the town has remained unchanged over years of visits.
Wildlife and Historic Distillery
Boating tours around Mull offer chances to spot whales, basking sharks, and dolphins in the surrounding waters. In the town centre, the Tobermory Distillery, founded in 1798, produces single malt Scotch whisky and offers tours and tastings. One Google review described it as an "AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! To taste a 20-year-old whisky directly from the barrel was sooooo good!! Thank you for the extra attention and the detailed tour. I really enjoyed it."
Lonely Planet's full list of charming coastal towns includes Tynemouth, Whitby, Brighton, Saltburn, Salcombe, Tobermory, Bamburgh, and Portmeirion.
