'Picture postcard' UK fishing port with painted cottages and stunning views

21 January 2024 , 07:09

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The promenade of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and its colouful painted shops (Image: Getty Images)

A 'picture postcard' UK fishing port has become a must-visit location because of its brightly painted cottages and stunning views.

In the late 18th century, Tobermory in the Inner Hebrides emerged as an important port and now takes the crown as the main town on Mull. Tourism chiefs described its buildings as the main draw for visitors. But the small Scottish town rose to fame as the location for the children's series 'Balamory', which was inspired by its attractive features.

Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, is the largest town on the island (Heritage Images/Getty Images)

Hotels and guesthouses are a short distance from its main street, which presents ample Instagram opportunities because of its colourful seafront. The bustling harbour is busy with fishing and sailing boats, as well as the ferry to and from Kilchoan in Ardnamurchan. It's also a popular wedding location for anyone seeking an alternative venue from the main cities.

The wreck of a Spanish galleon is said to be 'somewhere in the mud' beneath the bay. It was part of the defeated Armada of 1588, and was fleeing a fleet of English vessels, before choosing to anchor in Tobermory for provisions. But the ship caught fire, and gunpowder exploded after a dispute about a debt. The galleon was said to have been carrying 'millions of gold coins' when she sunk, but any significant treasure has yet to be found.

Brightly-coloured hotels and properties are a huge attraction for the thousands who visit (© JASPERIMAGE.COM)

As the only distillery in Mull, Tobermory Distillery should be on all visitors' lists. Countless restaurants and hotels serve up fresh Mull seafood which would've just been caught by fisherman in the harbour. The Isle of Mull and Iona has also become a wildlife watching haven, and tourist chiefs claimed thousands of visitors visit the area to spot Golden and White-tailed Eagles.

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The seas are known to be a vital feeding area for whales, dolphins and basking sharks. And the picture-postcard island capital is a good base for wildlife watching on the Isle of Mull.

Tobermory is a popular stop-off for sailors as well as fishermen (SWNS)

Skye and Frisa are the islands' most famous White-tailed Eagles in the world and are used in dozens of TV broadcasts and documentaries. Their re-introduction has been hugely successful, leading to breeding pairs being seen throughout the length and breadth of the island, as well as Tobermory.

Explore Tobermory said: "A great opportunity exists to come and see the White-tailed Eagles who begin to lay their eggs from early March onwards. Incubation takes place after the first egg is laid and lasts for an average of 38 days. Both sexes share responsibility for sitting on the eggs, although the bulk of the incubation duty is carried out by the female."

Graeme Murray