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Destination Guide

Oban  is in Argyll. A pretty coastal resort known as the Gateway to the Isles

Oban

Tourist Information

 Things to See & Do in Oban

Click here to view Oban 5 day weather forecast

Oban is referred to as the “Gateway to the Isles”, a town where boats ply their way between Oban and the Hebridean Islands of Mull, Canna, Barra, Coll & Tiree. Oban is the largest Tourist destination on Scotland’s West Highland seaboard, and is a very popular destination to visit.

Oban itself has a wonderful coastal position, in a sheltered bay, looking out towards the Isle of Kerrera , with Mull’s mountain range clearly visible. Especially over the summer months Oban is a busy place with a wide choice of activities and day trips. Oban is also regarded as the Seafood capital of Scotland with many fine restaurants in and around the town.

Oban is only a small town, so is easy to walk round. It is accessible by car, being a 2 ½ hour drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh. There is also a rail service to Glasgow, which is particularly scenic and part of the West Highland Line. Many visitors prefer to travel to Oban by train because of its majestic scenery. Oban is dominated by the folly which is known as McCaigs Tower – a colosseum lookalike standing above the town. Oban Whisky Distillery, right in the centre of town is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, built in 1794, producing a fine malt whisky, which can be tasted on the organised Guided Tours.

There is plenty to keep all family members entertained when in Oban. With water all around you there are a host of water based activities – wildlife Tours, Cruises out to the Islands, Whale Watching cruises, diving, sailing and more. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is one of the world's largest whirlpools and an exceptionally rich area for wildlife. It is quite a spectacle to see and there are Adventure cruises out to see the Whirlpool, situated near to the Isles of Jura & Scarba.

If you fancy exploring the area of Argyll and the Western Highlands, then there is plenty to see and do. The area is great for walking with lots of trails and paths. Near to Oban are two ruined castles Dunollie and Dunstaffnage – the stronghold of Clan Campbell since 1450. 12 miles further on the road to Fort William is the Scottish Sealife & Marine Sancturay – a great place for the kids to visit and it’s a more hands on and learn environment. If you are a fisherman, Loch Awe is the best loch in Scotland for Brown Trout and you can charter a boat for some sea fishing. Oban Golf Course is a challenge, especially on a windy day, but the views are quite spectacula.

Ben Cruachan – or the “Hollow Mountain” is approx. 30 minute drive away from Oban and a must thing to see whilst in the Oban area. Hidden deep within the mountain of Ben Cruachan on the shores of Loch Awe is Cruachan Power Station, one of the country's most amazing engineering feats. Guided tours take you deep into the mountain. The tour takes approx 40 minutes.

No matter which way you drive out of Oban there is a whole wealth of things to see & do. To the south lies Seil Island and “Bridge over the Atlantic”, film set to the 1960’s film classic “Ring of Bright Water”. Travel to Easdale, with its whitewashed fisherman cottages and turquoise water. Ring the bell for the ferryman – the only place in the UK this still happens! Have a beer in the small pub. It only seats 7 with its own micro-brewery. There are wonderful cliff top walks looking out over the Islands. Further on are the ward winning Arduaine Gardens, warmed by the Gulf Stream.

Travelling north from Oban, the drive is very scenic with Glencoe 35 miles away and Fort William just over an hours’ drive away.
For a short break or for a little longer Oban will certainly keep you busy and myhotelbreak has many hotels in and around Oban for you to choose the one suitable for you.