McCaig's Tower and Battery Hill in Oban, Scotland

Things to do in  Oban

Sitting pretty by the bay

Many travelers pass through Oban on their way to catch a ferry to the Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona, Barra, or beyond, but this little seaside town is much more than just a gateway to the isles. Set on a pretty bay on Scotland's west coast, Oban offers plenty of things to do, from kayaking and fishing to sampling a few drams of whisky at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. There are also pubs and restaurants serving some of the best seafood in Scotland to explore.

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Top 6 attractions in Oban

#1

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

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A vast landscape of hills and mountains, lush valleys, mist-shrouded lochs, and shady woodland trails, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park makes an easy rural retreat from Scotland’s biggest city. Located just north of Glasgow, the park also serves as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.More
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#2

Rannoch Moor

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With its expanse of heather-speckled moors, peat bogs and mist-veiled lochs, Rannoch Moor offers an enchanting introduction to the wild scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Vast, remote and uninhabitable, the moors stretch over 12,800 hectares (128 sq.km) between Glencoe and Loch Rannoch, and have long been a favorite spot for hikers and photographers looking to escape the beaten track.The easiest way to take in the dramatic scenery of Rannoch Moor is with a ride on the West Highland Railway, a historic route that runs through a 23-mile stretch of the moors. Alternatively a number of hiking, cycling and 4WD trails offer the chance to discover the rugged moorlands and the surrounding mountains, as well as spot native wildlife like Red and Roe deer, red squirrel, Golden Eagle and even the elusive Scottish Wildcat.More
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#3

Inveraray Castle

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Complete with turrets and battlements, this Gothic Revival-style castle is revered for its storybook good looks. Inveraray Castle has been the seat of the Clan Campbell since the 15th century and has more recently served as a filming location for Downton Abbey. The castle houses collections of weapons and art, and is surrounded by manicured gardens.More
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#4

Kilchurn Castle

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Travel to a tiny peninsula at the northern tip of Loch Awe to visit the ruins of Kilchurn Castle, one of the most photographed sites in Scotland. Abandoned since a fire in the 1750s, the ruins are open for exploration, which can include climbing to the top of its 4-story tower. There is no attendant at the door or souvenir shop, just the scenic castle ruins in the countryside.More
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#5

Glencoe (Glen Coe)

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Bordered by steep, waterfall-threaded mountains, dramatic Glencoe (Glen Coe) is the stuff of Scottish postcards. Though it has historical significance—it was the site of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre of the MacDonald Clan—and its very own ski resort, Glencoe Mountain Resort, the valley’s main draw is its spectacular scenery.More
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#6

Inveraray Jail

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Get a peek behind the bars of a mid-19th-century jailhouse and courtroom at Inveraray Jail, one of the best-preserved prisons of its kind in the world. Inveraray Jail opens the door to Scotland’s grim and grisly past with costumed actors, interactive exhibitions, and real-life stories from former convicts.More
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Explore Oban by interest

Top activities in Oban

Historical Tour and Seafood Experience

Historical Tour and Seafood Experience

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12
From
$112.34
Oban To Glasgow | Executive Transfer

Oban To Glasgow | Executive Transfer

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1
From
$529.77
per group
Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Experience

Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Experience

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43
From
$12.77
Oban To Edinburgh | Executive Transfer

Oban To Edinburgh | Executive Transfer

From
$637.00
per group
Oban to Glasgow Luxury Car Transfer

Oban to Glasgow Luxury Car Transfer

From
$488.28
Oban to Edinburgh Luxury Taxi Transfer

Oban to Edinburgh Luxury Taxi Transfer

From
$548.91
Self-Guided Audio-Described Cycling Tour around Oban

Self-Guided Audio-Described Cycling Tour around Oban

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2
From
$44.68
Full day Private Harry Potter Sights and Castles Tour from Oban

Full day Private Harry Potter Sights and Castles Tour from Oban

From
$1,008.47
per group
Full-Day Private Historical Tour in Glencoe from Oban

Full-Day Private Historical Tour in Glencoe from Oban

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2
From
$765.93
per group
Oban Guided Private Walking Tour

Oban Guided Private Walking Tour

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7
From
$108.51
per group
Oban Wee Walk and A Whisky Tour
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Oban Wee Walk and A Whisky Tour

From
$81.70
Full-Day Private West Highland Whisky and Scenic Tour from Oban

Full-Day Private West Highland Whisky and Scenic Tour from Oban

From
$1,021.24
per group
Private Oban Town Tour

Private Oban Town Tour

From
$146.80
per group
Oban Terminal Pickup - Tour of Highlands, Lochs & Castles

Oban Terminal Pickup - Tour of Highlands, Lochs & Castles

From
$765.93
per group
Inverary Castle, Historic Sights and Scenic Beauty from Oban

Inverary Castle, Historic Sights and Scenic Beauty from Oban

From
$1,148.89
per group
Oban Town Daily Walking Tour (10:30am)
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Oban Town Daily Walking Tour (10:30am)

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39
From
$17.87
One Day Private Sailing from Oban Marina with Lunch

One Day Private Sailing from Oban Marina with Lunch

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3
From
$1,046.77
per group
4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Whisky Included! With free pickup!

4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Whisky Included! With free pickup!

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9
From
$2,170.13
Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

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7
From
$561.68
Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

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13
From
$797.84
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All about Oban

When to visit

Oban teems with tourists in summer. Visit in its peak season (July and August) and you may find accommodation booked up, restaurants full, and the streets uncomfortably crowded. For a more pleasant experience, aim for a May, June, or September visit when the weather is still close to its best, but visitors are fewer. If you’re willing to brave the chill, visit in late November for Oban Winter Festival, a 10-day event with parades, performers, pipers, and more.

Getting around

In this compact town, most of Oban’s places of interest can be easily reached on foot—although some require walking up steep hills. West Coast Motors operates a bus system in and around Oban, including to and from the small Oban Airport. Oban Railway Station and Oban Ferry Terminal are within a 5-minute walk of one another.

Traveler tips

For the best view in Oban, head uphill to McCaig’s Tower. You can see its granite Roman Colosseum-esque circular shell towering above the town from almost anywhere, and it's well worth climbing the 144 steps to the top of Battery Hill for the views across Oban Bay and to the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull. There’s a viewing platform, seats, and garden inside the tower.

Attractions
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Tours
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People Also Ask

Is Oban worth visiting?

Yes, Oban is well worth visiting. It is a beautiful small town known for its Victorian architecture, idyllic coastal location, and access to the Hebridean islands. There are many things to do in Oban, from watersports and wildlife spotting to whisky tasting and dining on excellent, freshly caught seafood.

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How many days do you need in Oban?

One day is enough time to see all of Oban’s most important sights and get a feel for the town. However, it's worthwhile to stay longer and use Oban as a base to explore the surrounding region and take day trips to the closest islands, such as Kerrera and Lismore.

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What is Oban known for?

Oban, which means little bay in Gaelic, is the departure point for ferry routes around the Hebrides. The town is also known as the seafood capital of Scotland, and it has an abundance of restaurants serving freshly caught local seafood, from fish and chips to fine dining.

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Which is better, Oban or Fort William?

It depends. Both Oban and Fort William are good places to base yourself for further adventures around the west coast, but Oban is a much prettier town. Stay in Oban if you want to explore the islands, and stay in Fort William if you want to explore the mountains.

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How long is the train journey from Edinburgh to Oban?

It typically takes between 4.5 and five hours to travel from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station to Oban Station. However, there is no direct service, so you'll need to change trains in Glasgow. The drive from Edinburgh to Oban typically takes a little more than three hours.

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Is Oban near Ben Nevis?

Oban is near Ben Nevis. It takes just over an hour to drive to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre from Oban. Traveling by bus takes 2.5 hours, with a change in Fort William. If you're planning to climb Ben Nevis, it's better to stay in or around Fort William.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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