Oban is considered the ‘Gateway to the Islands’, but it has plenty attractions of its own to have visi-tors postponing their onward journey, happy to be swelling their lungs with the freshest of sea air. Whether you take the A82 or the A83 towards Oban (A85), the drive is among the most scenic in the country, with every bend surrendering a picture postcard view of Argyll. Oban is a small harbour town, whose skyline is dominated by the 40 foot walls of McCaig’s Folly. Built in 1897 by the wealthy banker Jon S McCaig, the folly is now a public garden after the project to turn the Colosseum-esque structure into a museum adorned with statues of McCaig’s family was abandoned after his death. Saint Columba’s Cathedral, designed in neo-gothic style by Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed with pink granite sits proudly on Corran Esplanade. The castles of Dunstaffnage and Dunollie offer visi-tors a glimpse into Scottish history.
Oban bustles in summer; its tourist information office is said to be the second busiest in Scotland. Car ferries operating from the south pier ship visitors to Mull, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist, Colon-say, Lismore and Islay. These windswept and interesting islands stud a rugged coastline, defiant in the face of the often wild weather. To truly appreciate the scenery and wildlife take a sea safari. Seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, minke whales all inhabit the rich waters of the Inner Hebrides.
Back on dry land, the sea’s bounty can be enjoyed on the dinner plate; John Ogden’s Seafood Shack and Temple Seafood Restaurant have enjoyed rave reviews from the Glasgow Herald and BBC Food for their no nonsense, fresh seafood. There is plenty to see and do in Oban, and if it rains, where bet-ter to seek shelter than the town’s distillery? The perfect excuse for a wee dram.
Attraction
Achnacloich Gardens
An Cala
Ardchattan Priory
Ardchattan Priory Garden
Ardmaddy Castle Garden
Ardtornish Estate
Arduaine Garden (NTS)
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Oban Distillery Visitor Centre
Oban Experience Visitor Centre
Scottish Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary
Camping
Caravan Park
Caravans at Highfield
Oban Caravan & Camping Park
Oban Divers Caravan Park
Classes
Dance - Dance Atlantis
Dance - Scottish Country Dance Classes
Yoga - Ashwhin Balanced Living Centre
Cottage
Cologin Country Chalets & Lodges
Mackays Holiday Cottages & Lodges
Stables Cottage
Dentist
Argyll Square Dental Practice
The Dental Surgery
Doctor
Estate Agent
Dawson Alexander
MacArthur Stewart
MacKinnon D M W S
Skinner Carmichael & Co Ltd
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Lagnakeil Highland Lodges
Tralee Bay Holidays
Inn
Cuilfail Hotel
Lochnell Arms Hotel
Queens
The Oyster Inn
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
Falls Of Lora HotelGathering Restaurant O'Donnell's Irish Pub
Isle Of Eriska Hotel
Old Manor Inn
Tartan Tavern
Restaurant
Boxtree Restaurant
Cafe 41
Coast
Eeusk
Falls Of Lora Hotel
Gathering
Gathering Restaurant O'Donnell's Irish Pub
Isle Of Eriska Hotel
Mondo
Oban Bay Hotel & Spa
Pancake Place
Piazza Oban
Seafood Temple Restaurant
Shananigans Tex-Mex
Shower Of Herring Inn
Taynuilt Hotel
The Airds Hotel
The Manor House Hotel
Waterfront Restaurant
Whitehouse
Wide Mouthed Frog
School
Argyll Youth Theatre Group
Oban High School
Self-Catering
Achaleven Byre
Cologin Country Chalets & Lodges
Lagnakeil Highland Lodges
Mackays Holiday Cottages & Lodges
Scotland Cottages
Solicitor
Anderson Banks
Macphee & Partners
Taxi
1st Choice Taxis
Alba's Taxis
Argyll Taxis
Etive Taxis
Vet
Shops
Flower Basket
Boots
Cakebreads Garden Centre
Kanine Kats & Ko
Creature Comforts
Wallace Associates Optometrists
The Image
D E Shoes
Millstone Wholefoods
Millets
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Specsavers
Julian Graves
Pets At Home
Activities
Argyll Charters - Mara Mhor Cruises(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Guideliner(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Sea Kayak Scotland(Water Sports)
Sealife Adventures(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Oban
Blair Villa (0.08 miles)
With stunning views out over the bay to the isles of Kerrerra and Mull from its position on lower Oban Hill, this traditional stone-built Victorian villa enjoys a peaceful yet central ... More
Oban Caledonian Hotel (0.12 miles)
Choose Oban's landmark building. Rising from the water's edge, the historic Oban Caledonian Hotel commands breathtaking views over the sheltered bay of Oban to the hills and islands of Scotland's ... More | visit website
Woodside Hotel (0.14 miles)
Hollytree Hotel (0.20 miles)
Stunningly situated by the sea, this stylish hotel offers chic accommodation, facilities and dining. All 20 rooms enjoy magnificent sea views and all are fully en suite with luxurious fittings and furnishings, ... More
Kelvin Hotel (0.24 miles)
This scottish hotel offers excellent accommodation for those visiting the Argyll area. Its scenic location make it an excellent place to take a holiday or vacation in scenic Scotland. The ... More
Columba Hotel (0.26 miles)
Located on the North Peir in Oban the Columba Hotel has an idyllic location with the most amazing views of Mull and Kerrera.
The hotel has recently been refurbished and restored to ... More
Rowantree Hotel (0.35 miles)
Roseneath Guest House (0.37 miles)
Great Western Hotel (0.44 miles)
Lagganbeg Guest House (0.45 miles)
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