20 Fun Things To Do In Oban

Oban is the perfect place to spend a weekend away on the west coast of Scotland. Oban translates to ‘little bay’ in the Scottish Gaelic language.

The Victorian resort is set in a majestic horse show bay with the largest port in northwest Scotland. This article lists some cool fun things to do in Oban. 

Oban is split into the North and South and it is small enough to get around by foot. Also, you can explore small galleries, independent stores, centrally located distilleries, chocolate shops and museums.

Moreover, you can stroll along the seafront and enjoy the sandy beaches, fringe of islands on the horizons and you can admire the sun as it disappears behind them.

Finally, to finish off a busy day you can pop into one of the busy pubs, cafes or restaurants. 

Also, the seaside town, surrounded by lush landscapes is a perfect location to stop on a tour of Scotland. You can explore castles, beaches, forests, power stations, villages and small islands that are near Oban. 

Oban Accommodation: Argyll Mansions, No 8 Westbay Apartment, Glenbervie Guest House

Oban Distillery

Oban is a small town built around this distillery. The distillery was established in 1794 and is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland.

Moreover, the distillery produces over a million bottles of Oban single malt whisky each year. 

You can book a tour to explore the making of whiskey, see the equipment and enjoy some tastings on the way around. Staff are very knowledgeable and take time to answer any questions.

McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill

You will see the McCaig’s Tower from miles away as it dominates Oban’s Skyline. McCaig’s Tower also known as McCaig’s Folly is one of the most popular sights in Oban as it is slightly bizarre.

The megalithic structure is an unfinished replica of Rome’s Colosseum. During difficult economic times, a philanthropist and banker, called John Stuart McCaig, had a memorial commissioned to his family, in the hope that it would provide jobs for local people.

The structure is made from local stone quarried in nearby Etive. Moreover, the plan included a tower, which would become a museum and art gallery.

However, McCaig died, and the project was never completed. In his will, there were instructions for full-sized bronze statues of his family to fill the structure’s windows. 

Now, the area is an excellent walled garden with amazing views out to the Sound of Kerrera and the islands in the bay. It is well worth climbing the 144 steps from the town to the gardens.

The walk from Oban’s George Street is only a steep ten-minute climb. Just follow the signs. 

The tower is a popular spot for a great selfie. Also, it has become a popular spot for wedding photos. Entry is free. 

Corran Esplanade

After walking up Battery Hill you can enjoy a walk along the Victorian Corran Esplanade. First, you can admire many of the landmarks Oban has to offer.

On route you will come across St Columba’s Cathedral, which was built between 1932 and 1959. Then, Oban War Memorial before reaching Dunollie Castle. 

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds

Dunollie Castle is a castle ruin located on the outskirts of Oban. This is one of the most stunning castles on the west coast of Scotland. Going back a few hundred years, Dunollie Castle was home to Clan MacDougall, and the ruins date back to the 15th century.

Clan MacDougall ruled over most of Argyll and the Islands. Also, you can learn more about Clan MacDougall and the castle at the 1745 House Museum. 

Also, in the museum you can see the interactive displays and workshops. The workshops include weaving demonstrations, while guided tours are held daily.

On Sundays, there is a piper in action. Moreover, you can relax with a coffee at the inviting garden cafe and admire the super scenery. Admission costs £6 for an adult. 

Oban Chocolate Company

Oban Chocolate Company is a family-owned shop and cafe which offers innovative handmade chocolates, plus tea, coffee and pastries.

You can visit the chocolate factory to see how the chocolates are made. This place is perfect for all those who are choc-o-holics.

Oban War and Peace Museum 

Oban War and Peace Museum contains artefacts and photographs which displays the rich cultural history of the busy port town and its people. There are exhibits here which relate to the town’s wartime past.

Also, you can learn more about the maritime and fishing industries. Interestingly, there is a piece of the Berlin Wall in one of the exhibits. 

The museum is staffed by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer staff. Admission is free, however, you can leave a donation.  

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

Dunstaffnage Castle is located four miles north of Oban. The castle is perfectly located overlooking Loch Etive.

Parts of the castle including the three-round walls date back to the 13th century. Also, the walls are at least 10 feet thick in some places. Back then, the castle belonged to the Campbell clan. 

In the 17th century, the residential tower was built. Interestingly, the cannons were rescued from a sunken Spanish galleon which sank in Tobermory Bay during the time of Armada.

Also, on site is a 13th century ruined chapel which is where several Scottish monarchs are buried along with some members of the Campbell family. 

Make sure you do not miss the small visitor centre up the steps behind the shops.

Entry to the beautiful castle grounds is free and there is a free car park. Admission to the castle is £6. 

Pulpit Hill

Battery Hill and the McCaig’s Tower is not the only viewpoint in Oban. Pulpit Hill offers wonderful views over Oban, the harbour and McCaig’s Tower.

To get to Pulpit Hill you can follow the signs from the centre of town to the south and through the countryside. Overall, the walk can take approximately two hours.

Isle of Kerrera

The Isle of Kerrera is the closest island to Oban in the Sound of Kerrera. You can catch a ferry to Kerrera to escape from the summer crowds in Oban.

There are lots of hiking trails to explore. However, there are no paved roads. Therefore, you cannot bring your road bike if you plan on cycling, mountain bikes only. 

Also, while you are on the island you can admire Gylen Castle which is a clifftop ruin. The ruins were first established in 1582 and were owned by the MacDougall clan.

Once you have left the ferry you can walk along a path for one mile to reach the ruins. 

In addition, you can relax at the lovely sandy beach called Slatrach Bay. Once you have finished hiking and exploring you can visit Kerrera Tea Room for a hot drink and a bite to eat.

To get to the island you can catch a ferry from Gallanach, which is just south of Oban.

Interestingly, there are only 45 people that live on this island. Also, the island is a popular place for kayakers.

Visit the Islands of Mull, Staffa, Iona or Treshnish

Oban is a popular port town and is the main access point to get to the mainland for all of the islands. While you are in Oban, you might want to take a ferry ride to one of these islands.

The Isle of Staffa is an uninhabited island which is located 33 miles from Oban.

One of the main reasons tourists visit Staffa is to view the mesmerising basalt columns and caves which have been carved by the sea. The most famous is Fingal’s Cave.

Also, you can visit the Isle of Iona which is a small sacred island just a mile west of the Isle of Mull. Moreover, Staffa tours operate a day tour to Treshnish, Tobermory and the Isle of Staffa.

Isle of Mull Accommodation: Glenbervie Guest House

Sea Safari

The Sea Safari is a great opportunity to view whales, basking sharks, otters, porpoises seals, golden & white tailed sea eagles, dolphins and more.

Seafari Adventures is a five-star marine wildlife operator based in Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban.

The tours last two hours and offer a chance to see the spectacular nature near the many islands in the area. 

Ganavan Sands

Ganavan Sands is located two miles north of Oban and the beach lies adjacent to a coastal walk. The beach can be visited as part of a stunning circular coastal walk to Dunstaffnage Castle.

Also, from the beach, you will be rewarded with stunning views across to Mull, Lismore and Morven. Ganavan Sands is one of the top beaches near Oban and in Argyll and Bute.

There are public toilets and a large car park available. Parking is free for the first two hours, then £1 per hour after that.

Castle Stalker

The picturesque Castle Stalker is a scenic 25 miles from the north of Oban. The abandoned castle is located on a small island in the middle of Loch Linnhe.

Castle Stalker was built in the 14th century and was a home for Stewarts of Appin. Later on, it was used as a hunting lodge for James IV. Interestingly, Stalker in Scottish Gaelic means hunter, hence where the castle got its name.

Moreover, the castle is well known among comedy fans for its role in the cult Monty Python and the Holy Grail Movie.

To get to the island you will need to book a boat ride. Tourist attractions open from April to September each year. Tours must be booked in advance.

Approximately, the tour lasts two hours and is led by a member of the owner’s family. 

Bonawe Iron Furnace

Starting Point: Parking area off the B845

Bonawe Iron Furnace is also located near the shores of Loch Etive. The small and effective site is dedicated to the industrial history of charcoal-fired ironworks which were in service between 1753 and 1876.

As many as 600 workers were employed, most of them for wool-gathering and charcoal-making. Once the furnace had closed, the factory was used to make cannonballs which were used in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Recently, efforts have been going ahead to restore parts of the building including the furnace and adjoining buildings. Also, two large charcoal storage sheds are included.

A ten-mile drive south of the Bonawe Iron Furnace is Glen Nany National Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is where the worker’s forested trees which were needed for charcoal production for the furnace. 

Admission to the Furnace is £5 per adult.

Loch Etive 

Loch Etive offers the most amazing sights across the impressive glen. This loch is one of the top must-see lochs in Scotland. Also, if you are lucky you will get to see golden eagles fly, with their wingspans reaching eight feet.

Moreover, you can join a cruise operated by Etive Boat Trips which offers a wide range of excursions across the loch. 

Ardchattan Priory Grounds

Also, on the north bank of Loch Etive you will find the gorgeous Ardchattan Priory Grounds. The priory was founded by Valliscaulian monks from the Burgundian Val des Choux in 1230. Due to Cromwell’s troops, little is left of the priory.

However, the history of the garden traces back 700 years. Also, the garden contains over 200 varieties of shrubs, including some fine bush roses. 

Loch Awe

Loch Awe is one of Scotland’s largest lakes. The pass of brander is a road that runs alongside Loch Awe and offers stunning views across the mountain backdrop, including the majestic peaks of Ben Cruachan. 

From the pier in the village of Lochawe, you can board one of the pleasure cruises. During the small cruise, you will have passed several islands including Priest’s Isle and Inishall. 

Kilchurn Castle

Towards the northeastern side of Loch Awe you will find the magnificent ruins of Kilchurn Castle. The castle occupies a picturesque spot on a small peninsula at the foot of Ben Cruachan.

Also, the castle was built in 1440, and a curtain wall was reinforced by the first Earl of Breadalbane in 1693. You might recognise the castle from the Harry Potter Movies and the popular TV show Outlander.

Kilmartin Church 

Kilmartin Church is located in a small village called Kilmartin, which is a 45-minute drive from Oban. In the graveyard of Kilmartin Church, there are some interesting gravestones from Pictish times.

Also, there are more recent ones from the 19th century. Additionally, if you visit the south of the village, you can look at a number of standing stones which have been preserved since the early Bronze Age around 5000 years ago.

Castle Sween

Near Castle Sween, just north of Ellary, you will also find St Columba’s Cave. The cave is full of history and atmosphere.

Also, the cave was used by a Stone Age man and is where St. Columba first set foot on Scottish soil.

Moreover, near the ruins of Kilberry Castle, 12 miles from the cave you can find a notable collection of 15th-century gravestones. 

Is Oban Scotland Worth Visiting?

Oban is a unique setting in the Scottish Highlands where it is surrounded by lush mountainous landscapes to the east and islands dotted in the bay to the west.

Also, Oban is a pretty coastal town where the scenic highland railway terminates and where you can enjoy some fresh seafood, good whiskey and a bustling seafront. 

There are lovely Munros near Oban that are worth bagging, also, many attractions near Oban are on the Argyll Coastal Route.

What is Oban famous for?

Oban is known as the gateway to the Hebridean Islands and is a travelling hub for people who are departing for the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Oban is famous for the distillery which is one of the oldest in Scotland and is in the top 20 worldwide for single malt whiskies.

Also, Oban played an important part in the Cold War and was a landing point for the Transatlantic Telephone Cable. 

What can you do in Oban without a car?

Oban itself is a small town therefore, it is easy to walk around. Also, Oban has good transport links.

The things you can visit in Oban without a car include Oban Chocolate Company, Oban War and Peace Museum, McCaig’s Tower, Corran Esplanade, Battery Hill, Oban Distillery, Pulpit Hill, Ganavan Sands, Dunstaffnage Castle and Dunollie Museum.

Also, you can get to the Isle of Kerrera by ferry and participate in many of the hiking trails on the island.