Things to do in Oban - Argyll
The Oban Caledonian Hotel offers you the 'Gateway to Argyll and The Isles'. Scenic views, deserted beaches and fascinating wildlife are to be found in abundance. Set in the heart of one of Scotland’s most scenic travel destinations, Oban has always been known as the traveller’s rest and when touring around the area you will be following in the footseps of generations of travellers.
Weekend short breaks in Oban allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in the Highlands, with the best views across Oban Bay! Excellent ways to relax and enjoy this magical part of the Highlands of Scotland include day tours and trips to Mull, Iona, Staffa and The Treshnish Isles which leave the harbour every day. You may even spot a whale or dolphin!
Whether you visit one island or island-hop round a few, you can discover your perfect island with Caledonian MacBrayne, sailing to 22 islands and four peninsulas on the West Coast. From Arran in the South to Lewis in the North, you can discover all from the terminal at the harbour, which is only 300 yds from The Caledonian Hotel, Oban. Seafari Adventures offer interactive tours within the Special Area of Conservation, a unique way to experience the wildlife and scenery of the area.
Famous local landmarks include McCaigs Tower, the Falls of Lora and Dunstaffnage Castle. Steeped in history, this was a MacDougal stronghold until seized by Robert The Bruce in 1309 but today all visitors are welcome.
Nestling in a mature spruce forest on the shores of beautiful Loch Creran the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary enjoys one of the most picturesque settings in Britain, and is home to over 30 fascinating natural marine habitats from Octopus to Sharks.
No visit to Scotland is complete without a visit to a working Scotch Malt Whisky Distillery. The Oban Distillery, looks out to sea from the town centre of Oban. Founded in 1794 by the local Stevenson brothers this is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
Click here to find out about more things to see and do nearby Oban.
Houses to Visit / Museums
| Event |
Essential Information |
LISMORE GAELIC HERITAGE MUSEUM, Isle of Lismore www.celm.org.uk |
Date: April - October Entrance: Entrance charges apply Tel: 01631 760030 |
OBAN WAR AND PEACE MUSEUM www.obanmuseum.org.uk |
Date: Throughout the year Entrance: Free Tel: 01631 570007 |
Outdoor Attractions
| Event |
Essential Information |
CASTLE STALKER, Near Fort William www.castlestalker.com |
Date: Selected dates during the summer, subject to weather conditions Entrance: Ticket prices apply Tel: 01631 740 315 |
DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE, Dunbeg www.castles.org/Chatelaine |
Date: April - October open daily; November - March open Saturday - Wednesday Entrance: Entrance charges apply Tel: 01631 562465 |
INVERARY CASTLE www.inveraray-castle.com |
Date: 1 April - 31 October Entrance: Entrance Charges apply Tel: 01499 302203 |
KINLOCHLAICH GARDENS, Appin www.kinlochlaichgardencentre.co.uk |
Date: March - October, and open by appointment during Christmas and New Year Entrance: Free Tel: 01631 730342 |
LETTERSHUNA RIDING STABLES, Appin www.lettershunaridingcentre.com |
Date: Please check for opening times Entrance: Entrance Charges apply Tel: 0845 86 0332 |
OBAN DISTILLERY www.discovering-distilleries.com/oban |
Date: February - December, selected days of the week Entrance: Entrance charges apply Tel: 01631 572004 |
SCOTTISH SEA LIFE SANCTUARY, Connel http://www.visitsealife.com/oban/ |
Date: Throughout the year except 25 December Entrance: Entrance charges apply Tel: 01631 720386 |
SEAFARI ADVENTURES www.seafari.co.uk |
Date: Throughout the year - check website timetables Entrance: Ticket prices apply Tel: 01852 300003 |
COASTAL CONNECTION BOATS www.coastal-connection.co.uk |
Date: Throughout the year - phone to check availability and departure times Entrance: Ticket prices apply Tel: 01631 565 833 |
ISLAND HOPPING with CALMAC www.calmac.co.uk |
Date: Ferries available throughout the year - check website timetables Entrance: Ticket prices apply Tel: 0800 066 5000 |
SEA KAYAK OBAN www.seakayakoban.com |
Date: Throughout the year - visit the website for seasonal timings Entrance: Activity prices apply Tel: 01631 563 310 |
CAPRICE YACHT CHARTER www.capriceyachtcharter.co.uk |
Date: May to September Entrance: Charter costs apply Tel: n/a |
Special Events