Visiting Oban

Your first view of Oban is one you are unlikely to forget. From the north, you glimpse this bustling port from the top of the ‘Bealach-an-Righ’. As you sweep down the hill towards the expanse of the bay, the view opens up before you and one begins to appreciate why Oban has developed into Scotland’s most popular west-coast holiday town. There are spectacular viewpoints around the town. The most prominent landmark and viewpoint, sat high overlooking the town of Oban, is McCaig’s tower.

There are always plenty of things to See and Do in Oban no matter what time of year you visit us.

Bars & Restaurants

If you are a good food connoisseur then you are in luck, Oban has some of the finest restaurants around! known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland it’s not surprising that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to seafood restaurants. As Oban is a harbour town most of its chefs pride themselves in using only the best in today’s catches, straight from the sea onto your plate.
Don’t worry though if seafood isn’t your thing as we cater for all tastes here including Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and traditional Scottish cuisine.

For a small town we are not short of things to do at night. We have various bars and clubs available for you to dance the night away, whether its a good old fashioned ceilidh or getting down to the latest beats we’re sure there will be something to suit you.

Sightseeing & Tours

Oban has the advantage of being situated close to some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Trips to the islands are available via Calmac Ferries and various other small excursion companies, while seal, dolphin and whale watching trips are very popular also. For the more adventurous there is the famous SeaFari which offers a choice of wildlife tours and a trip to the exhilarating Corryvreckan whirlpool.

The most famous and well recognised landmark of Oban has to be the unfinished McCaig’s Tower, this 19th century Colosseum was built by the late John Stuart McCaig as a testament to his family. Overlooking the bay from atop of battery hill the tower was made using local granite and has a circumference of about 200 meters and 94 lancet arches. From the viewing platform at the front of the structure you will get one of the best views of Oban, Kerrera and the surrounding Isles.

Oban is also home to one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries, first built in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers it pre-dates the town itself. The building has had little change since then, being refurbished only once in 1890. Their main export is the famous Oban 14 Year Old Highland Malt which visitors to the distillery can sample and purchase. The visitors center is open to the public all year round.

Kids

Atlantis Leisure is one of Oban’s most popular destinations for kids of all ages with its soft play, rock climbing wall and swimming pool with flume, it will keep them busy having fun for hours. There is also a first class cafe (Cafe Atlantis) selling hot and cold food, drinks a sweets.

GoBananas is situated above the Bridge Cafe in Soroba Lane Oban, the venue has a two tier play frame, an under twos area, soft play section, dodgem cars, ball pit, Lego and painting. There is also a baby room for younger ones. Free WiFi is also available.

Stramash Outdoor Centre provides outdoor activities for children aged 3 to 17 including climbing, canoeing, kayaking, dinghy sailing, yacht trips, gorge walking, canyoning, forest adventures, bush craft and coasteering. One to five day residential adventures are available. Please check out their WEBSITE before travelling.

View the latest 2D or 3D movie at the Oban Phoenix Cinema. The cinema has just been fully refurbished and now offers a first-class auditorium with superb sound, lighting and digital projection. Popcorn, soft drinks and sweets are available from the cinema foyer. To check what’s on click HERE.

Directions & Further Information

By Car

Getting to Oban is easy. Oban is approximately 2 hours from Glasgow and 3 hours drive from Edinburgh. You can find us on your sat nav using the postcode “PA34″.

By Train

There is train service that runs from Glasgow Queen Street station. The train runs along the beautiful West Highland Railway line. With spectacular views this journey will remain with you. It is recommended that you BOOK your tickets early online as tickets are cheaper.

Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery

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