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Oban, Argyll
Oban
Nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday. Often called the 'Gateway to the Isles', many people travel to Oban as part of a west coast adventure.
Great things to do in Oban
Explore this cool seaside town and discover the history. Then head off for a day trip to a nearby island.
Walking in Oban
Get your bearings around Oban with these fantastic walking trails.
Attractions in Oban
Discover the charm of Oban – from historic castles to stunning coastal views and fresh seafood delights.
Activities in Oban
Jump into the heart of the action with Oban's range of exciting indoor and outdoor attractions.
Tours in Oban
From ancient castles to hidden glens, there’s a tour waiting to transform your visit into something unforgettable.
Bout tours in Oban
Set sail from Oban on scenic boat tours to discover the hidden gems, wildlife, and rugged beauty of the nearby islands.
West coast islands
Oban is your gateway to Scotland's stunning west coast islands – from wild shores to colourful harbour towns. Hop on a ferry and explore!
Top days out ideas
Oban is full of unforgettable experiences for all ages – think island-hopping adventures, sea safaris, castle ruins, and chocolate-making. It’s the perfect place to start your next day out.
McCaig’s Tower
The climb to McCaig's Tower is well worth the effort when faced with the spectacular views across Oban Bay to the Atlantic Islands.
Oban Distillery & Visitor Centre
Visit Oban Distillery, meet our knowledgeable guides and learn about the art of distilling.
Oban Chocolate Company
Relax and indulge at the Oban Chocolate Company, and watch as irresistible chocolates are made right before your eyes.
Basking Shark Scotland
Get up close to some of Scotland’s most incredible marine wildlife in the waters around Oban.
Benmore Botanic Garden
Benmore Botanic Garden makes a bold first impression with its towering avenue of giant redwoods – one of Scotland's most dramatic garden entrances.
Inveraray Castle
Step into a fairytale at Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne, and explore grand halls, historic treasures, and lush gardens.
Kilchurn Castle
Wander through the peaceful ruins of Kilchurn Castle – a timeless ruin where lochside beauty meets centuries of Highland history.
Ben Cruachan
Climb Ben Cruachan for sweeping Highland views, or go inside the mountain to explore its hidden power station.
Enjoy a scenic flight with Hebridean Air Services
Take to the skies and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Hebrides.
Puffin Dive Centre
Explore shipwrecks, reefs, and marine life just off Oban’s shores – with expert guides and top-notch facilities.
Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries
Follow The Caledonian Way by bike from Campbeltown, plan a fun-filled family itinerary packed with castles and coastlines, or venture out to the wild beauty of the Slate Islands.
The Caledonia Way
© Sustrans / Andy McCandlish
Follow a route
From romantic weekend escapes to island-hopping adventures, Oban is your gateway for unforgettable west coast experiences.
See what's on in Oban
From seafood festivals and Highland games to live music and maritime events, Oban’s calendar is packed with west coast spirit all year round. Come for the views – stay for the vibe!
Fireworks over Oban
© Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance / Sheila McIntyre
Events
From delicious food & drink shared with new friends, to toe-tapping, dancing and singing along to great local music – you'll find a great variety of events around Oban.
Map of Oban
Explore Oban
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How to travel to and around Oban
Getting to
Train
The train is the easiest and most scenic way to reach Oban. Trains run daily directly from Glasgow Queen Street Station.
Bus and coach
Citylink provides service between Glasgow and Oban.
Driving
Driving from Glasgow or Edinburgh takes between 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. If coming from Glasgow, there are two route options - follow the A82 via the west side of Loch Lomond, or take the A83 over the Rest and be Thankful and via Inveraray.
Getting around
Bus and coach
Oban is pretty easy to travel around, and is a very walkable town too. West Coast Motors operate bus service routes around Oban and to the surrounding villages north and south of the town.
Train
Trains to Glasgow also stop at a number of villages along the railway line, including Connel, Taynuilt, Loch Awe and Dalmally.
Ferry
When it comes to transport on the water to the surrounding islands, ferries are operated by CalMac or you can even charter small passenger boats.
Find more information on ferry timetables on CalMac's website
Walking
For both walking and cycling, try the Love Oban Active Travel App, which is a digital guide to a series of walking and cycling trails in and around Oban.
The guide features eight self-guided trails, interactive tours and an Eye Spy game. The type of trails featured range from relatively flat routes along the waterfront through to more challenging routes that cross moorland and high ground.
Taxi
Local companies offer car rentals, and you can also take advantage of taxi services.
Flying
Oban Airport lies 5 miles out of the town and serves the islands of Coll, Tiree, Islay and Colonsay.
Oban Youth Hostel
© SYHA / Aildh Beaton
Places to stay in Oban
From cosy B&Bs and stylish hotels to self-catering cottages with a view, Oban offers the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring. Wake up to sea air, island views, and a warm west coast welcome.
Ee-Usk Seafood Restaurant
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Places to eat in Oban
Oban, the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland', serves up the best of the west coast. Taste the day’s catch, sample local whisky or chocolate, and enjoy every bite at the town's harbourside seafood shacks, cosy cafés and fine dining spots with stunning views.
Pulpit Hill
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Find information on accessible trips
No matter if you’re out with kids, on a mobility scooter, or using a wheelchair, you’ll discover that many spots around Oban are easy to explore and warmly welcoming.
Explore nearby
From the Isle of Mull to Glencoe and Fort William, Oban is a hub for exploring the best of Scotland’s west coast – a place where dramatic landscapes, island adventures, and Highland charm meet.
Isle of Mull
This large Inner Hebridean island is full of many incredible possibilities, whether you are going for a day trip or staying a fortnight.
Fort William & Lochaber
Part of the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK', Fort William also boasts Ben Nevis, traditional pubs, Lochaber Geopark, and more.
Glencoe
Located within Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the village of Glencoe sits in a deep valley surrounded by towering mountains.
Other things you might like
Argyll & The Isles
Isle of Arran
Scottish islands & island hopping
Scotland's islands
The Scottish Highlands
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