Best Things to do in Oban Scotland Travel Guide for 2023
There are many wonderful things to do in Oban, the charming seafood capital of Scotland. It is the largest town in Argyll and the Isles in the West Highlands and is often known as the gateway to the islands. However, there are many exciting things to do in and around Oban, beside the islands.
It is a popular destination for those seeking a seaside UK break due to the beautiful views surrounding the town and its wonderful sunsets.
The population may be slight at only 8,500, and its name in Gaelic means ‘little bay’, but there is a reason that Queen Victoria once said that it is “one of the finest spots”, and if it is good enough for royalty and the Victorians, it is good enough for you.
Today Oban is a popular base to explore the surroundings, a popular day trip location, or those on a West Coast of Scotland road trip. But did you know that Oban was built around a distillery? That’s enough to convince you to travel to Oban, surely?
How to get to Oban Scotland
Oban is not always on a Scotland bucket list, and the reason is that it is just a little bit off the main tourist path, but it is not too difficult to reach. So we think you should add the stop to your travel plans! It is the largest town between Fort William and Helensburgh after all.
Car: Oban is 2 hours 15 minutes (97.1 miles) from Glasgow on its shortest route.
From Edinburgh, it takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Oban (122 miles).
Train: you can catch the West Highland Line from Glasgow, which is known to be one of the best train journeys in the world. It takes around 3 hours and 15-minutes to reach Oban train station.
Air: Oban airport is 5-miles out of town.
Good to know: like the rest of the UK, it is imperative to buy train tickets in advance. You may find the prices unaffordable and unreasonable if you book at the last minute. We use trainline!
How to get around Oban
Oban is split into North and South, but the town centre of Oban is compact, and you can walk around quite easily, including the harbour, seafront, distillery, Pulpit Hill and McCraig Tower. If you want to travel further, you will find it much easier if you have a car!
Best Time to Go to Oban
Arguably the best time to visit Oban is from May to October, where you will have the best weather. The warmest months are in June, July and August, and the summers also bring very long daylight hours.
Remember Scotland is notoriously cold and wet, and because of Oban’s position on the West Coast, the weather is temperamental! So take layers and embrace the beauty regardless. Some claim that the weather is the most stable in May and October.
Good to know: If you want to visit for a festival, then Oban has a Winter Festival, which has a range of events, food stalls, parades set over ten days to celebrate Oban’s community and culture.
Oban Map of Attractions
10 Best Things to do in Oban Scotland
There are many exciting Oban tourist attractions to see, even though it is much smaller and lesser-known than other places to visit in Scotland, you will have to plan your trip carefully. There are many exciting things to do in Oban.
1. Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery is one of the oldest and smallest in Scotland. It was established in 1794. You can visit on tour to see how they produce the Oban whiskey and try it. The tour costs £22 and will last an hour. There are other tours to consider, though, so look at their website and see what suits your preferences and budget.
Oban Whisky (14-year-old West Highland Malt whiskey) is one of our favourites that we tried when we were in Edinburgh with friends. Do not miss this when you’re exploring Oban. You will regret it! You can find it right in the centre opposite North Pier and it is easily one of the best things to do in Oban (if not the best).
Good to know: Book your tours in advance to avoid disappointment!
2. McCaig’s Tower
The best views in town are from McCaig’s Tower, and some say it reminds them of Rome’s Colosseum. What do you think? It was built by a man named John Stuart McCaig to be a memorial to his family and provide local jobs. It took five years to be completed, from 1897 to 1902.
Today, you can climb to the tower from George Street in the town (it takes 10-minutes), or you can park near the top if you do not want to brave the 144 steps! It’s one of the best, if not the best free things to do in Oban.
3. Boat Trips and Tours
There are many boat trips and tours from Oban because it is close to many incredible islands. The closest one is Kerrera, but you can also go on day trips to Mull, Staffa and Iona.
The most popular trips include visiting Fingal’s Cave on Staffa or the wildlife sightseeing trips. You can see whales, porpoises, puffins, dolphins and more.
There are many tours, and you can choose the one for you here on this list of Boat Trips from Oban – there is a quick book on this website, which we found useful.
4. Oban’s Harbour
Take some time to enjoy Oban’s harbour, where you can embrace the atmosphere of the locals and tourists going about their day. The port is the spot to people watch, have a coffee, browse some shops, and if it’s warm (fingers crossed), maybe have ice cream.
What we loved about Oban’s harbour is the bustling fishing boats and ferries with the views of the town with McCraig’s tower taking centre stage.
5. Pulpit Hill
What is better than one viewpoint overlooking Oban? That’s right – two viewpoints, and it is one of the best Oban walks. You can walk south from the town to Pulpit Hill, which is 239ft above sea level. It is well-signposted from the town, and if not, you will be able to use Google Maps to direct yourself.
At the top, you will find an iron seat and the Minister’s Stone, as well as the best views over Kerrera, the harbour and the ferry terminal – one of the best free things to do in Oban.
Good to know: if you don’t fancy walking up, you can drive, but it is more complicated than walking. However, if the weather is not great and you still want to see the views, this is your best option!
6. Oban Chocolate Company
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Please stop by the Oban Chocolate Company to try some delicious handmade chocolate in their factory. It is a small factory, but it is an opportunity to support local businesses and eat some unique chocolate whilst you do it.
What is not to love? There is a café and a shop, so you can decide whether you want to sit in or if you’d instead take gifts home for your loved ones! Eating chocolate is one of the best things to do in Oban.
7. Saunter along the Esplanade to Dunollie Castle
Feel the sea breeze in your hair as you walk from the town along the promenade to Dunollie Castle. Start by going past Columbia Hotel, and on the way, you will pass St Columba’s Cathedral and the Oban War Memorial.
It is only a mile, not too difficult and is one of the best things to do in Oban with fantastic views of the islands. The ruins of Dunollie Castle are one of the best things to see in Oban, and you can explore the woodland area around it too! You can also visit the 1745 House Museum which will help you learn more about the castle – another of the wonderful things to do in Oban!
8. Oban War and Peace Museum
If you want to learn about Oban, its people and port history, head to Oban War and Peace Museum. Between 1939 and 1945, Oban was a base for the Battle of the Atlantic in WW2, and you can learn about it here. It is in the Old Oban Times building on the ground floor.
Visiting the museum is one of the best free things to do in Oban, but they do ask for donations to maintain the museum if you are able! It is run by friendly and helpful volunteers. It opens for the new season on the 4th March 2023 and is easily one of the best things to do in Oban.
9. Explore Nearby Castles
It is a right of passage to visit Scotland and explore the castles, and why not explore the castles off the beaten path? There are over 1,500 castles in Scotland, and it would be rude not to have them on a list of the best things to do in Oban (or nearby).
Dunstaffnage Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles and today is hereditary Captain, but they do not live there anymore. Instead, there is a café and a shop, and it is open to the public.
Good to know: it is a 9-minute drive from Oban
From Loch Awe, you can see one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle. It was built in the 1400s but has been abandoned since the 1700s. Today you can see the beautiful peak of Ben Cruachan in the background. It is spectacular.
Good to know: it is a 35 minutes drive from Oban.
The ruins of Gylen Castle are worth a visit but are not the easiest to reach, you will need to catch the ferry from gallanch near Oban and then walk 3-miles. Gylen Castle was not occupied for very long and was built in 1582!
10. Things to do around Oban
Ok, so it might not be one of the best things to do in Oban town, but if you are using Oban as a base, then knowing the best places to visit near Oban is also essential!
Isle of Mull– You can take the ferry from Oban to Craignure to see the exceptional beaches, beauty and wildlife. It is a place to relax in nature.
Loch Lomond – only an hour and a half from Oban is Loch Lomond. You will see the true beauty of Scotland, where you can hike, chase waterfalls, or enjoy a boat trip on the water!
Loch Etive – only 40 minutes from Oban, you will find one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. Towering mountains are standing proudly above the loch. It is beautiful.
Falls of Lora – only 10 minutes from Oban, and you can capture the flowing water. It is an excellent site for photographers!
Castle Stalker – around 25-miles north of Oban, you will be able to find the breathtaking Castle Stalker.
We hope you enjoyed this list of exciting things to do in Oban (and nearby). Scotland always surprises you, and we found Oban to be a great addition to our West Scotland Road Trip. Let us know if you have any other suggestions for our next trip in the comments.
If you wish to stay in Oban, there are plenty of fabulous options for accommodation from luxury to lodges!
If you are on an epic trip to Scotland, then why not read our guides to:
Glasgow – A 2 Day Full Itinerary
Isle of Skye – The Best Things to do
Prince Albert’s Pyramid in Scotland – 4 Easy Stages
An Exciting Guide to the Conic Hill Walk in 4 Stages
Photo Credit: averagelives.com
