Visit Oban, Lorn & the Isles

Seafood Capital of Scotland

Welcome to Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland and the Gateway to the Isles. 

Oban, Lorn & the Isles is a fascinating part of Argyll & the Isles with an amazing range of things to see and do. 

Here you can meet lobsters face to face, dive with sharks, enjoy a dram at one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, climb to the summit of the Hollow Mountain or get close to the world’s third largest whirlpool.

Oban is a buzzing and booming ferry port with a fantastic mix of great shops, restaurants, cáfes and attractions plus a myriad of great days out to explore the surrounding area.

Immerse yourself in Oban's rich history with a visit to Dunollie Museum & Castle. Enjoy the stunning views, stroll in the historic woodlands, and enjoy a bite to eat at their café. Lots on for kids too, a great day out.

For novice or keen kayakers, yachtsmen and divers, the seas around Oban offer the best in Europe for their sports, whilst the surrounding dominating hills and glens are magnificent for walking and cycling, at any pace which takes your fancy.

Are you ready to experience more?

Let’s explore the Lorn & Isles area and make memories with family, friends or even a solo adventure!

North of Oban, two picturesque places of interest in Loch Awe and Appin – both offer iconic castles, attractions and offer great walking and cycling.

The islands of Kerrera and Lismore sits just outside of Oban Bay. Further south you can cross the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ to the 'Slate Islands.'

The waters around Oban and Lorn offer awesome sea kayaking. Paddle to islands, explore sea caves and set off on a paddleboard.

Everywhere you turn, there’s something special to see and do, there is so much to choose from, you'll just love Oban!

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression.  Here we have proverb from Gaelic tradition about Oban, Lorn & the Isles.

Proverb

Nuair a bhitheas tu san Óban (When in Oban)

Dèan mar na h-Óbanaich (Do as the Obanites!)

With thanks to partners CHARTS

Oban 01
ISLANDS 01
6 Hebridean islands
SEAFOOD 01
Scotland's seafood capital
HILLS 01
2 national nature reserves
CASTLE 01
13 medieval castles
Gardens 01
6 glorious gardens
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5 marinas

Explore Oban, Lorn & Isles

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Explore Lismore

Explore Lismore is a small tour operator on the Scottish Isle of Lismore, which is run by the husband and wife team of Robert & Iris. We offer bespoke, p...

1 Port Ramsay
Isle of Lismore by Oban
Argyll
PA34 5UN

Tel: +44 (0) 1631 760 291

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Argyll Holidays

Just a short drive from Glasgow or Oban and you can find yourself in your own piece of paradise in beautiful Argyll, in the west coast of Scotland.

With 8 st...

Drimsynie Estate Office
Lochgoilhead
Argyll
PA24 8AD

Tel: 0345 459 9772

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Food from Argyll at The Pier

Co-operatively run by local food producers, our shelves groan with wonderful local foods sourced from across Argyll & the Isles. Every packet tells a sto...

The Ferry Terminal
Oban
PA34 4DB

Tel: 01631 563636

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Argyll Safaris

Rab is passionate about Argyll, its landscape, culture and heritage. With 60 medieval castles, 32 clan seats, and 1256 Neolithic standing stones, it is the b...

Rughriach
Old Shore Road
PA37 1PT

Tel: 07760880757

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The Old School

 

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, The Old School with its delightful apartments is the ideal place to rest, relax and unwind.  If you are looking for a pe...

The Old School Apartments Ltd
The Old School
Dalavich
Taynuilt
Argyll
PA35 1HN

Tel: Tel: 01866 844 160 Mob: 07787 512 122

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Greystones

A boutique bed and breakfast located in a grand baronial house offering elegant contemporary rooms and stunning views of Oban Bay. It's accessible yet privat...

1 Dalriach Road
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5EQ

Tel: 01631 570795

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Knipoch House Hotel and Restaurant

Knipoch is a beautiful country house hotel just a short drive from Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and a gateway to the Isles. We have a passion for gr...

Knipoch
by Oban
PA34 4QT

Tel: 01852 316251

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Barcaldine Castle

Our luxury bed & breakfast in the historic ‘Black Castle’ is set on the peaceful shores of Loch Creran on the West Coast of Scotland, near Oban. Barcaldi...

Benderloch
Oban
PA37 1SA

Tel: +44 (0)1631 720598

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Book direct for your stay in Oban, Lorn & the Isles

Hotels, B&Bs, Cottages & Self Catering
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Self Catering
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Must Visit Places

Surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday. Here are a selection of must visit places nearby;

The Isle of Kerrera is a a small island jewel near Oban, perfect for walking with a ruined castle and a tea room. Kerrera is a walkers paradise with a 6-7 mile circuits to the north and south of the island. 

Loch Awe, Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, is home to Kilchurn Castle, and the area also boasts the unique St Conan’s Kirk, Oor head for the hills to explore Ben Cruachan otherwise known as the "Hollow Mountain."

Appin is steeped in the history and with the nearby Castle Stalker, it is one of the most photographed. It is easy to see the magic and mystique of this amazing area.

Worth a diversion from the main Oban to Fort William road is the tiny hamlet of Port Appin has a passenger ferry with direct access to the Isle of Lismore and a great seafood restaurant, The Pierhouse Hotel & Restaurant, with rooms directly overlooking Loch Linnhe.

South of Oban are lush rolling hills and spectacular coastal views. There are several attractions within a relatively short drive of Oban, among them a group of islands including Seil, Luing and Easdale also known as the 'The Slate Islands.'

ISLE OF KERRERA

Enjoy an accessible island experience from Oban by taking a short ferry to Kerrera from Gallanach

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Visitscotland Gylen Castle
LOCH AWE

Visit Scotland's longest freshwater loch on your way to or from Oban, or by rail on the West Highland Line.

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Visitscotland Kilchurn
APPIN

Make a day or two of it to nearby Appin featuring Castle Stalker, just North from Oban to Fort William on A828 road.

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Cyclists At Castle Stalker Scottish Viewpoint
SLATE ISLANDS

Take the road south of Oban, cross the Bridge over the Atlantic to Seil, Easdale and Luing.

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Visitscotland Clachan Sound
ISLE OF LISMORE

Take a short ferry journey from Oban or Port Appin, for wildlife, fascinating historical sites and glorious views.

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Visitscotland Lismore

Explore Oban's Places of Interest

Discover some special places of interest while you are staying in Oban. Click on our map icons to discover where to see on your travels. If you see multiple icons clustered in one area, simply zoom in on the map to decluster the icons.

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Oban on YouTube

Immerse yourself in all things Oban & Lorn and their surrounding isles by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!

Watch YouTube
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Your destination for a magical wedding

Tie the knot in Argyll & the Isles

Whether you're dreaming of a romantic beach ceremony on a secluded island or a traditional Scottish wedding in a historic castle, there are plenty of venues to choose from.

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Getting here

Planning your journey

The traditional route is by car or bus via the A82. 

For a slight detour, follow the A83 to Lochgilphead, follow the Crinan Canal before travelling through Kilmartin Glen and northwards to Oban and Lorn.

Or sit back and relax on a regular train or bus journey from Glasgow to Oban.

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The Highland Explorer
Connecting Glasgow to Oban

The perfect way to travel to and from Oban for the conscious traveller and adventure seekers! Hop on the Scotrail Highland Explorer with your bike and backpack, on the dedicated adventure carriages.

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