Oban is a pretty resort town in the north-west of Scotland, overlooking the archipelago of the Inner Hebrides. As it is one of the largest and busiest inhabited areas between Helensburgh and Fort William, Oban often enjoys a seasonally-enhanced population during the Summer months. Oban Bay is a particularly fine horseshoe bay, with the islands of Kerrera and Mull giving extra shelter to the coastline. To the north lies the long, low-lying island of Lismore, with the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour. Oban is one of several locations to revel in the title of being the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, although it is, indeed, an ideal spot for visitors to use as a base for local sightseeing and other leisure activities in and around Argyll.
Things to do in Oban and ArgyllHillwalking, mountaineering, bird watching and fishing all draw visitors to Argyll each year, and it is true to say that the great outdoors is particularly spectacular in this part of Scotland. The main commercial enterprises in the local area centre upon tourism, fishing, crofting and whisky distilling. Oban was a quiet fishing village until the Glasgow to Oban railway opened in 1880. Now the largest port in north-west Scotland, Oban is a good setting-off point for fishing trips, ferries and pleasure boats. The Scottish Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary, and Oban Distillery offer entertainments variously to both younger and more mature visitors.
Top Destinations
Oban – The town has its fair share of notable buildings. The Cathedral of St Columba was designed by the world-famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, in the Neo-Gothic style, and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, McCaig’s Tower is another prominent feature on the Oban skyline; this large folly was designed and constructed in 1897 as a lasting monument to a notable local family. The imposing circular structure is built of granite, and takes the form of a two-tiered amphitheatre of 94 arches, of around 200 metres in circumference. Based on the Colosseum in Rome, the death of the eponymous Mr McCaig meant that the tower remained unfinished, with just the outer walls standing tall. On the outskirts of the town the historic walls of Dunstaffnage Castle and Dunollie Castle sit in separate, yet equally well-appointed locations; although Dunollie is largely ruined and much smaller than Dunstaffnage, both castles are worth visiting.
Tarbert – This small fishing village, perched on the shores of Loch Fyne, Tarbert is home to an annual music festival each September. Whilst whales and basking sharks are now a rarer occurrence, dolphins and swans are still regularly seen in the harbour. The village is at a strategic point in the coastline, guarding the access to Kintyre and the Inner Hebrides.
Glencoe – A centre for hillwalking and mountaineering, Glencoe is the ideal base for exploring the picturesque, but often harsh beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Once the scene of the treacherous Glencoe massacre, a monument to the fallen MacDonalds now stands in the village, to remind visitors of the infamous event which took place in 1692. The high mountain ridges, peaks and waterfalls form some of the most famous scenery in the country.
Mull of Kintyre– On the south-western tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, overlooking the Antrim coast in the distance, and, on a clear day, with views as far as Malin Head in County Donegal, the Mull of Kintyre was immortalised by Paul McCartney’s 1977 hit song. Reached by a single-tracked road from the small village of Southend, the Mull has been an important landbridge throughout history, with spectacular sea views and wild moorland. Golden Eagles and other birds of prey, including hen harriers, peregrines, kestrels, buzzards and sparrow hawks are all spotted locally, amongst the unspoilt and dramatic moors and sea cliffs.
Rothesay – On the Isle of Bute, the town of Rothesay demonstrates some well-preserved Victorian seaside architecture. Reached by ferry from the Firth of Clyde, the town has some beautifully kept traditional Winter Gardens; nearby the Art Deco features of the Rothesay Pavilion were once favourably compared to the modernist glory of the Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion in East Sussex, and the Scottish building still attracts visitors as one of the finest architectural examples of Art Deco in Scotland.
Dunoon – A resort town on the Cowal Peninsula, Dunoon sits on the Firth of Clyde to the south of Holy Loch. Two ferries operate from Gourock, with access to the national rail network and Glasgow, provided by a local train service, the Inverclyde Line.
Cairndow – Set in a idyllic position at the head of Loch Fyne, near the mouth of the River Kinglas, Cairndow boasts one of the oldest coaching inns in Scotland. The local Kilmorich Parish Church is one of only two Scottish churches to be built in a hexagonal shape, whilst to the south of the village the Ardkinglas estate and woodland gardens house an amazing collection of trees and shrubs originating from all corners of the world; several ‘champion trees’- including the largest conifer in Britain - plus some fine woodland trails and occasional sightings of red squirrels, all help to attract visitors to the estate throughout the year.
Pretty village locationCross the Atlantic Bridge to the Isle of Seil, only 16 miles from Oban - the Queen of the Western Isles. Oban offers the amenities of a larger town and a fantastic opportunity to explore the outer ...
Bridgend House, Kilmichael Glassary, Kilmichael Glassary, Argyll and Bute
This semi-detached holiday cottage is situated in Kilmichael Glassary, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and steeped in history and wildlife. The area is one of the most important prehistoric sites on the Scottish mainland, ...
Countryside locationThis superb first floor apartment (with lift), is set within Kip Village and Marina, situated at the mouth of the River Kip, and surrounded by beautiful countryside and mountains and is the gateway to ...
Selfcatering property close to Oban with uninterupted views over the Falls of Lora.
How would you like to wake up to a sea view every morning of our holiday?
Every room offers spectacular views over the tidal rapids; The ...
Standing in an elevated position, high above Craobh Haven Marina, with splendid views across the Sound of Jura and towards Mull, Taigh Nam Broc is a stunning contemporary holiday home. Tucked away near the end of a track ...
Magnificent setting in mature woodland by Loch AweIdeal area for fishing, walking and cyclingChildren?s play area, pool table and dartsTraditional bar - ideal for family functionsMotor boats, rowing boats and canoes for ...
'Breathtaking views over the Sound of Seil' In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local islands, designated one of Scotland?s ...
Uninterrupted sea views This spacious detached holiday cottage is situated in one of the most scenic areas of Southern Argyll by the famous ?Bridge over the Atlantic?. Boasting superb uninterrupted sea views and direct ...
Situated amongst the rolling countryside of the ever popular Isle of Bute, these two renovated cottages (Milton Cottage is detached, Milton Byre adjoins another property) offer an ideal holiday location from which to ...
Seafield Cottage is a delightful very well equipped with 4 bedrooms that sleeps up to 7/8 people. It is located on a quiet minor road on the edge of Loch Creran just 15 minutes drive north of Oban.
Pet Friendly, dogs ...
On the banks of Crinan Canal Peacefully situated in this delightful little village on the banks of the Crinan Canal, with its numerous yachts passing through. Crinan Beach, 4 miles. Lochgilphead, 3 miles. This cottage ...
Excellent views of Loch LongWithin the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is this peaceful and well equipped, semi-detached forestry cottage. Being a waterfront property it enjoys stunning views across Loch ...
Countryside locationThis superb first floor apartment (with lift), is set within Kip Village and Marina, situated at the mouth of the River Kip, and surrounded by beautiful countryside and mountains and is the gateway to ...
Countryside locationThis superb first floor apartment (with lift), is set within Kip Village and Marina, situated at the mouth of the River Kip, and surrounded by beautiful countryside and mountains and is the gateway to ...
Set in a spectacular location on the shores of Loch Fyne, this detached holiday cottage is an ideal base for exploring the Kintyre Peninsula and the famous Crinan Canal. Ferries leave from Tarbert for crossings to the Mull ...
Located on the beachThis detached, single storey holiday lodge situated along Kintyre?s stunning west coast boasts unrivalled views across to Gigha, the Paps of Jura in the distance and magnificent sunsets, and is a ...
In a quiet village setting, this beautifully renovated, semi-detached holiday cottage is close to local amenities and perfectly situated for touring Argyll and Lochaber. Oban, a small bustling fishing town is close by, and ...
Bridgend House, Kilmichael Glassary, Kilmichael Glassary, Argyll and Bute
This semi-detached holiday cottage is situated in Kilmichael Glassary, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and steeped in history and wildlife. The area is one of the most important prehistoric sites on the Scottish mainland, ...
Large mature gardenThis spacious and cosily furnished detached cottage is set on a hillside and accessed by a shared private road. Its large mature garden is ideal for children and it is ideally situated for walking in the ...
These two Scandinavian style holiday lodges boast a stunning beachfront location overlooking the Kyles of Bute and are situated close to Tighnabruaich village on the west coast of Scotland and offer 66 acres of natural, ...
'Breathtaking views over the Sound of Seil' In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local islands, designated one of Scotland?s ...
This beautifully-appointed, first floor holiday apartment enjoys fabulous views over Oban Bay and the town centre; utmost care has been taken in choosing the fabrics and furnishings. It makes an ideal base to explore the ...
Selfcatering property close to Oban with uninterupted views over the Falls of Lora.
How would you like to wake up to a sea view every morning of our holiday?
Every room offers spectacular views over the tidal rapids; The ...
Selfcatering property close to Oban with uninterupted views over the Falls of Lora.
How would you like to wake up to a sea view every morning of our holiday?
Every room offers spectacular views over the tidal rapids; The ...
This detached former coach house lies at the entrance to an 11-acre private estate. The first floor holiday dwelling has been lovingly restored and beautifully furnished. Boasting access to a private loch, home to a wealth ...
Attractively situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with wonderful views of Loch Creran and forest, this traditional farmhouse (adjoining the owner?s garage) is located in North Shian, near Port Appin. An ideal ...
Comgall, Kilmichael Glassary, Kilmichael Glassary, Argyll and Bute
These holiday properties are located adjacent to the owners home, beside the river, at the foot of Dunadd Fort, an historic monument associated with the Kings of Scotland since the Iron Age. Forming part of the original ...
Enjoying lovely views and sunsets over Loch Sween and Jura, this comfortable holiday cottage stands beside natural woodland on the owner?s working farm. This secluded peninsula is abundant with birds, flowers and wildlife, ...
Watch yachts pass by from the garden of this charming terraced cottage, a perfect location to enjoy everything Argyll has to offer. Guests will find Daisylea welcoming, comfortable and delightfully decorated. Stunning ...
Dalvuie Beag is a small, traditional detached West Highland holiday farmhouse situated in a peaceful location beneath the slopes of Ben Lora. Surrounded by fields with views of distant mountains and close to the sea, lochs ...
Overlooking the Crinan Canal, this original holiday cottage will allow you to enjoy the many walks along the canal, and explore the varied rugged coastline and beaches. Crinan Ferry beach, 4 miles. Central for touring the ...
Enjoying wonderful views over the Holy Loch, this detached, single-storey property with its own garden stands in the village of Strone within the Argyll Forest Park, which is part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National ...
A handsome and lively Victorian town, Oban is the gateway to the highlands and its rugged landscape of wild heather moors and mountains tumbling into the sea. Beautifully situated on Oban?s esplanade, this ground floor ...
Superb loch viewsSituated on the shores of Loch Awe with private harbour, this development of just four single storey cedar lodges is situated in approximately 2.5 acres. The views across the loch to the hills beyond are ...
The Kilchoan Estate enjoys an idyllic and peaceful setting, facing south on the north shore of Loch Melfort. Delightfully secluded near the end of a 5-mile single-track road, it commands magnificent views over the loch and ...
Superbly situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, mid-way between Oban and Fort William, these two delightful 19th-century properties (Garden Cottage UHS, The Coach House UKS) each enjoy spectacular, far-reaching ...
All on ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen. 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin. Shower room with toilet. Elec heaters and elec by £1 coin meter. Bed linen and towels inc. T/cot. H/chair. Freeview TV. DVD. CD. Elec cooker. ...
Save over £270 for a 21 nights break starting Saturday, 25th of May
Located 6 miles south of Tarbert, this renovated, single-storey, detached holiday lodge is situated on a working farm, within a private estate comprising 2500 acres of natural moorland offering many walks (trout fishing ...
This delightful detached holiday cottage has every amenity, having been tastefully modernised yet retaining its rural character. It offers an idyllic holiday, with spectacular walks to beautiful Loch Awe, to hidden ruined ...
Ideal base for visiting the Isles Esplanade Court is situated in a particularly superb location overlooking Oban Bay, on the lovely west coast of Scotland. The holiday apartments have qualified for the STB 4 Star ...
United Kingdom cottages
