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.
Craigard, Ardfern, near Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
Ardfern sits on the shores of Loch Craignish, capturing all that is beautiful about Mid Argyll and the wonderful west coast of Scotland. Craigard, on the edge of the village (where bikes may be hired), gives you the ...
The Nursery, South Lochaweside, Argyll and Bute, Taynuilt
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 ...
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 ...
This impressive detached manor house is the perfect destination for large family gatherings, private house parties, intimate weddings and other celebrations. Having started life as a girl’s school, laterally it has run ...
The Factors House, Kilmartin Glen, near Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
Beautiful scenery, rich in wildlifeIn the heart of Kilmartin GlenThis holiday property is beside the owner’s home in the middle of Kilmartin Glen in the heart of Mid Argyll, an area of beautiful scenery, steeped in ...
This spacious detached modern holiday home is situated in an elevated position and located in the village of Innellan on the Cowal Peninsula which is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. Offering an excellent level of ...
These two seaside cottages, Fisherman’s Cottage and New Orleans (refs SBW and SRRL) are located on Kildalloig Estate on The Mull of Kintyre. Kildalloig is a working hill farm and native luing cattle and blackface sheep ...
Idyllically situated ,quaint and quirky stand alone former crofters cottage in the hamlet of Imeraval, only 10 to 15 minutes walk from Port Ellen .
Comprises double bedroom amd two twin bedrooms ,one of which is best ...
Seabank Farmhouse has 5 bedrooms and is situated on the shores of Loch Creran, 9 miles from Oban on the west coast of Scotland.
The farmhouse can sleep 10 people and is ideal for family holidays or groups of ...
On the banks of Crinan CanalPeacefully situated in this delightful little village on the banks of the Crinan Canal along which numerous yachts pass, with a south facing garden directly overlooking the canal. Crinan Beach, ...
Achabeg, Inverlussa, near Achnamara, Argyll and Bute, Lochgilphead
Ground floor: Living/reading room. Shower room with toilet. First floor: Living room with French doors. Second living area with beams. Dining room. Kitchen. 2 bedrooms: 1 double (5ft) with en-suite bathroom with shower ...
This wonderful house, refurbished in 2019, is beautifully situated within the Lerags Glen, offering complete rural peace and quiet, yet convenient for Oban, just a 10-minute drive to the north. Achalic Beag is situated on ...
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 ...
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 ...
Baravullin, Benderloch near Oban, Argyll and Bute, Appin
Enjoying a peaceful setting, this detached, single-storey holiday cottage makes an ideal base from which to explore this glorious area of the west coast of Scotland. Close to the pretty village of Benderloch and the sandy ...
Close to the beach, this cosy, detached, single-store cottage enjoys wonderful views and is in an ideal holiday location for exploring Kintyre. Situated close to the sea, 200 yards, there are opportunities for coastal ...
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 ...
Blane, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Argyll and Bute, All Isle of Bute
Situated in a wonderful coastal location in Kames Bay on the east side of Bute, the lovely traditional stone cottages that form Kames Castle (refs SSBA, SSBB, SSBC, SSBE, SSBF, SSBG and SSBH) are situated in approximately ...
Boatmans Cottage, Tayvallich, near Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
Boatmans Cottage is a well-appointed and well maintained, single-storey cottage in the beautiful and tranquil village of Tayvallich, just south of Crinan on a remote peninsula which is still part of the Scottish mainland. ...
Bramble Cottage is situated in the grounds of a hotel in the stunningly beautiful hamlet of Port Appin. Whilst not directly facing the loch it is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the beautiful scenery of Loch Linnhe ...
Brondeg Lodge, Minard, near Inveraray, Argyll and Bute, Lochgilphead
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 ...
This impressive detached manor house is the perfect destination for large family gatherings, private house parties, intimate weddings and other celebrations. Having started life as a girl’s school, laterally it has run ...
On Kintyre’s stunning west coast and situated only yards from a beautiful white sandy beach, this traditional, semi-detached cottage is located on a quiet lane, giving access to the local church. Originally two cottages, ...
This spacious detached modern holiday home is situated in an elevated position and located in the village of Innellan on the Cowal Peninsula which is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. Offering an excellent level of ...
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 ...
Craig Lora, Dalmally, near Oban, Argyll and Bute, Taynuilt
Situated on the banks of the River Orchy, this wonderful 19th-century, detached stone cottage offers the perfect retreat for a relaxing holiday. Argyllshire is renowned for its rugged landscape, rocky shore lines and ...
Craigard, Ardfern, near Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
Ardfern sits on the shores of Loch Craignish, capturing all that is beautiful about Mid Argyll and the wonderful west coast of Scotland. Craigard, on the edge of the village (where bikes may be hired), gives you the ...
Cruinn, Achnamara, near Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
Enjoying lovely views and sunsets over Loch Sween and Jura, Cruinn (ref URW) and Moy ( ref UXU) are comfortable holiday cottages on the owner’s working farm. Cruinn stands beside natural woodland, and Moy is situated ...
Cuil View, Duror near Ballachulish, Highlands, Glencoe
In an idyllic lochside setting with stunning views of the Morven Hills and Cuil Bay, this detached cottage is located between Fort William and Oban, making it an ideal base for exploring the west coast of Scotland. With ...
Dalvuie Beag, North Connel, near Oban, Argyll and Bute
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 ...
Dunardry View, Cairnbaan, by Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
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 across a large garden down to Holy Loch, guests are invited to go down to the beach and use the decking which is partly covered and gives the opportunity to sit next to the water. This detached, ...
Dungrianach, Ellenabeich, near Oban, Argyll and Bute
Located in the heart of the beautiful conservation village of Ellenabeich, this former mid-terraced single storey slate-worker’s cottage is reached by crossing the famous ’bridge over the Atlantic’. The cottage is ...
With stunning views over the loch and the Paps of Jura this beautifully presented cottage provides a tranquil retreat from which to explore Kintyre and the islands. It is located within easy reach of Tarbert, the gateway ...
Easdale Cottage, Barcaldine, near Oban, Argyll and Bute, Appin
Enjoying a peaceful setting in the grounds of Barcaldine House, a 16th century mansion, these holiday cottages are an ideal base from which to explore this magnificient part of the west coast of Scotland. Iona Cottage (ref ...
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 ...
With superb views across the harbour and onto the island of Kerrera, this third floor apartment allows you to sit and watch the ferries leaving Oban for the Hebrides. It also has wonderful views of McCaigs Folly, bathed ...
From the head of the Holy Loch, north to Glenbranter, there are dozens of walks along the shores of Loch Eck and elevating up the sides of the Glen on both sides with Benmore (Bienn Mhor) being one of the highest summits ...
These two seaside cottages, Fisherman’s Cottage and New Orleans (refs SBW and SRRL) are located on Kildalloig Estate on The Mull of Kintyre. Kildalloig is a working hill farm and native luing cattle and blackface sheep ...
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