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Oban Tourist Information


Oban, which in Gaelic means “Little Bay”, is a resort town in Argyll and Bute. It is known for its beautiful setting on a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Firth of Lorn backed by the scenic mountains of Ardgour and Morvern.

The original Cathedral of the Isles was situated on the island if Lismore but a newer building now stands in Oban and belongs to the Church of Scotland.

Oban Distillery was built in 1794, and the town of Oban grew up around it. The craggy harbour was initially a small centre of shipbuilding and fishing with some quarrying in the area.

By the late 19th century it had become a busy port, with the railway bringing wool, whisky, kelp and slate to be shipped down to Manchester and Liverpool.

During World War II, Oban was an important Merchant and Royal Navy base with an RAF flying boat base at nearby Ganavan.

The first Transatlantic Telephone Cable came ashore at Oban in 1955, providing communications between the British Government and the US President.


Present Day Oban

Known as the Gateway to the Isles and the Seafood Capital of Scotland, Oban currently has around 8,000 residents and is one of the largest towns in the area. Many of the locals speak Gaelic. As a popular holiday destination in the summer, the town swells to 25,000 people.

Just offshore are the islands of Kerrera and Mull, clearly visible from the viewpoint of McCraig's Tower. This landmark folly on Battery Hill can be seen from most parts of Oban. It was built to resemble the Colosseum in Rome although it was never finished. It has a 200-metre circumference and a double tier of 94 arches altogether.

St Columba Cathedral is one of the main attractions in Oban and is located on the seafront. It was completed in 1959 to a design by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. It has a square tower and the solid-looking building is made of beautiful pink Peterhead granite and blue Inverawe granite.


Things to do in Oban

A tour of the Oban Distillery provides an informative and interesting insight into how whisky is produced in this small Diageo owned distillery.

The area has a number of castles and towers that are worth visiting. Dunollie Castle makes a pleasant walk along a footpath up the short steep hill. From the ruined 15th century walls there are wonderful views of the harbour, town and isles.

Dunstaffnage Castle is a partial ruin just outside Oban, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The fourth side has a tight entrance with a gatehouse. Built in the 13th century it is one of Scotland's oldest fortresses. The Stone of Destiny was said to have been brought here from Ireland in 1612 before later being transferred to Scone Palace.

The gatehouse still belongs to the hereditary Captain of Dunstaffnage but the remainder of the castle is open to the public and is managed by Historic Scotland.

Oban is a popular base for those wishing to explore Kilmartin Glen, which has 350 ancient monuments including a prehistoric henge, standing stones, burial cists and several cairns. The natural rocks are marked with a cup and ring sign. The museum itself is in the ancient town of Dunadd.

 

Images of Oban
Oban, Looking towards Mull © James Craig
Oban Bay © James Craig
Oban, looking up to the Folly © James Craig
Mull Ferry Arriving in Oban © James Craig
Oban Town Scene © James Craig
Weather: Oban Weather Forecast

Here's a 5 day weather forecast for Oban from the Met Office:



Directions
Show map of Oban...


Attractions near Oban
Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary (6 Miles)*
Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is Scotland's leading animal rescue centre caring for dozens of sick, injured and orphaned seal pups every year.
Duart Castle (8 Miles)*
Duart has been the home of the Macleans since Lachlan Lubanach Maclean, the 5th chief married Margaret, the daughter of the Lord of the Isles in 1360. Duart and the surrounding lands were her dowry.
Torosay Castle & Gardens (9 Miles)*
A beautiful and welcoming Victorian family home surrounded by 12 acres of spectacular gardens.
more attractions in Oban and things to do in Oban ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Oban

Attractions:
  Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary  6 Miles
  Duart Castle  8 Miles
  Torosay Castle & Gardens  9 Miles
more attractions in Oban...
 
Towns:
  Dunollie  1 Mile
  Kilbride  3 Miles
  Connel  4 Miles
more towns near Oban...
 
Estate Agents:
  Cowal Estate Agents  37 Miles
  Allen and Harris  39 Miles
  Slater Hogg and Howison  41 Miles
Hotels:
  Regent Hotel  <1 Mile
  Blair Villa  <1 Mile
  Caledonian Oban Hotel  <1 Mile
more hotels in Oban area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Dunheanish Guest House  <1 Mile
  Sand Villa Guesthouse  <1 Mile
  Bed & Breakfast at Shian  1 Mile
more bed and breakfasts near Oban...
 
Self Catering:
  2 Duncraggan Apartments  <1 Mile
  Cologin Country Chalets and Lodges  3 Miles
  BOATHOUSE CHALET  3 Miles
more self catering near Oban...
 
Campsites:
  Achindarroch Touring Park  17 Miles
  Resipole Caravan and Camping Park  22 Miles
  Glendaruel Caravan Park  27 Miles
TIC: Oban Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01631 563122  <1 Mile



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Towns near Oban
Dunollie Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Kilbride Tourist Information (3 Miles)*
Connel Tourist Information (4 Miles)*
more towns near Oban...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Oban
Regent Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
A landmark on Oban's Esplanade, The Regent Hotel is an eclectic mix of Victorian and classic 1930's Art Deco architecture. The hotel is located 100 metres from the centre of the city.
Caledonian Oban Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
Rising from the water's edge and overlooking the beautiful sheltered bay, the Caledonian Oban Hotel commands a stunning location in the picturesque town of Oban
The Royal Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
Just 500 metres from Oban Railway Station and Oban Ferry Terminal, the Royal offers en suite rooms and free parking. It serves traditional Scottish food and has a whisky bar.
more Oban hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Oban
2 Duncraggan Apartments (< 1 Mile)*
With uninterrupted views over Oban Bay to Kerrera and the Sound of Mull, No.2 Duncraggan Apartments undoubtedly has one of the best views in the whole of Oban.
Cologin Country Chalets and Lodges (3 Miles)*
One bedroom chalets, two bedroom lodges, private cottages and houses for rental on a self catering basis in Lerags Glen - less than 3 miles from Oban town centre. Rural and tranquil with lovely scenery all around.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more self catering near Oban ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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