Things to do and how to find us.
With plenty of things to do in Oban, getting here is easy with strong connections by rail and sea making Oban the ‘Gateway to the Isles’.
Ferries link the mainland to the isles for walkers and island-hopping explorers. Mull, Lismore and Kerrera are all an easy day trip from an Oban base.
View our concierge picks
Dunollie Castle
Take a step back in time at Dunollie Castle. Within walking distance from Oban Bay Hotel, the castle sits above the town, offering spectacular views of Oban Bay and the island Kerarra. Explore the ruins and castle grounds, and visit the museum.
McCaig's Tower
Take a walk to one of the best viewpoints in town. The Colisium-like McCaigs Tower on Oban's Battery Hill has a stunning public garden. This popular vantage point has views over the isles of Kerrera Lismore and Mull, which overlook the bay.
Boat Tours
Oban is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering everything from walking to water-based activities include kayaking and fishing, from sea angling to fishing on trout lochs. Enjoy a day on the sea. See wildlife, learn local history, and soak in the sun with a day on a local boat tour.
Oban
McCaig's Tower
The Coliseum-like McCaig’s Tower on Oban’s Battery Hill has a public garden: a popular vantage point for views to the islands of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull.
The Views
As Oban is built on the side of a hill, the views to the south and west over the islands of Kerrera to Mull are panoramic.
Cycling
The roads and paths around Oban can be explored by bike and if you take the train you can have a car free break exploring the coastal roads and take your bike by ferry to one of the islands.
Walking
Oban is a town that is best seen on foot. Close by are coastal walks and for the hill walkers, some munros within a 45 minute drive. Head for the empty white-sand beaches at Ganavan or Tralee on Benderloch for some great views.
Oban Distillery
Bracing sea air and local spring water add their notes to local whisky production, from Oban Distillery to island distilleries, each offering tours and tastings.
Historic Attractions
Castle Stalker
Castle Stalker sits prominent on a rocky outcrop in Loch Linnhe, close to Portnacroish, as you approach Oban from the north. The dramatic location of this privately owned castle is a visual highlight as you explore the area by car or bike.
Dunstaffnage Castle
Once captured by King Robert the Bruce of Scotland, 13th century Dunollie Castle lies a couple of miles to the north of Oban and overlooks the waters of Loch Linnhe that lie to the north.
Dunollie Castle
Within walking distance from Oban Bay Hotel, Dunollie Castle sits above the town offering spectacular views of Oban Bay and the island of Kerrara. Along with the castle, visitors can explore the museum and grounds.
West Coast
Rugged Coastline
Oban is nestled in the protected Oban Bay with a natural harbour guarding against the waters of the Atlantic Ocean which ebbs and flows with the tide. The shore line, islands and hills are all shaped by the weather with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches providing a dramatic backdrop to your break in this beautiful area of Scotland's west coast.
Boat Trips
Seafari offer sightseeing trips to nearby islands and to spot wildlife including whales, porpoises, sea eagles and sea otters.
Corryvreckan Whirlpool
The third largest whirlpool in the world can be experienced on a sightseeing boat trip from Oban or Easdale, which is a short drive to the south and involves crossing the "Bridge over the Atlantic" to Seil Island.
Sea Kayaking
The waters in and around Oban are ideal for kayaking, with plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with local wildlife. There are several local companies that offer kayak hire and tours.
Connected to the Islands
Being the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, a day trip to the Isle of Mull, Lismore or Kerrera is easy to organise and will allow you to experience the wildlife, beaches and historic castles that these islands have to offer. For longer stays take a trip to, Iona, a small island which can be covered by foot or bicycle in a day or head to Tobermory, the main town on the Isle of Mull that is a fishing port with lots of character and things to see and do. South of Oban, a popular place to visit is the Isle of Seil.
Cosy up and settle in for a good read.
Whether you have a taste for fine dining or a passion for the great outdoors, we've collected some of Britain's best experiences to help you start your story.
Directions to Oban Bay Hotel
Oban Bay Hotel sits on Corran Esplanade at the more quiet end of the town. On the road to the beach at Ganavan Sands, yet a short stroll into the town centre with it's shops, cafés and bars. The train station connects with Glasgow and Calmac ferries connect to most west coast islands such as Mull, Islay, Coll and further afield to the Outer Hebrides. By car - If you are driving from the south, take the A82 to Tyndrum and join the A85 to Oban. If you are coming from the north, take the A82 and cross the Ballachulish Bridge. At the roundabout, take the Oban A828 exit. Follow the road across the Connel Bridge and at the T-junction turn left for Oban. By train - First ScotRail runs trains from Queen Street Station in Glasgow. By ferry - Mull, Colonsay and the Western Isle ferries berth a short stroll from our hotel. By plane - The nearest airports are Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Only an hour and 42 minutes by car, you can enjoy the views of Loch Linnhe as you travel down the A28 to Fort William.
From day trips to Whisky distilleries to guided tours around Oban’s most historical sites, there is lots to do. Visit McCaig’s Tower and climb to the top for views of the Atlantic Isles from the bay or explore the garden grounds.
Nicknamed the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’, Oban is famous for its seafood. With its abundance of seafood restaurants, Oban has become world-renowned for its quality seafood. From mussels, scallops, oysters, lobsters, monkfish and more, it is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Yes. CalMac Ferries run regularly scheduled ferries from The Ferry Terminal seven days a week. Visit the CalMac Ferries website for details on their timetables and pricing.
Book Your Stay In Oban
With beautiful views across the water, indulgent spa treatments, exquisite dining, dramatic shorelines to explore and luxurious suites, our Oban Bay Hotel is the perfect place to explore Scotland’s west coast.
Discover Oban with Crerar Hotels. Explore our rooms and suites, select suitable dates and book now. Our rooms are highly sought after, therefore we would recommend you book in advance to save disappointment.
There’s always something happening at Oban Bay
