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Fall in Love with 6 Castles in and Around Oban That Are Worth Exploring
On the hunt for a little medieval magic? Oban’s the place to find it. A treat for castle lovers, this coastal town has every kind you can think of, from medieval ruins overlooking the sea to fairytale castles hidden in private estates.
Not short on charm, these castles truly steal the show and are well worth the long walk, drive, hike, or even ferry ride to reach them. The best part? Most are just a short trip from town, making it easy to castle-hop throughout the day.
To get you started on your adventure, we’ve handpicked the best castles in Oban, guaranteed to make your visit unforgettable. Let’s
Dunollie Castle
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Address: Dunollie House, Oban PA34 5TT
Contact Information: +44 1631 570550
Opening Hours: March to October – Daily: 10 am to 4 pm
Website
Located in North Oban, the Dunollie Castle is perched on a clifftop, offering majestic views of Oban Bay and the Isle of Kerrera. In good weather, you may even be able to spot the Mull and Iona.
Run by a charitable trust, the castle grounds, which date back to around 686, are a heritage site complete with a museum, the 1745 House, which was once the laird’s residence.
You can also explore the Willow Garden, have a drink at the Kettle Garden Café, and do a little souvenir shopping at the Draper’s Shop.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Sunday to enjoy a live piper performance.
Gylen Castle
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Address: Oban PA34 4SX
Contact Information: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
A dramatic one, the Gylen Castle sits atop a rocky promontory, offering breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth.
It’s a little far from the centre, accessible via a quick ferry followed by a scenic 3-mile walk. Don’t be intimidated by the journey, as it’s part of the adventure.
Built in 1582, it was a stronghold built to guard southern Oban from approaches. Don’t be fooled by its compact size; the castle features a vaulted passage, barrel-vaulted cellar, and even a rare oriel window with defensive machicolations. It’s a beauty with a backbone, I’ll say.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain can be slippery and uneven, especially after rainfall, with the final leg quite steep.
Dunstaffnage Castle
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Address: Dunbeg, Oban PA37 1PZ
Contact Information: +44 1631 562465
Opening Hours: April to September – Daily: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Website
Dunstaffnage Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest fortresses. Built in the 1220s, it’s one of the earliest strategic coastal strongholds, featuring a massive curtain wall, corner towers, and a towering donjon.
Over the centuries, the castle suffered from fires, frequent shifts of ownership, and eventual abandonment, leaving it to fall into ruin.
In 1958, it passed into the care of Historic Environment Scotland, which carried out careful restoration to preserve what remains today.
Pro Tip: If you’re curious to see the castle in its former glory, step inside the exhibition area to check out the scale models recreating the castle in its medieval prime.
Castle Stalker
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Address: Appin PA38 4BL
Contact Information: +44 1631 730354
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:15 am – check the official website for tour dates and availability
Website
Castle Stalker is roughly a 40-minute drive from Oban, offering stunning coastal views throughout the journey. Perched on a little islet in Loch Laich, Castle Stalker is striking, even from a distance. Straight from a postcard, it’s surrounded by dramatic hills and serene water.
Dating back to the early 14th century, its ownership shifted until it was eventually abandoned in the 18th century and fell into ruin. Today, it’s privately owned, but guided tours are offered, allowing visitors to explore the medieval fortress.
Pro Tip: If you can’t make it to the site, you can do a virtual tour on their website, allowing you to explore the castle from your screen.
Kilchurn Castle
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Address: Lochawe, Dalmally PA33 1AF
Contact Information: +44 131 668 8600
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 am to 5 pm
Website
Kilchurn Castle is easily one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. You’ve likely seen it on a postcard without even realising it. It was built in the mid-15th century as the base for the Campbells of Glenorchy, who later rose to be the Earls and Marquises of Breadalbane.
Over time, and after several renovations and additions, what began as a modest tower gradually expanded into a fortress, complete with a curtain wall and barracks. By the 18th century, however, it was left abandoned and badly damaged after a lightning strike.
The ruins that we see today are the aftermath. On some days when the water’s low, which happens fairly often in the summer, you can even walk across to get a closer look. Plus, it’s just a little under an hour’s drive from Oban.
Pro Tip: To take the iconic photo of the ruins with the loch and mountains in the background, head over to the layby or viewpoint by the A819 road at the south end of Loch Awe.
Inveraray Castle
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Address: Inveraray PA32 8XE
Contact Information: +441499302203
Opening Hours: Daily – Thursday to Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
Website
Does it ring a bell? You’ve probably seen Inveraray Castle on Downton Abbey’s 2012 Christmas special. Built by one of the most influential Scottish families in the 1740s, it was particularly striking for its romantic look; it feels straight out of a fairytale.
Step inside and you’ll find an abundance of grandeur: the State Dining Room, adorned with French tapestries from the 1780s, and the Drawing Room, filled with French furniture and portraits.
Outside, the grounds stretch over 16 acres of garden and woodlands, perfect for walks or, if you’re feeling whimsical, frolicking in a gown and channelling your inner princess waiting for her knight.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without popping in the on-site cafe for some freshly baked scones and a proper cuppa, because every fairytale deserves a sweet ending.
