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10 Oban Adventures You’ll Love from Beginning to End (and After!)
When I first visited Oban, it was just for a “quick half-day” trip to enjoy some fish and chips by the harbour. Before I knew it, I somehow ended up on a ferry, sipping tea, off for an island hike, then came back for the freshest seafood of my life before catching the last bus home.
But that’s the thing about Oban, it gets you to slow down in the best way. You’ll find yourself taking it all in, bit by bit, forgetting the rush of the city. Deadlines? Don’t know her. Emails? Never heard of them.
So, without further ado, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Oban. From island hikes to castle explorations, get ready to make the most of this charming waterfront
Visit the Oban Distillery
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Website
Address: Stafford St, Oban PA34 5NH
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM – 7 PM
Contact Information: +44 1631 572004
We’re starting things off strong with a visit to the Oban Distillery. And no, it’s never too early for some whisky, especially when they open at 10 AM! Practically the heart of the town, Oban Distillery is one of the most characterful distilleries, having been at it since 1794.
When joining their tours, you can expect a peek at the copper stills and casks, a guided tasting session, and of course, a trip to the distillery shop. Here, you’re dangerously close to many limited editions and whisky-infused treats that’ll have you wishing you could take them all.
Pro Tip: Tours can sell out fast, especially in the holiday season, so book ahead and arrive early.
Explore McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill
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Website
Address: Duncraggan Rd, Oban PA34 5DP
Operating Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Contact Information: +44 (1631) 563122
Views have to be earned, my friend. Luckily, the climb up Battery Hill isn’t too bad, but don’t let this gentle stroll fool you; it’s quite steep even for a relatively easy 15-minute walk. But when you get to the summit? The views are breathtaking, framed by arched windows and lush greenery.
Don’t mistake McCaig’s Tower for a Roman coliseum because it isn’t. There wasn’t any fighting going on here. It was actually built between 1897 and 1902 by local banker John Stuart McCaig to be a monument and gallery for local artisans.
Pro Tip: You can drive up and park nearby if you have mobility concerns.
Discover Dunollie Castle
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Website
Address: Dunollie House, Oban PA34 5TT
Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact Information: +44 1631 570550
Dunollie Castle is more than just an ancient artefact in itself; it’s also a museum and café. Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Sound of Kerra, the castle grounds are stunning and practically made for frollicking (bonus points if you’ve got a long princess dress on to complete the look!).
But seriously, the views of the rolling hills and ferries sailing toward the isles are magnificent, especially in the spring and summer when the greenery is most alive, framing the castle.
Pro Tip: Check the Dunollie Castle events calendar for their schedule of activities. They sometimes hold storytelling sessions and historical reenactments, among others.
Visit the Oban War and Peace Museum
Website
Address: Old Oban Times Bldg, Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5PX
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Friday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Contact Information: +44 1631 570007
Oban wasn’t always the scenic waterfront that we know and love. During WWII, Oban played a key role as the base of merchant ships, seaplanes, and even as an embarkation point. At the volunteer-run Oban War and Peace Museum, you’ll see military gear, photographs, personal correspondence, and maritime items.
On the “Peace” side, you’ll explore the cultural side of Oban through the decades, such as the fishing traditions, local industries, transportation systems, and sporting events, among others. It’s a modest museum, but it’s a rich snapshot of what life in Oban was like, making for a nice break between strolls.
Pro Tip: Entrance is free, but you’re more than welcome to donate.
Take a Ferry to the Isle of Kerrera
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Website
Address: Oban, Argyll, PA34 4SX
Operating Hours: Open year-round
Contact Information: [email protected]
If you’re up for even more adventure, then take a ferry to the Isle of Kerra. While it’s easy to get there via ferry, it feels worlds away. It’s that rural. Think I’m kidding? There are only 68 full-time residents.
Don’t worry, getting there’s a breeze, just one 5-minute ferry ride is all it takes, or a 15-minute bus ride, but taking a ferry is more scenic, plus you get to see the dramatic cliffs from a different point of view.
A real gem, don’t miss out visiting the Gylen Castle, a preserved ruin built in 1582, and the Hutcheson Monument. Before heading back, try out the Tearoom & Bunkhouse for hearty soups and hot coffee.
Pro Tip: The Calmac passenger ferry can only take 12 people per trip, so if you’re a big group, plan accordingly, especially during the busier months.
Go Island Hopping to Mull, Iona, and Staffa
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To see a whole new side of Oban, you’ll need to go island hopping through the Inner Hebrides. One moment, you’re exploring Mull’s rugged coast watching wildlife, the next you’re walking through Iona’s royal burial grounds, and soon after marvelling at Staffa’s iconic Fingal’s Cave.
There are several kinds of tours, each offering different highlights, a mix of history, wildlife, and scenery, with some lasting just a day and others spanning a full 7-day holiday. Most trips run from spring through early fall, when the seas are calmer and the islands are most inviting.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy and comfortable footwear as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Visit St. Columba’s Cathedral
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Website
Address: 200 Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5AA
Operating Hours:
- Sunday: Vigil – Mass: 10:30 AM, 6 PM
- Holy Day of Obligation: 10 AM, 7 PM
- Confessions – Saturday: 9:30 AM, 5:30 PM
Contact Information: +441631562123
St. Columba’s Cathedral is worth a peek for its peaceful atmosphere, graceful neo-Gothic architecture, and stunning stained glass. Decades in the making, this Catholic landmark underwent several restorations until it was finally opened, though only partially, for its first service on Christmas Eve 1934.
A proud symbol of Catholic heritage in the Highlands, the cathedral hosts regular masses and welcomes visitors daily, so it’s worth stopping by for a quick few minutes of silence and to admire the craftsmanship.
Pro Tip: For a quieter visit, come early in the morning before the first Mass.
Try the Local Seafood
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Oban isn’t called the “Seafood Capital of Scotland” for nothing! Trust me, it isn’t just marketing fluff; they’re the real deal. Well, what do you expect from one of the richest fishing grounds in the country? Hence, you’re assured fresh catches daily. That fish on your plate must’ve been swimming just hours ago.
Straight from local boats, try their lobsters, crabs, west coast scallops, mussels, and seasonal catches like razor clams or oysters. Don’t miss out on local restaurant favourites like Green Hut by the ferry terminal or Ee-Usk and The Waterfront Fishhouse for upscale dining with a view.
Pro Tip: Seafood spots can easily sell out in the summertime, especially around dinnertime, so go for a late lunch or early dinner so you don’t arrive disappointed.
Climb Pulpit Hill
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Website
Address: Oban, PA34 4NA
Operating Hours: Open year-round
Up for squeezing in a thigh-burning workout? That’s what climbing up Pulpit Hill feels like. While it’s a relatively short climb, about 2 to 3.5 hours, it’s going to have you wondering what possessed you to do this. But trust me, the views at the summit are worth it.
Up 239 feet (73 metres), it offers one of the best views over the Isle of Kerrera, with panoramic views of the nearby islands and distant mountains. Be sure to check out the Minister’s Stone while you’re up there; believed to have been used to give outdoor sermons, hence the name “Pulpit Hill”.
Pro Tip: Bring snacks and a camera, as you might need a little pick-me-up on your way to the summit, plus there are picture-perfect spots everywhere.
Visit the Oban Chocolate Company
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Website
Address: 34 Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5PS
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact Information: +44 1631 566099
Calling fellow sweet tooths, as you’re going to love this entry! An independent chocolate shop, cafe, and working factory, the Oban Chocolate Company has been fulfilling cravings since 2003 with handmade chocolates made with bold and inventive flavours.
While you can watch their chocolate-making process for free, don’t skip getting yourself a treat! Try their signature creations, like Marmite chocolates and whisky truffles, while enjoying the views of the bay.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got some time to spare, sign up for their hands-on workshops and indulgent tasting sessions.
