Oban Bay

Visit Oban, Lorn & the Isles

Seafood Capital of Scotland

Welcome to Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland and the Gateway to the Isles.

Oban, Lorn & the Isles is a fascinating part of Argyll & the Isles with an amazing range of things to see and do.

Here you can meet lobsters face to face, dive with sharks, enjoy a dram at one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, climb to the summit of the Hollow Mountain or get close to the world’s third largest whirlpool.

Oban is a buzzing and booming ferry port with a fantastic mix of great shops, restaurants, cáfes and attractions plus a myriad of great days out to explore the surrounding area.

Immerse yourself in Oban's rich history with a visit to Dunollie Museum & Castle. Enjoy the stunning views, stroll in the historic woodlands, and enjoy a bite to eat at their café. Lots on for kids too, a great day out.

For novice or keen kayakers, yachtsmen and divers, the seas around Oban offer the best in Europe for their sports, whilst the surrounding dominating hills and glens are magnificent for walking and cycling, at any pace which takes your fancy.

Are you ready to experience more?

Let’s explore the Lorn & Isles area and make memories with family, friends or even a solo adventure!

North of Oban, two picturesque places of interest in Loch Awe and Appin – both offer iconic castles, attractions and offer great walking and cycling.

The islands of Kerrera and Lismore sits just outside of Oban Bay. Further south you can cross the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ to the 'Slate Islands.'

The waters around Oban and Lorn offer awesome sea kayaking. Paddle to islands, explore sea caves and set off on a paddleboard.

Everywhere you turn, there’s something special to see and do, there is so much to choose from, you'll just love Oban!

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression. Here we have proverb from Gaelic tradition about Oban, Lorn & the Isles.

Proverb

Nuair a bhitheas tu san Óban (When in Oban)

Dèan mar na h-Óbanaich (Do as the Obanites!)

With thanks to partners CHARTS

Learn more

Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays

Castles, whisky and miles of coastline: Oban, Lorn & the Isles is packed with things to see and do. Come, stay a while.

Download our Destination & Experience Guides

MV Finlaggan And MV Isle Of Mull In Oban Bay

Oban Road Cycling 1 Stephensweeneyphotography

Top reasons to visit

Must see places while visiting Oban

6 Hebridean islands

Scotland's seafood capital

2 national nature reserves

13 medieval castles

6 glorious gardens

5 marinas

Explore Oban, Lorn & Isles

What are you looking for?

Must Visit Places

Surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday. Here are a selection of must visit places nearby;

The Isle of Kerrera is a a small island jewel near Oban, perfect for walking with a ruined castle and a tea room. Kerrera is a walkers paradise with a 6-7 mile circuits to the north and south of the island.

Loch Awe, Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, is home to Kilchurn Castle, and the area also boasts the unique St Conan’s Kirk, Oor head for the hills to explore Ben Cruachan otherwise known as the "Hollow Mountain."

Appin is steeped in the history and with the nearby Castle Stalker, it is one of the most photographed. It is easy to see the magic and mystique of this amazing area.

Worth a diversion from the main Oban to Fort William road is the tiny hamlet of Port Appin has a passenger ferry with direct access to the Isle of Lismore and a great seafood restaurant, The Pierhouse Hotel & Restaurant, with rooms directly overlooking Loch Linnhe.

South of Oban are lush rolling hills and spectacular coastal views. There are several attractions within a relatively short drive of Oban, among them a group of islands including Seil, Luing and Easdale also known as the 'The Slate Islands.'

ISLE OF KERRERA

Enjoy an accessible island experience from Oban by taking a short ferry to Kerrera from Gallanach.

Explore

LOCH AWE

Visit Scotland's longest freshwater loch on your way to or from Oban, or by rail on the West Highland Line.

Explore

APPIN

Make a day or two of it to nearby Appin featuring Castle Stalker, just North from Oban to Fort William on A828 road.

Explore

Cyclists At Castle Stalker Scottish Viewpoint

SLATE ISLANDS

Take the road south of Oban, cross the Bridge over the Atlantic to Seil, Easdale and Luing.

Explore

ISLE OF LISMORE

Take a short ferry journey from Oban or Port Appin, for wildlife, fascinating historical sites and glorious views.

Explore

Explore Oban's Places of Interest

Discover some special places of interest while you are staying in Oban. Click on our map icons to discover where to see on your travels. If you see multiple icons clustered in one area, simply zoom in on the map to decluster the icons.

All you need to know about visiting Oban, Lorn & Isles

Background image - MV Isle Of Mull Departs Oban Bay June 2012

5 islands to visit in a day trip from Oban | Argyll & the Isles

The busy town of Oban is known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’ where you can visit the islands of Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Kerrera, Lismore and Coll & Tiree

Background image - Loch Awe Kilchurn Castle

10 things to do in and around Loch Awe | Argyll & the Isles

Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, stretching 25 miles through glorious Highland landscape. Here are ten of top things to see and do when visiting.

Oban on YouTube

Immerse yourself in all things Oban & Lorn and their surrounding isles by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!

Watch YouTube

Your destination for a magical wedding

Tie the knot in Argyll & the Isles

Whether you're dreaming of a romantic beach ceremony on a secluded island or a traditional Scottish wedding in a historic castle, there are plenty of venues to choose from.

Explore

Background image - Entry 85 Ronald Sinclair

Getting here

Planning your journey

The traditional route is by car or bus via the A82.

For a slight detour, follow the A83 to Lochgilphead, follow the Crinan Canal before travelling through Kilmartin Glen and northwards to Oban and Lorn.

Or sit back and relax on a regular train or bus journey from Glasgow to Oban.

Background image - Viewpoint Indicator On Pulpit Hill Oban

Background image - Scotrail Highland Explorer Cycle Carriage Oban

Background image - Waa Single Letter Outline

The Highland Explorer

Connecting Glasgow to Oban

The perfect way to travel to and from Oban for the conscious traveller and adventure seekers! Hop on the Scotrail Highland Explorer with your bike and backpack, on the dedicated adventure carriages.

Explore