Out & About
Oban is an ideal base for touring Argyll and the West Highlands of Scotland. Whilst there is plenty to do and see in and around Oban itself, there are also plenty of interesting places which you can visit during a day's driving tour. Or you can leave the car behind, and take the train or boat direct from Oban and within walking distance of Sandvilla.
The following are some suggestions of places you can visit:
Within Oban
Oban Distillery in the centre of town.
McCaig's Tower - well worth the climb up the steps from the centre of the town to visit this 19th century folly. Offers a wonderful view over Oban and the Bay.
Weather not so good? Why not visit Oban's well equipped Atlantis leisure centre in the centre of the town?
If you're feeling adventurous, Oban based Stramash offer full and half day adventure activities for adults and children. See www.stramash.eu for more details.
Oban based company Coastal Connections provide day trips on their R.I.B boats from the town. Visit Tobermory on Mull for the day or enjoy a trip on Loch Etive. www.coastal-connections.co.uk
The annual Argyll Gathering, featuring the Oban Highland Games takes place on August 26th 2010. Visit www.obangames.com for further information on this historic event.
Eating out in Oban
Oban is the self confessed Seafood Capital of Scotland and there are no shortage of places in town to enjoy the fantastic seafood caught locally. Ee'usk (meaning fish in gaelic), The Waterfront Restaurant and The Seafood Temple are just a few of the 'fishy' options to choose from.
Fish not your thing? There are plenty of other excellent restaurants and cafes to choose from. Cuan Mor Bar & Restaurant offers a fantastic range of Scottish food while Piazza on the North Pier offers a range of Italian delights. Coast Restaurant on George Street also offers fine dining at its best.
For the chocolate lovers out there The Oban Chocolate Company sells a delightful selection of handmade chocolates made on the premises. You can even enjoy their chocolate in the relaxing surroundings of their coffee shop. For the children out there they also provide kid's chocolate workshops! See www.obanchocolate.co.uk for more details.
Day Trips
Inveraray Jail, living museum, a restored 19th Century prison - fascinating day out for everyone. Also in Inveraray, there is the magnificent Inveraray Castle.
The Scottish Sealife Sanctuary is just 11 miles outside Oban. See the Seals being fed daily and visit the new addition - The Giant Octopus. More details can be found at www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Kilchurn Castle a splendid ruin on a small peninsula along the banks of Loch Awe.
Ferry to the Isle of Mull, direct from Oban. Tel. 01475 650100; alternatively, try something different: Sea-Fari Adventures
There are numerous beautiful gardens to be visited in Argyll. For more information on these, visit Gardens of Argyll.
Take a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig which runs most days June - September; or just take the West Highland line train from Oban to Fort William, itself a delightful run.
For more information about things to see and do in and around Oban, visit the Oban Web Directory or the website of the Oban and Lorn Tourism Association.
Ferry Leaving for Mull
McCaig's Tower overlooking Oban
Kilchurn Castle