Oban, a beautiful coastal town within the wild and rugged West Highlands of Scotland.
The name Oban comes from the Gaelic language meaning ‘little bay’ in honour of the picturesque and near-perfect horseshoe shape that Oban bay forms.
Known as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’, Oban is home to many award-winning fish restaurants. But seafood is not the only reason to visit our town - Oban's coastal position means that it is sometimes called the 'Gateway to the Isles'. From the port, you can set sail to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Magnificent wildlife, ancient castles and dramatic scenery await. Oban is the perfect destination to ignite the senses, blast away the cobwebs and embrace adventure in the great outdoors.
Oban Distillery
A trip to Oban is not complete without a tour of one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland, the Oban Distillery . Dating back to 1794, there has been little change in the way whisky has been made at the distillery over the years. Every drop of the Oban malt is produced with care and passion.
Take an intimate tour of the distillery, learn about the whisky making process and finish your experience with a warming complimentary dram of this iconic single malt whisky. Best of all, the distillery is centrally located and is only a short stroll from The Gallery Apartment.
Island Hop the Hebrides
A town that looks out to picturesque Hebridean islands, Oban is a great base for exploring the many isles which lie off Scotland's west coast. Take a short water taxi over to Kerrera, a rugged, island paradise and the fervent rambler’s Eden. Here you can enjoy peaceful walks, visit the ruins of Gylen Castle and savour the taste of a hot drink and cake at the tea garden. With a full day, you can visit the enchanting isles of Mull and Iona. Admire the scenery, visit the historical Iona Abbey or even take an extended trip out to Staffa to see Fingal's Cave and hundreds of comical puffins.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne offers a range of island hopping trips as well as scheduled ferry services to islands including Tiree, Coll, Islay, Barra and South Uist.
Boat Trips
A boat trip from Oban is the best way to experience the wildlife and the jaw-dropping scenery of the west coast. From Oban's piers and slipways, you can set sail on one of the short cruises to see the local seal colony. Wave at the whiskered residents and enjoy the views of the stunning harbour and the surrounding islands.
South of Oban, you will find boat tour operators, including SeaFari of Oban which run trips to the Gulf of Corryvreckan. It is here that you can marvel at the world's third-largest whirlpool, listen to the cries of eagles as they soar overhead and maybe even catch a glimpse of majestic whales on a whale-watching trip.
McCaig’s Tower
Dominating the skyline of Oban since its construction in 1892, McCaig's Tower boasts spectacular, unrestricted views over the town and out towards the surrounding Hebridean islands. Inside the tower lies beautifully maintained public gardens.
Whether you brave the historic 144 steps of Jacob’s Ladder or get a taxi to the top, McCaig’s Tower is a free, open-air attraction and only a 20-minute walk from the town centre. Visit at sunset for some unbeatable panoramic vistas.
Sea Kayaking
Get out onto the water and closer to the wildlife with sea kayaking around Oban. With gentle, sheltered shores right up to wild, racing tides, there are perfect adventures for kayakers of all levels and wonderful opportunities to experience the Oban from the water.
From day trips and courses to 5-day camping expeditions, The Sea Kayak Centre, located in Oban, can offer rental equipment as well as great advice and tours for your trip.
Food and Drink
Just next door to The Gallery Apartment, you will find the local patisserie, Bossards of Oban. Here you can enjoy a delectable breakfast and lunch of delightful, freshly baked cakes and pastries.
Famed for seafood, spoil yourself with the taste of fresh, locally caught delicacies on offer in the candlelit, quaint and cosy restaurants that line the bay of Oban. For a full list of restaurants, be sure to visit these recommendations
“A stunning place to stay in the centre of Oban. There is a patisserie next door which is great for breakfast, restaurants, bars and shops are all within easy walking distance Look forward to staying again!”