Disclosure: This is a collaborative post about things to do in Oban when staying at Hostelling Scotland.
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How To Get To Oban
Getting to Oban is fairly easy! It’s located in a beautiful part of the Scottish West coast and is frequented by tourists, so you’ll find plenty of public transport options, as well as driving there yourself.
Train To Oban
The Train line from Glasgow to Oban is one of the most beautiful in the UK. Not long after leaving Glasgow you pass by Gare loch and then Loch Long. Swapping over to the other side of the train you will soon travel along Loch Lomond and then across country passed beautiful rolling mountains to Loch Awe. The loch are all stunning, and the trip is especially spectacular on a sunny summers day.
I highly recommend reserving seats on the train, this can be done free of charge when you book your tickets via the Scotrail website. Although the carriages aren’t labelled, check inside which ones are the Oban carriages, they are often joined together with the Mallaig train, splitting at Crianlarich.
Bus To Oban
If you’re coming from the North of Scotland to Oban the easiest public transport is the bus. Trains only go along the route to and from Glasgow Queen Street. There are a variety of bus companies to choose from depending on where you are departing from.
Try Scottish Citylink, Megabus or West Coast Motors. They all have various timetables for Oban buses.
Driving To Oban
This is probably the most common way of arriving in Oban. Although there are often queues of traffic going through the main narrow roads. So it isn’t the nicest way to arrive if you can use other means and avoid traffic congestion.
There is easy access by road to Oban from all over the country, although many of the roads may be narrower than what you are used to! From Glasgow you can easily follow the A82 North by Loch Lomond and then the A85 from Tyndrum. Edinburgh traffic can also follow this route, or head toward Stirling and then take the A84 and then A85.
From the North you follow Loch Linnie South from Fort William on the A82 and then onto the A828 at Ballachulish.
Local traffic from the Kintyre peninsula can reach Oban via the A816 from Lochgilphead.
Where To Stay In Oban
Oban is a small town with plenty of options of places to stay. Personally I prefer to be out of the main town centre where it can be noisier with traffic and people passing by. We chose to stay at Hostelling Scotland property which is right on the water front on the road toward Dunollie Castle.
Hostelling Scotland Oban
Located just to the North of the town centre, this hostel is the perfect location to enjoy both the town and the more peaceful shore outside the centre. It only takes around 10 minutes to walk from the station to the hostel, so easy walking distance for arriving by public transport. You also have access to numerous bars, restaurants and shops. Follow the road from the hostel in the other direction and it’s only a 15 minute walk to the nearest sandy beach, perfect for swimming and playing! Or only a 10 minute walk to get to Dunollie Castle with it’s beautiful gardens.
Oban Hostel
The hostel consists of 2 buildings, our room was in Victorian Villa, with an excellent view across the bay. I’m not sure if you can request rooms, but it’s worth asking for a bay view room in the Victorian Villa if possible!
The bedrooms are simple, as most hostels are. Ours had two bunk beds, with bedding provided. A cupboard on one side of the room, sink and then an en-suite shower and toilet. All are clean and modern, but definitely not fancy!
We didn’t spend too much time in our room, aside for sleeping. However, whenever we did it was fun to just sit at the window and watch the different boats coming and going into the bay. There are several ferries visiting the islands, along with sailing boats, tour boats and even a multimillionaire’s super yacht at one point!
Cooking and Relaxing
The hostel has a small kitchen area, with plenty of fridge and freezer space. Guests are invited to make use of this space to cook breakfast and dinners and store their food. Food should always be labelled or kept in a labelled bag so they aren’t mixed up with others.
There are plenty of tables to enjoy your meals and of course you are expected to do your own dishes once you’ve eaten. We had a little trouble lighting the stove and oven on our first evening, however, the staff are excellent and came straight through to help.
Oban hostel has two dining areas, one beside the communal kitchen and one beside the private kitchen, which is only used by hostel staff for cooking the ‘Wee breakfast’. This breakfast can be added onto your stay when you book or at the hostel reception. It consists of a buffet style breakfast of cereals, yogurts, bread and juice, plus a cooked breakfast too (vegetarian options available).
Adjacent to the reception are two sitting areas for guests to relax, both have stunning views out to Oban Bay. There is a selection of books available for guests to use too.
Where To Eat In Oban
If you don’t feel like cooking your own meal there are plenty of places in Oban to eat. Being a port town it’s obviously going to be an excellent place for seafood. From fresh scallops and mussels to be found near the Calmac pier, to excellent fish and chips on George Street. You will definitely find something good to ear here!
If you prefer something less fishy then there are various options of restaurants. Pizza can be found at Bar Rio, or try a modern take on Scottish dishes at the Taste of Argyll. Or if you are on a budget then there is also a Wetherspoons! You will definitely find something for every taste in Oban!
Things To Do In Oban
Oban is known as the gateway to the isles for a reason! So you are going to find plenty do here, from ferries to the islands, wildlife tours, kayaking, visiting castles and more!
Best Things To Do In Oban
In Oban town itself there are loads to do, but these activities are all within walking distance. Or you can choose to drive or take a taxi if you aren’t able to walk so far.
McCaig’s Monument
A short walk from the town centre, up a steep hill is McCaig’s monument. There is a car park if you can’t walk uphill, but for most people it should be fine to walk!
The monument was built by John McCaig as a memorial to his family. He intended to build an art gallery and museum in the middle of a Greek style amphitheatre building. However, he died before it was completed. The money in his will left to maintain the structure was subsequently contested by his family, who won. So the remaining money to finish the building was lost to his family.
Nowadays it is a pretty parkland inside the amphitheatre, with excellent views out across Oban Bay toward Kerrera and Mull in the distance.
Dunollie Castle and Museum
A short walk to the North of Oban takes you to Dunollie Castle. You can follow the path along the harbour front and then the old carriageway (now path) up to the castle. Or if you don’t feel like walking, you can also drive and park in the car park.
The castle has a beautiful garden area with the Kettle Cafe at the entrance. In the summer there are a few garden games set out for the kids too. From here you can explore the museum, don’t miss the video discussing Dunollie’s history. Then head up the hill to explore the castle!
Beaches
To the North of Oban and Dunollie are several beautiful sandy beaches. The largest sandy beach is Ganavan Sands, but the car park is often full and the beach very busy on sunny summers days. So it’s worth also checking out the other nearby beaches between Ganavan Sands and Dunollie.
The kids and I enjoyed swimming in the sea on the closest sandy little beach to Dunollie. It’s only a 10 minute walk from Dunollie, although this is along a road with no path for some sections.
Wildlife Boat Trips
You will see plenty of signs for seal boat trips and similar around Oban. Popular tours include the seal spotting boat trip from the beginning of the Calmac pier in the harbour, Allan’s Boat Trips. Or Argyll Sea Tours, who have options of a 1 hour seal spotting trip, 2 hours seal and history trip or 3 hour fishing boat trip. There also Oban Sea Tours who cruise out toward Duart Castle on Mull, via Kerrera.
Ice Cream From The Pokey Hat
The Pokey Hat is our favourite ice cream shop in Oban and I highly recommend visiting! They always have a good selection of flavours that are made on the premises daily.
Perfect for those warm summer days, or just because you’re on holiday! You will find the shop at the North end of the harbour promenade, beside a little square with seating area.
Oban Chocolate Company
Follow the path along the harbour front North, along the Corran esplanade and you will find the Oban Chocolate Company. Handmade chocolates are produced every day in the busy months, with plenty of options to choose from in the shop!
There is also a small cafe with limited seating, where you can buy hot drinks, milkshakes and homemade cakes. But beware, it will be hard to leave without a few bags of chocolates in hand!
Top Places To Visit In Oban With Kids
Dunollie Castle and Museum
Dunollie Castle has pretty gardens, a nature space complete with story telling seat and hammock. Plus plenty of place to explore the castle and grounds. Kids may also enjoy a cake from the cafe and playing with the garden games by the cafe during the summer.
Dunstaffnage Castle
Further around the headland, North of Oban is Dunstaffnage Castle. It’s possible to walk to with older kids, but you can easily catch the local bus or drive too.
The castle is excellent to explore, with plenty of interesting nooks and crannies. Don’t miss the Ocean Explorers Centre next door too, it’s small, but great for kids!
Boat Trip To See Seals
Everyone loves a boat trip, and it’s a fab way to see local wildlife. Plus you can also spot out other landmarks from the boat too. A great fun way to see Oban from the sea!
McCaig’s Monument
The view from McCaig’s monument is excellent! On a clear day you can see all the way to the distant hills on Mull. There is plenty of space for kids to run about and explore inside the monument and peer through the various openings too.
Best Hikes From Oban
There are plenty of great walks around Oban, you don’t have to go far to find them! I recommend checking out Walk Highlands website for details of the hikes below and others nearby.
Ganavan Sands to Dunstaffnage Loop
Starting and ending at Ganavan Sands, this is a great walk that takes in the beaches, the headland and castle. It’s around 7.5km long, which should be a good length for a day walk with kids 8+. You can bring lunch with you or if the cafe is open at the Ocean explorers centre, head there instead.
Pulpit Hill and Gallanach
This walk is at the other end of Oban, where you can visit Pulpit Hill and gain great view across to Kerrera before heading back into Oban again. At 7km long is at an easy walk, although quite steep at the beginning.
Day Trips From Oban
Oban is a good base for day trips to both the Kintyre peninsula and also North to Ballachulish. Here are some recommended day trips, although they would be easiest if you have a car!
Glencoe
Less than an hours drive away from Oban is Glencoe, it’s famous scenery is stunning. You can also visit the Glencoe visitor centre to learn more about the history of the area too.
Kilmartin Museum and Stones
South from Oban you will find Kilmartin museum, standing stones and cairns. Plus plenty more interesting historical features from ring and cup marked stones to Dunadd Fort, the ancient kingdom of Dalriada.
Carnassarie Castle and Cup and Ring Marked Stones
Just North of Kilmartin Museum is Carnasserie Castle, a small but interesting castle to explore. A 4 mile walk from the castle are some fantastic cup and ring marked stones at Ormaig. They were revealed recently after trees were removed from a plantation and are excellent examples, due to lack of weathering.
Bridge over the Atlantic
The bridge over the Atlantic is a small hump backed bridge over the Clachan Sound, where it connects Seil island to mainland Scotland. It’s the way to the slate islands and you can spend a day exploring the islands of Seil, Luing and Easdale.
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace
At the head of Loch Etive is the historic iron furnace, built in 1753. It’s a Historic Scotland property and tells the story of the people who would have once worked here.
Castle Stalker
Just 25 miles North of Oban is Castle Stalker, a picturesque castle on a tiny island in the sea. It’s privately owned and currently inhabited. However, they have various dates during the summer for tours of the castle. These get booked up quickly, so make sure you book early enough!
Cruachan Power Station Visitor Centre
The Cruachan Power Station, otherwise known as the hollow mountain is a hydroelectric power station. The visitor centre is interactive and well laid out, so you can easily learn how electric is created in this way.
Tours of the power station are available Monday-Friday throughout the year, although times differ in the winter season. There is also a lovely cafe here. Take the train to ‘Falls of Cruachan’ station from Oban and walk a few minutes on the path along the road. Or park at the car park at the visitor centre.
Knapdale Scottish Beaver trail
South of Oban near Lochgilphead is the Knapdale Scottish Beaver Trail. An interesting trail telling you about the re-introduced European beaver. You can also take part in an evening beaver tour, with the hope of seeing beavers out on the loch.
Island Day Trips
Kerrera
The island of Kerrera can be seen directly in front of the town of Oban, with its marina often very busy during the summer months. You can get to Kerrera easily by ferry, either take a taxi or drive to the Kerrera ferry terminal, which is located around a 10 minute drive from Oban centre. Alternatively you can take the bus (check the times, they may be different during school holidays) or walk, around an hours walk from Oban.
Wanting to plan a big day trip or more to Kerrera? Check this post out for tips and advice on where to visit and stay.
Lismore
Lismore is an excellent day trip from Oban. You catch the ferry from the CalMac pier near the station and there are numerous ferries throughout each day. Again you will have to choose where you intend to visit wisely. Perhaps hire a bike to see more of the island, or choose a walk over the island to one of the castles and heritage centre.
I will have a blog post dedicated to Lismore live soon, but until then you can admire the scenery in these gorgeous photos of the island!
Mull
The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Scottish Inner Hebrides and certainly can’t all be seen in a day trip! You can read more about the Isle of Mull in this post. However, you need to choose the best places to visit on a day trip as you won’t have as much time if you’re not staying on the island.
Iona
We absolutely loved Iona and although it’s small it’s still hard to see everything in a day trip! You can definitely do a day trip here and spend time at Iona Abbey and the Northern beaches. But I’m sure you will be tempted to come back again for a longer trip!
Ready to visit the Isle of Iona? Check out this post with the best tips on what to see and do, plus where to eat and shop on Iona!
Best Tours From Oban
There are plenty of tours from Oban, both bus trips and private tours. However, these tours below are some of the best you can choose from!
Basking Shark Scotland Tours
Although the tour group is entitled Basking Shark Scotland there is more to them than the gentle giants of our waters! They are experts in basking sharks and take out multi-day group tours searching for the sharks and snorkelling with them. However, you can also book a tour to go snorkelling or SUP in a little lagoon filled with seals just off Coll. It’s an adventure we took our kids on when they were 10 and 8 years old. Fantastic crew and an excellent adventure!
Kayaking Near Oban
Spend a half day or more with Sea Kayak Oban, exploring the coastline near Oban itself. The trips usually depart from Oban harbour, although this is weather dependant. Plus it’s good for kids age 8+ years old.
They aim to explore the coastline, spot wildlife and eat lunch on the most remote beach they can find! Definitely a fun experience for everyone!
Boat Trip to Staffa and Lunga
Most people will know Staffa from its pictures if not from its name! The cave is where one of the scenes from Harry Potter was filmed, but it’s also made of the same volcanic rock features as the Giant’s Causeway. It’s amazing to land and walk across the rocks, hopping onto the different columns!
Whilst at Staffa you can also visit the Treshnish islands with many boat tours. On one of these islands, Lunga, is a fantastic puffin colony that you can get very close to during the spring and summer months! An amazing trip for all the family! If taking younger children, bring a carrier to get onto Staffa easily. We first took our youngest when he was 2 years old and had him in a toddler carrier on my back (not a rucksack carrier).
Choose from various tour operators including Basking Shark Scotland, Turus Mara, Staffa Tours and West Coast Tours.
Corryvreckan Whirlpool Boat trip
Join Seafari Adventures in Easdale (a short drive from Oban, you will need a car for this one!) to visit the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool! Due to the nature of the whirlpool and how it’s created from the tides and meeting of the waters, you need to check with the company the best times for booking this tour. It’s definitely more spectacular some days than other!
Learn more about the awesome hostels all around Scotland!
- A weekend in Oban hostel, gateway to the Isles, the perfect coastal retreat.
- Head North into the Highlands and visit Pitlochry hostel by train or road.
- Enjoy beach days at Achmelvich hostel, where white sand meets turquoise sea
- A stunning island retreat at Port Charlotte hostel on Islay
- Enter Cairngorm National Park for an adventure at Cairngorm Lodge hostel
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Things To Do In Oban, When Staying At Hostelling Scotland
