Holiday rentals in Oban

Split into a bustling business district in the north and a quiet, verdant south filled with gardens and Iron Age ruins, the western Scotland town of Oban lures holidaymakers with its balance of buzz and relaxation. This gateway to the Inner Hebrides offers easy access to the Isles of Mull, Iona, and Kerrera. And its long hours of daylight in the summer make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Towering over the harbour from Battery Hill sits the colosseum-like McCaig’s Tower, Oban’s most notable architectural landmark and one of the best lookout points in town. History lovers will welcome a wealth of castles to explore here, including Dunollie, Carnasserie, and Dunstaffnage, and the ruins of the Iron Age fort at Kilmartin Glen.

Thanks to its location on the bay and its long history as a fishing port, you’ll find some of Scotland’s best seafood in Oban — like crab, king scallops, and steaming pots of mussels. And whisky fans will be delighted that they can visit one of the country’s more notable distilleries. If you’re looking for a quiet day on the beach, you can head to Ganavan Sands. You can also rent a boat or kayak if you prefer to get out on the water.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, weather in Oban is relatively mild for the majority of the year, with temperatures dipping a bit — but rarely below freezing — during the winter. Like most destinations in Scotland, rain can be unpredictable and come just about any time, so it’s best to bring an umbrella whenever you step outside of your holiday cottage in Oban. In November, the town is bursting with energy thanks to the arrival of street parades, local performers, art exhibitions, food vendors, and Christmas lights for the 10-day Oban Winter Festival. And because of Oban’s far-north location, in the summer months you can expect about 18 hours of light a day.

McCaig’s Tower

Built as a homage to ancient Roman architecture in 1897, this granite tower that resembles a colosseum is the most famous landmark in Oban. You can take a quick drive or a 10-minute walk up Battery Hill from the centre of town to reach this quirky attraction that is the subject of a few local legends. Inside the walls lies a pristine park with benches and picnic spots that is particularly beautiful in the spring. Some of the most spectacular views of Oban and its nearby towns and islands will reward you when you visit.

Isle of Kerrera

Oban is known to many as the gateway to the Hebrides, and you’ll find plenty of ferries to take you to neighbouring islands. The green and rugged Isle of Kerrera is the closest, and one of the most sparsely populated destinations in the Inner Hebrides. Once you disembark, you’ll be able to see the ruins of the 16th-century Gylen Castle and even venture inside some of its restored sections. There are plenty of walking trails with stunning sea views to explore, shipwrecks to see, and even a cosy tea room where you can warm up before catching the ferry back.

Dunollie Castle

Perched atop a seaside cliff one mile north of town is Dunollie Castle, and although it’s one of the smaller castle sites, its jaw-dropping scenery makes it well worth a visit. The MacDougalls built the 13th-century tower, and the compound has weathered many sackings, skirmishes, and sieges. A House Museum filled with artefacts is open to visitors, and a garden cafe serves cream teas and plenty of dishes that proudly feature local produce.