Things to see and do Oban

Founded in 1794, this distillery is one of the only ones you will find in the city centre of a very touristic destination, which makes it a must-see during a visit to Oban. Its production site has never really expanded for lack of space and the techniques are faithful to the principles of this fascinating industry. The £12 tour is particularly complete and informative and includes a first tasting of the whisky, directly from the cask, and a second one, once the product is bottled. You will discover the 14 year old, which goes remarkably well with ginger and dark chocolate. This single malt no longer has any followers in the world, thanks to an identity between sea and land, which is found in its iodized, fruity and slightly smoky flavours. Two other visits are proposed to the most passionate: the "Exclusive Distillery Tour" of 2 hours, with discovery of the warehouses and tastings, and the "Distillery Manager's Tour & Tasting" with the site manager.

The site is also very pleasant to visit even without a guided tour, with a shop where you can bottle an exclusive whisky yourself, and engrave your bottle to make it unique. Upstairs, the bar area offers an exhibition on the history of Oban and its distillery, and plunges you into the atmosphere of an old rigging. Here you can taste the Oban whisky of your choice or try the cocktails. Why not the old fashioned Oban: Oban 14, syrup, bitter and ice cubes? Or the Oban Hot Toddy: Oban 14, honey, spices, hot orange juice?

To visit Dunollie is to visit 3 sites. First, Dunollie Castle: its ruins, with a last renovation completed in 2019, offer a superb panoramic view on the Oban bay. Then the house-museum: a house from 1745 where each room has been renovated and fitted out to display old objects (^19th century) testifying to the daily life of its occupants. From the kitchen to the children's rooms, we discover everything about the life of a family in the 1800s. The museum also tells the story of the MacDougall clan and, through their epic story, traces the history of Scotland. Then, the park: its course invites to better understand the various invasions which marked the history of Scotland. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the civilization and mythology of the Vikings.

Regularly during the school vacations, the site offers practical and manual workshops of 1 hour for children (£5), which can be an excellent idea to familiarize them with English. There is also the possibility to follow a guided tour at no extra cost or to organize specific visits: adapted to children, focusing on the discovery of the gardens, taking a closer look at the old textiles..

You can have lunch, a picnic or a snack on the spot, thanks to The Kettle café and its menu, made of home-made products, very tasty and at mini prices.

Raised in the 13th century, this medieval building is one of the oldest stone castles in the country. Placed at the mouth of Loch Linnhe, it was the work of the Earls McDougall, before passing into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 15th century. Besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence, it is a witness to the history of the country. Very well preserved, it offers to see imposing walls, the remains of its great hall and the residences of the new house, as well as a chapel. Climb the ramparts to embrace a superb view!

Perched on an island in the middle of Loch Laich, a cove in Loch Linnhe, this fortress was built in the 14th century by the McDougall clan and was used for the filming of a scene from the Monthy Python film, Sacred Grail (1975). Tours last about two hours, including the boat trip, and are led by the Stewart Allward family, the current owner of the site. You can also enjoy the superb view of the castle from the Castle Stalker View café, which offers a breathtaking view of the building, or by walking a few metres towards the shore.

The building is relatively new, having been designed in 1846 and completed only in 1910. Initially a simple church, it became the cathedral of the diocese of Argyll in 1920. This cathedral does not impose from the outside. Nor is it absolutely grandiose on the inside. However, it deserves to be mentioned because it mixes, in an original and moving way, the spiritual dimension and industrial architecture. A Gothic church with industrial elements, riveted beams instead of stone columns, is not often seen.

Sealife Adventures has been operating in Oban Bay for over 30 years. The company offers sea trips to discover the incredible nature of Scottish waters. Each option includes a passage through the Corryvreckan whirlpool and you may see rare birds, dolphins, whales, basking sharks and seals. The boats are accessible to people with reduced mobility and children of all ages. You will be provided with free hot drinks and snacks on board, as well as binoculars, so you won't miss out on the show.

Entirely created and maintained by volunteers, this small, old-fashioned museum houses countless objects and photographs from the last century, including even a piece of the transatlantic cable. They all tell the story of Oban, in times of peace and war. You will learn more about the life of the fishermen, the maritime industries, the arrival of trains, local sports, industrialization, the role of Oban during the war years when the city welcomed Australian, Canadian and American crews, operations in the bay...

Inverawe has many attractions. There's something magical about the road alone! Once your vehicle is parked, several choices are available according to your desires: discover, through the museum area, how salmon are smoked, learn about fishing techniques, go for a walk following the proposed circuits (short walks) or taste smoked salmon on the spot in the café and shop area. In any case, don't leave on an empty stomach, it would be a shame!

The astonishing McCaig's Tower is Oban's most famous monument. Sitting atop the town on Battery Hill, its 92m circumference is reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, which was its main source of inspiration. We owe this surprising project to John Stuart McCaig, a philanthropic banker concerned about his posterity and the fate of local masons in need of work. He himself drew the plans, which were implemented between 1897 and 1902, the year of his death. The climb is a bit steep, but worth a little effort for the magnificent view of the bay.

The existence of a garden in Ardchattan goes back more than 700 years... It was installed by the monks of Valliscaulian when they settled on the site. However, the garden we admire today is more recent and dates back a little over a century: 110 years! We find its monastic origins and inspiration, but it has been restructured with a rose garden, a wildflower garden, ornamental trees? The ruins of the chapel are accessible from the garden.

This exotic garden, located about twenty minutes from Oban, offers a colourful escape into a world of spectacular, teeming flowers and trees. Rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and lilies are kings here. Perfect for a bucolic stroll, the place takes you from the dense composition of the landscaped garden to the wooded areas and then to the breathtaking panorama of the coast and the islands. Several itineraries are possible, for walks suitable for all, and explanations are scattered throughout the park, to help you discover the secrets of the place.