Love Oban

LOve ObAn - SeAfOOD CAPiTAL Of SCOTLAnD

Oban is buzzing again with lots of visitors who are choosing the town for their staycation while travel is still somewhat restricted - and the town’s businesses couldn’t be more delighted!

Oban Business Improvement District and Oban Tourism Group, would like to also issue you a warm welcome as well as off er some tips for enjoying your stay in Oban:

Plan Ahead – we would hate for you not to be able to get a reservation for a meal out or your top choice of accommodation, so please book and plan ahead where possible.

Be fl exible – remember that we are still in a period of change and could easily have to make changes to Covid guidelines or protocols in any of our amazing businesses and services available in the town.

Allow more time – to travel and also to get round any shops or get seated in an eatery. With new ways of working it’s taking a litt le bit more time to turn round tables.

Be considerate – everyone is doing their best to keep you and their own staff safe, so please adhere fully to any guidelines in place and that will help.

SeAfOOD CAPiTAL

Oban prides itself on being many things and the Seafood Capital of Scotland is one of them. You can order the freshest seafood going if you take a walk down the Railway Pier by the ferry, and all of our wonderful seafood restaurants can stake a claim on having the shortest ‘sea-to-plate’ times. Remember to place your booking ahead of your stay.

STAy, eXPLORe, SPenD.

Not only can Oban boast about its seafood, the town is brimming with gift shops and excellent retail, as well as plenty of leisure activities and places for you to explore. Why not get some LoveOban vouchers and help to further support our local economy. Th ey make a great gift and are accepted in more than 80 of our fantastic local outlets. You can buy them online at www.bid4obanltd.co.uk/ online-vouchers or you can purchase in-person from the following retailers – Oban Sports Shop, Websters of Oban Photographic Centre, Oban Phoenix Cinema, Alba Art Shop, Butt on Nose Boutique and Etive Restaurant. You don’t just have to spend them on retail either, you can buy spa services and treatments, book a hair appointment for yourself (or your four-legged friend) and use them in our restaurants and cafes as well as garages and garden centres. Or you could check out our galleries and museums or even head to Atlantis for a swim or leisure activity of your choice.

GeT SOCiAL

Don’t forget to tag us in all your amazing photographs and videos of Oban. Whether you are on a day trip or staying for a while, we want to hear from you. Use our @loveoban social media accounts or simply use the hashtag #loveoban.

Did you know that the town also has webcams right on the pier? Not only can you check the weather in real-time before you arrive, but why not send the link to a loved one at home and give them a wave? htt ps://www.oban.org.uk/webcams/

oBAN & lorN HAND PICKED

Top things to see, do and experience

MCCAiGS TOWeR

Dominating Oban’s skyline, McCaig’s tower was built in the late 19th century by local banker John Stuart McCaig, partly to provide work for local stone masons. It’s striking to look up at and even better from inside.

SCOTLAnD’S SeAfOOD CAPiTAL

Oban’s title as Scotland’s seafood capital is well-earned, with a host of restaurants offering fresh local fare. For an al fresco experience, stroll along the south pier and take your pick of the day’s catch.

www.scotphoto.com

DunOLLie CASTLe, MuSeuM AnD GROunDS

For centuries this ivy-covered ruin was the base from which Clan MacDougall ruled the region. The house below is now a thriving museum, with lovely grounds and activities for visitors of all ages.

dunollie.org

bOAT TRiPS

Oban is the gateway to the Isles, and some – such as Lismore, Easdale and Kerrera - are close enough for a day trip and can be reached by ferry in moments. A choice of wildlife-watching trips depart locally too – look out for seals, basking sharks, dolphins and much more.

beACHeS

You needn’t go all the way to the islands for beaches – there are several close to Oban, from sandy Ganavan, near the town centre, to the crescent of Tralee, by Benderloch, and Taynuilt’s mountain-framed Airds Bay.

DunSTAffnAGe

The village of Dunbeg is home to Dunstaffnage Castle, a MacDougall stronghold that played an important role in national history. Walk around the marina and secluded beaches, and visit the neighbouring Ocean Explorer Centre to learn about life below the waves.

oceanexplorercentre.org ObAn WAR AnD PeACe MuSeuM

This tiny museum isn’t just for those with a passion for military history, its artefacts and exhibitions offer broad insight into Oban’s past. A good stop for visitors tracing local family connections too.

www.obanmuseum.org.uk

SHOPPinG & AfTeRnOOn TeA

From tiny gift shops to galleries, trendy chain stores and even a chocolate shop, Oban offers the scenic town-centre shopping experience that is becoming increasingly rare. Enhance the experience with afternoon tea (and homebaking) in a seafront hotel or tea room.

www.bid4oban.co.uk

ATLAnTiS LeiSuRe

Get active with the family whatever the weather. Atlantis boasts two swimming pools, a soft play area, climbing wall, outdoor courts and many more sports and classes. Plus community playgrounds outside.

www.atlantisleisure.co.uk

ARDuAine GARDen

This coastal garden has an array of colourful plants, including rhododendrons, azaleas and giant Himalayan lillies, as well as views over the Sound of Jura.

www.nts.org.uk