There are numerous things to
do and see in and around oban. Below are listed a few of these:-
McCaig's Tower
John McCaig started the building of the tower in 1895 and it was
still under construction when he died in 1902. It was going to
have a wooden roof and contain art and sculptures. Although
he had provisioned after his death for the completion of the
tower, his survivors successfully challenged this in court -
a great shame perhaps. The tower is a very popular with
locals and visitors alike affording views over Oban Bay and
far beyond.
Two
minutes walk from the Woodside Hotel you will find Jacob's
Ladder which takes you half way to the tower.
The War and Peace Museum
Just a couple of minutes from the hotel, on the Esplanade you
will find the
War and Peace museum. Entry
to this small museum is free although donations are welcome.
This collection of artefacts and photos tells a rich story of
the history of Oban in times of peace and of conflict. It is
highly recommended for young and old alike.
Oban Distillery
The whisky distillery in Oban provides a fascinating tour for
visitors and is recommended whether or not you actually like the
amber "water of life". It is currently owned by Diageo but has
been in existence since 1794. Oban itself is said to have become
established after the distillery and so it is very much in the
centre of Town. The distillery tour is a real craft experience.
Local Castles
There are a number of castles within easy reach of the town
by foot or car. However we have chosen three.
A
pleasant walk to
Dunollie Castle at
the end the Esplanade on a nice evening is rewarding with
this fascinating building with great views to the west to
Mull and Lismore.
Dunstaffnage Castle
is on a small peninsula just over two miles from oban and
lies in extensive grounds with chapel ruins and great views.
Kilchurn Castle at
Loch awe, worth visiting and perhaps combining with a tour
of the Hollow Mountain (see below).
The Hollow Mountain -
Cruachan
Ben Cruachan, now know locally as the "hollow
mountain" has a
hydro electric power station entirely hidden from view with the
exception of Cruachan Dam high up on the mountain and the
Visitor Centre on the main road that passes the foot of the
mountain. Just a short car journey from town, this award winning
visitor centre and its tours is a must for all to see.
Iona Day Trip
A great day trip across the island of Mull and then on to Iona.
This great day out involves a short walk from the hotel, a
thirty five minute ferry trip to Craignure on Mull and then an
idyllic coach trip across the island of Mull followed by a ten
minute ferry trip to the enchanted Island of Iona. Why not take
a pony and trap ride from the jetty on Iona to the famous Abbey.
Sea Life Sanctuary
A short car journey north of Oban on Loch Crearan you will come
across the
Oban Sea Life Sanctaury. By
their own words it is "teaming with sea creatures of astonishing
variety". The feeding of the seals is a popular attraction for
children and adults too.
