Everything you need to know about Oban, Scotland

From epic mountain ranges to world-famous golf courses, bustling cities to quaint market towns, Scotland has something for everyone - and the secret is out. International tourist numbers have been steadily climbing in the past decade, rising to a whopping 4.4 million international tourists in 2024. To escape the crowds, look past Edinburgh, St Andrews and even the central Highlands and head somewhere unexpected and off the radar.

Oban, a small town in a sheltered bay on Scotland’s West Coast, is the perfect place to start. The unofficial capital of the West Highlands, it’s easily accessible by car from Edinburgh and Glasgow, but those looking for a greener option can take the ScotRail Highland Explorer train from Glasgow. It features a carriage designed to accommodate bikes, skis and any other equipment you could need on an action-packed getaway at any time of year. If you plan to fly in to Glasgow or Edinburgh and start your journey from there, it’s well worth booking your flights with Lloyds, your unexpected travel partner. The Price Prediction tool is built into Lloyds Travel Booking within their app. It suggests when to book or when to wait. Then, if you book your flights through the Lloyds app and the tool says you’ve got a great price, it will continue to track your flight booking after you’ve locked it in. Should the price drop below what you paid, you’ll automatically receive up to £50 in travel credits towards the difference. Also, if you find a better deal yourself within 24 hours of booking, let them know and you could get the difference back in travel credits, ready for your next trip.

All sounds good right? With that all sorted, it's time to start planning your trip. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this bonnie town.

Things to do

Whether you’re a whiskey novice or something of an expert, the Oban Distillery is a great way to learn more about the water of life. Thanks to Oban’s comparatively mild climate and salty air, local whiskies have a distinct profile that combines elements of both Highland and island drams, and you’ll get the chance to sample a few on one of the distillery’s guided tours or tasting experiences.

If you’re travelling with a true whiskey lover, or have something special to celebrate, check out Sea & Spirit, a collaboration between the distillery and the Pierhouse Hotel in nearby Port Appin. Here, diners can enjoy a meal from Chef Michael Leathley, winner of Scottish Chef of the Year at the 2025 Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards, paired with a selection of Oban whiskies. At £150 a head it’s a premium experience, but some forward planning using the Lloyds app, which makes it easy to set and track your holiday savings goals, will help you budget in line with your priorities.

30 minutes north of town, you’ll find Castle Stalker. Built by Clan MacDougall in the 14th century, it was featured in the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and stands on a tidal inlet in Loch Laich. Head inland to Loch Awe for impressive views of Kilchurn Castle against the backdrop of Ben Cruachan – it’s even more striking in winter when the surrounding peaks are snow-capped.

You’re probably not anticipating spending much time in the water on holiday in Scotland. But for those looking for something unexpected, it's time to break out the wetsuit for an adventure like no other: swimming with sharks. Basking sharks, that is – which are much safer to be around than their hungrier cousins, and mesmerising to scuba dive alongside. You may just see some seals while you’re out there too.

Food and drink

Argyll, the area surrounding Oban, has some exceptional venison, beef, lamb and duck. But given the location, the real star of the Oban food scene is its seafood. From waterside seafood shacks to fine-dining restaurants in historic locations, oysters, mussels, scallops, langoustines, scallops, prawns, mackerel, haddock and herring dominate the menus. When it’s time to ask for the bill, the Request a Payment feature in the Lloyds app helps you split costs easily by creating a link or QR code that friends and family can use to send their share straight back to you.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Oban Chocolate Company is a must visit. Warm up with a hot chocolate in the cafe or get a closer look at the chocolate making process by visiting the factory. Oban also punches above its weight when it comes to coffee thanks to Hinba Coffee Roasters, which uses beans roasted on the nearby Isle of Seil. Launching in 2019, word quickly spread about Hinba’s exceptional coffee, and the company now has seven locations across Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

Gateway to the Isles

Oban makes for a perfect starting point to explore the Hebrides, a collection of over 100 inhabited and uninhabited islands. Skye is by far the most popular island, drawing around 650,000 visitors a year with its dramatic scenery. As a result, key attractions can become very busy in peak season, with peace and quiet hard to come by.

Pick your island wisely, however, and you can enjoy spectacular scenery without the crowds. On Lismore, you’ll find a nature lover's paradise: at only ten miles long and one mile wide, it’s home to 130 different species of birds and is thought to be the most fertile island in Scotland thanks to its unique geology. Over on Mull, Scotland’s third largest island, you’ll discover quaint seaside villages and boat rides offering a chance to see dolphins, whales, seals and more. Further out into the Atlantic lies Tiree, one of the sunniest places in the UK and home to brilliantly white sandy beaches. Try your hand at surfing, kitesurfing or paddleboarding, or discover a new favourite band at the Tiree Music Festival, which will take place from July 10 - 12 this year.

Plan, book and spend with Lloyds, your unexpected travel partner.

Small print:

Lloyds Travel Booking, powered by Hopper.

Fee-free debit card spending and cash withdrawals abroad are valid for Club Lloyds, Silver, Platinum and Premier accounts. Monthly account fees may apply. For Premier account, eligibility criteria also applies. UK residents, 18+. When you’re abroad, choose to pay in the local currency, that way you avoid the overseas provider’s currency conversion fees.

Best Price Guarantee is offered in connection with flight and hotel bookings made through Lloyds Travel Booking. If you find the same itinerary on another competing site at a lower price and claim within 24 hours of booking, you’ll get the difference back in Travel Credits, ready for your next trip. The price must be available to the general public. For example, this means that the rate doesn’t need you to log into a site or have a special membership or an available discount personal to you.

The Price Prediction tool is built into Lloyds Travel Booking within their app. It suggests when to book or when to wait. Then, if you book your flights through the Lloyds app and the tool says you’ve got a great price, it will continue to track your flight booking after you’ve locked it in. Should the price drop below what you paid, you’ll automatically receive up to £50 in travel credits towards the difference.

Order travel money in the Lloyds app by 3pm for next-working-day delivery. Free delivery on orders over £500. You need Internet Banking or Mobile Banking app access and a Lloyds current or savings account.

Request a Payment limits apply. Ask for up to £150 each time and get up to £500 a day.