castle
Duart Castle
The restored 13th-century seat of Clan Maclean, standing on a crag above the Sound of Mull near the Craignure ferry.
12 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Oban
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Oban
Oban works well as a base: 20 minutes from Isle Of Mull, 17km from Loch Awe.
Oban is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 8,140, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Oban sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Oban to your route.
About Oban
Oban ( OH-bən; Scottish Gaelic: An t-Òban [ən̪ˠ ˈt̪ɔːpan], lit. 'the little bay') is a resort town and seaport in the west of Scotland, within the Argyll and Bute council area. Although small, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William. Oban has a population of 8,000 (2022), which rises to overRead more
24,000 during the tourist season. Oban is on the Firth of Lorn. The bay forms a near-perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera and, beyond Kerrera, the Isle of Mull. To the north are the long, low island of Lismore and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour.
Where to Stay in Oban
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Oban?
Oban offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Oban?
Plan your road trip to Oban with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Oban as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Oban located?
Oban is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 56.4153 latitude, -5.4718 longitude.
What is the population of Oban?
Oban has a population of approximately 8,140 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 8,140
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 56.4153, -5.4718
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Oban
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Loch Awe
At around 40km, the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, with Kilchurn Castle at its northern tip and the A819 and B840 along its shores.
17 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Loch Etive
A 30km sea loch running from Glen Etive down to Connel near Oban, hemmed in by steep mountains for much of its length.
18 km · about 20 min drive
castle
Castle Stalker
A four-storey tower house on a tidal islet in Loch Laich, seen from a viewpoint and cafe just off the A828.
18 km · about 20 min drive
castle
Kilchurn Castle
A ruined Campbell castle on a spit at the head of Loch Awe, one of the most photographed ruins in Scotland.
27 km · about 30 min drive
ancient ruins
Kilmartin Glen
One of Britain's densest concentrations of prehistoric monuments, with a linear cemetery of burial cairns, standing stones and cup-and-ring rock art.
31 km · about 35 min drive
castle
Inveraray Castle
The turreted seat of the Dukes of Argyll on Loch Fyne, with state rooms, an armoury hall and gardens open in season.
32 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
Gulf of Corryvreckan
One of the world's largest whirlpools, in the tidal strait between Jura and Scarba; viewed from northern Jura or by boat trip.
33 km · about 40 min drive
Driving roads near Oban
- 38 kmGlen EtiveA remote single-track road winding past waterfalls and a Skyfall filming spot down to a sea loch, deep wilderness.
- 39 kmGlen CoeScotland's most famous and dramatic glen, a brooding landscape of towering peaks and the site of the infamous 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds.
- 41 kmA82 through GlencoeDramatic Scottish Highland road through the historic Glen Coe
- 41 kmThree Sisters of GlencoeThree towering ridges of Bidean nam Bian rising sheer from the valley, the iconic roadside viewpoint of Glen Coe.
- 41 kmA82 through Glencoe and Rannoch MoorOne of Europe's great scenic drives: the road sweeps across the empty Rannoch Moor then plunges between the Three Sisters into Glencoe.
- 41 kmB8035 Mull west coast roadA single-track coastal road under the cliffs of Gribun on Mull, hugging Loch na Keal with sea eagles overhead.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Oban.
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