Explore Oban & Lorn
Oban & Lorn Travel Guide
Oban & Lorn is a must-visit region on the west coast of Scotland, located just 16 scenic miles north of Melfort Village. Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” is the bustling hub of North Argyll with a picturesque crescent-shaped bay and a busy ferry port. From this lively seaside town, you can explore historic castles, whisky distilleries, and panoramic viewpoints. The surrounding Lorn area offers rugged coastal scenery and charming villages, making Oban & Lorn well worth exploring during your stay at Melfort Village.
Stunning landscapes and rich heritage: Oban’s skyline is crowned by McCaig’s Tower, a coliseum-like monument perched on Battery Hill, while its waterfront bustles with fishing boats and ferries bound for the Hebrides. The region’s history is evident at every turn – from ancient clan castles like Dunstaffnage to the Victorian heritage of Oban itself. Whether you’re a seafood lover eager to try “Scotland’s Seafood Capital” or a history buff tracing Scottish kings, Oban & Lorn offers a bit of everything against a backdrop of sweeping sea views and sunsets over the islands.
Top Things to See and Do in Oban & Lorn
Within a short distance from Kilmelford, you will find the villages of Arduaine, Craobh Haven, Seil and Ardfern all of which have many reasons to visit be it a cake stop, a boat trip or a balmy walk through a decadent garden.
Ganavan Sands Beach
A beautiful sheltered Blue Flag beach just north of Oban, popular on sunny days. Enjoy soft sand and clear views across the Firth of Lorn to Mull. A coastal walking path leads north from the beach, great for a leisurely stroll by the sea. (No facilities in winter; free parking available.)
Oban War & Peace Museum
A small volunteer-run museum on Oban’s esplanade showcasing the town’s rich wartime and cultural history. Exhibits include WWII artifacts, local photographs, and stories of Oban’s strategic role. Admission is free (donations welcome), making it a perfect rainy-day stop.
Oban Seafood Experiences
Don’t leave Oban without sampling the local catch! Head to the Green Seafood Hut on Oban’s pier (a.k.a. “The Green Shack”) for fresh oysters, mussels, and crab sandwiches right off the boat. For a sit-down meal, the famous Ee-usk Seafood Restaurant on North Pier offers superb locally sourced shellfish with harbor views.
For a classic seaside treat, Oban is home to some of Scotland’s most beloved fish & chip shops, including Nories, a long-standing local favourite, and The Oban Fish & Chip Shop, known for serving generous portions of golden haddock and chips fresh from the fryer. Whether you’re after a quick takeaway or a seafood feast, Oban delivers some of the finest fish you’ll taste anywhere on the west coast.
Cruachan "Hollow Mountain" Visitor Centre
Situated beneath Ben Cruachan, this hydro-electric power station is famously built inside the mountain. While guided tours into the turbine hall are currently suspended until 2028 due to major infrastructure upgrades, the visitor centre remains open and free to enter, with interactive displays explaining how pumped storage hydro power works. There’s also a gift shop and café on site, making it a good indoor stop on a drive through the Pass of Brander. Kids often enjoy the scale models and hands-on exhibits. You can still walk around the base of the mountain and enjoy lochside views, even while the underground section is closed.
Oban Chocolate Company
A local favourite for handmade artisan chocolates, this stylish shop and café on Oban’s Esplanade is a must-visit for sweet-toothed guests. Watch chocolatiers at work through the viewing window, browse the award-winning selection of truffles and bars, or relax in the café with hot chocolate and home baking while enjoying views over the bay. It’s a great option on rainy days or as a stop before heading home with gifts.
Why you should visit...
Oban & Lorn is an ideal area for guests who want a vibrant coastal town experience with easy access to the islands. It suits foodies, thanks to Oban’s famous seafood, as well as families and first-time visitors looking for a mix of history, scenery and Scottish culture in one place. Whether you’re sampling whisky, exploring castles, or just watching the ferries over fish and chips, Oban offers a little bit of everything – all within a short drive of Melfort Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oban is roughly 16 miles north of Melfort Village, about a 25–30 minute drive by car. Driving is the quickest way via the A816 road. There is also a local bus (West Coast Motors route 423) that runs between Oban and Lochgilphead via Kilmelford – the bus stop is a short walk from Melfort Village – and the journey by bus takes around 40–50 minutes. Taxis can be arranged as well, but having your own car gives you the most flexibility to explore the area.
Oban is best known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” since it’s the main ferry port for the Inner Hebrides (with boats departing to Mull, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Barra, Colonsay and more). It’s also famed as the Seafood Capital of Scotland – visitors come from far and wide to enjoy fresh seafood here. Additionally, Oban’s whiskey distillery is renowned, and landmarks like McCaig’s Tower and Dunollie Castle make the town known for history and scenery as well.
Yes, Ganavan Sands is a lovely sandy beach just a couple of miles north of Oban, popular on sunny days for its beautiful views of the isles and clear waters. It’s great for a walk or picnic. Just outside Oban, you’ll also find scenic spots like Dunollie Castle’s wooded grounds and the coastal path beyond Ganavan which offers fantastic vistas. Farther north in Lorn, places like Tralee Beach and Ardchattan Gardens (on Loch Etive) are worth a visit for those willing to drive a bit further. And of course, the islands nearby (such as Kerrera or Lismore) offer wonderful walks and beaches as well.
Oban is well-equipped for the occasional rainy West Coast day. You could tour the Oban Distillery to stay warm and dry (and enjoy a whisky tasting), or pop into the Oban War & Peace Museum (a small free museum showcasing local history, war memorabilia, and maritime heritage). The Oban Chocolate Company café is a cozy spot to linger with hot chocolate and sweets. There’s also a leisure center (Atlantis Community Centre) with an indoor pool and gym. Many pubs and cafés in Oban are perfect for relaxing until the rain passes – you might find live music in some of them, even in the afternoons.