4 Historic Places to See in Oban

When you come to stay in Scotland, you come for our historic sites and breath-taking scenery. Although our view of Loch Creran and the Glen Coe mountains is reason enough to come and stay, we know a few more things you should see when you come to Oban.

McCaig’s Tower

McCaig's Tower
Image credit VisitScotlandcom

Or, as we also know it, McCaig’s Folly. This century-old structure on Battery Hill is a great place to look out over Oban Bay and take it all in at once. A little bit of a climb, but it’s worth it!

Inspired by the Roman Colosseum, the tower was built in 1897 by John Stuart McCaig (using local stone from Loch Etive) as a monument to his family and to bring work for the local community, before his death in 1902.

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
Image credit planetwarecom

Dating back to the 15th century, the ruins of Dunollie Castle lie on the outskirts of Oban, with plenty to offer. Besides delightful waterside views, the seat of Clan MacDougall also features the 1745 House Museum, with artefacts relating to the clan and the local community over the years.

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

Dunstaffnage Castle
Image credit VisitScotlandcom

Stood at the mouth of Loch Etive, just a few miles north of Oban, Dunstaffnage Castle dates back to the 13th century and once served as the formidable stronghold of Clan MacDougall.

With an impressive curtain wall, a strategic battle position, and its 13th-century chapel, Dunstaffnage offers a beautiful piece of history for you to see.

Ardchattan Priory Gardens

Ardchattan Priory Gardens
Image credit Ardchattancouk

Just across Loch Etive, sitting on the northern bank, the Ardchattan Priory Gardens has over 200 varieties of shrubs, including several fine species of roses.

Sir Duncan MacDougall founded the priory in 1230 for the monks of the Valliscaulian order. Later, in the 16th century, it became the home of Clan Campbell and has remained so ever since.


We hope you get to see some incredible sights during your next trip to Oban. And don’t forget to check out our favourite places to eat while you’re here. When you’re done seeing the sights of Oban, find out what else you can do in Argyll.

Set in a picturesque location, Barcaldine Castle is on the banks of Loch Creran. There’s so much to do!

Don’t take our word for it, see what other people have said about their stay

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John Jackson profile picture
John Jackson
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The castle was amazing, over the top. Highly recommend the experience if you’re looking for a true Scottish Highlands castle accommodation.
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Melissa Hornyack
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My husband and I stayed in August when we were in Scotland for our wedding. This was the most beautiful and enchanting place. We took lively strolls to the lake, pet farm animals, totally relaxed and felt at peace. We only spent 2 nights but we will be back for a whole week to explore all of Oban and the islands. The service from Patrick and Cecilia was 5 star: Cecilia makes an amazing breakfast. This was my absolute favorite place we stayed in our 16 day trip to Scotland.
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Laurie Smart
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Where do I start? We booked Barcaldine Castle for exclusive hire from the 10th-13th of October, 2025. On Saturday the 11th, my husband and I tied the knot with 35 of our closest friends and family in the cosy great hall. I cannot put into words how fantastic our experience was. From the very first e-mail exchange back in January, Patrick and Caroline have made us feel so special and looked after. They treated us like royalty through-out our stay, welcomed all of our guests with open arms and pulled all the necessary strings to make sure our wedding ran flawlessly while we kicked back and relaxed. I can't fault anything. Food was amazing, rooms were gorgeous and always spotless, service was out of this world. Highly HIGHLY recommended Barcaldine castle to anyone who wants a cosy wedding, or even just a cosy getaway. We hope to make a tradition of coming back for our anniversaries. Cannot wait to see the place and all the gorgeous staff again! Thank you!! // Laurie and Jacob 💗
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Lisa Gibbs profile picture
Lisa Gibbs
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Wow what can I say Barcaldine castle is absolutely stunning breathtaking the history the location the interior of the castle I felt honoured to be able to have my wedding day within a perfect setting me and my husband felt like royalty and Patrick and Cecilia are the most amazing couple and the rest of the staff were fantastic really did go above and beyond there duty to create a perfect day all my guests spoke so highly of them all and they really did look after me and my family I definitely highly recommend everyone to stay and experience Barcaldine castle and to book for your perfect wedding ❤️❤️❤️
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Craigstours
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A quirky and fascinating bed and breakfast which is fairly unique in its design! The stairs are most definitely not for anyone with infirmity! Altogether an exceptional accommodation but you must have a vehicle as it’s not close to anything!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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Brandy Careri
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Patrick and his wife were so warm, helpful, and accommodating. The castle is beyond beautiful and they made so many personal touches that made it feel luxurious but also comforting. Breakfast was delicious and the rooms were clean and cozy. Our stay there was a higher highlight of our trip to Scotland and we would 100% stay here again!
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Darren Utley profile picture
Darren Utley
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A stay at the castle is a must do if you are in the area. It is a perfect blend of history and comfort. Patrick and his wife are amazing hosts, they could not be more accommodating and the Scottish breakfast was top-notch.
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JULIE MACKAY
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Great place, we renewed our vows there.
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