Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..
SearchMain Menu
Home Pictures Towns & Villages Attractions Regions More..  Please support this site |
Pictures of Obanin the county of Argyll & Bute
About Oban
Oban is a traditional "harbour town" transformed from a little fishing village of the pre-Victorian era. It is the main departure point for travellers to the Western Isles and a stopping off point for steamers linking Inverness with Glasgow via the great Caledonian cannel and the Crinian cannel. The arrival of the railway in 1880 heralded a boom in late Victorian and Edwardian tourists. Frantic building began, and many of these fine hotels and houses remain to be seen today. The town has a lovely esplanade, an idyllic place to stroll enjoying the sight of bright sailed yachts, fishing vessels and steamers arriving with yet more visitors! The lively streets offer the visitor plenty of scope for shopping, and anyone in search of sustenance will have no difficulty finding places that offer, lunch, tea and dinner treats. There are plenty of places to stop by and enjoy a drink, and anyone heading in the direction of the waterfront will find the easily identifiable Oban Distillery, a place were whisky has been made since 1794. The distillery welcomes visitors for tours and usually offers a "wee dram" tasting. Located on the northern edge of the town, sitting on a lofty tree-clad mound overlooking the sea, is all that is left of Dunollie Castle, seat of the MacDougall's, Lords of Lorne, who at one time owned a third of Scotland. There is a short climb to reach the ruins, but those who make the effort are rewarded with lovely views of the northern entrance to Oban harbour. Standing around 5 miles north of Oban is the ruinous Dunstaffnage Castle, a romantic fabled place, to which the "Stone of Destiny" was brought over from Ireland via Iona. This was taken to Westminster Abbey in 1296 and did not return to Scotland until 1996. The stone can now be seen in Edinburgh Castle. Dunstaffnage was a MacDougall stronghold until the early part of the 14th century when it was seized by Robert the Bruce. Later, in the mid 18th century, the castle was a place of imprisonment for Flora MacDonald, sweetheart of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Visitors to the castle can also see the ruins of a 13th century chapel, and if you are very lucky you might just meet the castle ghost - a lady in a green dress! Oban offers visitors a pleasant time, it has a lovely sedate atmosphere tinged with a jaunty nautical air. The town, edged by the sea, is backed by low green hills, with views towards Mull and other fascinating smaller isles. It's panorama of almost endless beauty and drama has been a source of inspiration for artists and poets for centuries, it is therefore unsurprising to find that Oban is one of Scotland's most popular coastal resorts. Recommended towns & villages near ObanComplete A to Z of towns in Scotland Recommended attractions near Oban
All attractions in Oban All attractions in Argyll & Bute Complete A to Z of attractions in Scotland Hotels & Accommodation in Oban
More Oban hotels... Nearby travel help
Please support this site by booking your hotels in England or making a donation. Many thanks. Select a county of England to begin exploring England from.. Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cornwall, County Durham, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Tyne & Wear, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire. © 2001-2009 Pictures of England.com - All rights reserved - Terms & Conditions - Free Pictures |
User LoginUK Hotel SearchPicture Tours |
