12 Handpicked Day Trips From Oban, Scotland

1. Isle of Kerrera

A trip to the Isle of Kerrera from Oban is a tranquil escape to a beautiful Scottish island. The island is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Oban, offering stunning views of the coastline and hills. Once on the island, visitors can explore the rugged coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque beaches.

Adventure lovers should hike to the island’s highest point, a rocky outcrop known as Carn Breugach. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and mainland Scotland from the summit.

The island is also home to a historic castle, Gylen Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history.

2. Seil Island

A trip to Seil Island from Oban takes you through the heart of Scotland’s West Highlands. The island is accessible via the historic Clachan Bridge, which offers stunning coastline views.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the island’s historic slate quarries, once a major industry in the area. Hiking to the quarries and learning about the history of slate mining in Scotland is an exciting and educational experience.

When you get hungry, indulge in delicious local cuisines at the island’s pubs and restaurants, serving fresh seafood and traditional Scottish fare.

3. Isle of Lismore

A beautiful island in Scotland, Lismore—which means Great Garden in Gaelic—is an ideal vacation location for tourists looking for peaceful things to do near Oban. It is a small community with a population of only 170 as of the last count. One of the most visited attractions here is Lismore Gaelic Heritage Center, which houses a museum that contains exhibits and collections about the island’s Gaelic history as well as stories about the people who once lived in the area. Also, you’ll find here a cafe that serves excellent burgers and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.

4. Glasgow

A lovely port city located along River Clyde, Glasgow is the largest seaport in Scotland. It is well-known for its Victorian and art nouveau architectural styles that date back to the 18th and 20th centuries, when the city was at its peak, economically, because of trade and shipbuilding. Now, the city is a vibrant cultural center, where you’ll find Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, and National Theater of Scotland. Taking this tour from Oban means experiencing amazing attractions such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, and Riverside Museum.

5. Edinburgh

A day tour from Oban brings you to this hilly capital of Scotland. Edinburgh, known for Fringe Festival, is the largest international art fair in the world. Edinburgh is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which you cannot deny when you visit the medieval Old Town and classic Georgian New Town. These two sites are also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most popular attractions in the city is Edinburgh Castle, which was once used to crown the royals of Scotland. It is also where you’ll find Stone of Destiny and the crown jewels.

6. Loch Lomond

A scenic lake in southern Scotland, Loch Lomond is surrounded by highlands that serve as sanctuary to oak woodlands and red deers. You’ll find on its southern tip the stunning Balloch Country Park, which is a 200-acre (80.94-hectare) historical site where you’ll find Balloch Castle with its Scottish baronial architecture style, along with lovely ornamental gardens. Other points of interest in the area include Luss Heritage Path, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, and Dumbarton Castle.

7. Stirling

Nestled along River Forth in central Scotland, captivating Stirling is the youngest city in the country. It is famous for the medieval Stirling Castle, which sits atop a volcanic rock. Another attraction here is National Wallace Monument, a 19th-century tower that when climbed will give you a view of 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge. The bridge is where William Wallace fought the English and won. Also, you should visit Battle of Bannockburn Experience for its 3D exhibits on the accounts of the 1314 conflict.

8. Falkirk

Located in the Scottish Lowlands, Falkirk is a big city of 32,422 based on the 2001 UK census. Because of its location between Edinburgh, Stirling, and Glasgow, it has played and is still playing a major role in the history of the country, starting from the Roman period up to this day, which you’ll know more about when you join Falkirk Town Heritage Trail. If you’re into architecture, you surely wouldn’t want to miss the chance to visit Calendar House. It is a sprawling, opulent mansion, with a French Renaissance château style combined with Scottish baronial architectural elements.

9. Perth

Poised next to River Tay in central Scotland, Perth—also known as Fair City—was once the capital of the country, where kings and queens visit for leisure. It boasts beautiful architecture, marvelous landscapes, and a rich royal history filled with intrigue. If you’re into the arts, you’ll certainly love it here. A must-visit is Fergusson Gallery, which houses paintings of John Duncan Fergusson, a 20th-century Scottish colorist, as well as works of his wife, Margaret Morris, an excellent dancer.

10. Dundee

The fourth-largest city in Scotland, Dundee is a coastal town, located along the Firth of Tay estuary. It is famous for its jute-making industry, which you’ll know more about when you visit Verdant Works, a museum dedicated to the jute-manufacturing heritage of the area. Another museum not to be missed is Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, where you’ll find many collections of art and archaeological treasures.

11. Inverness

Inverness is known to be the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands as well as the largest city in the region. One of its highlights is Old Town that showcases various attractions, starting from the ninth-century Inverness Cathedral up to the indoor Victorian Market, which sells numerous kinds of food, crafts, and clothing. Another must-visit is Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, where you’ll learn more about the city’s local and Highland history as you browse through the many collections on display.

12. Livingston

Designated in 1962, Livingston is one of the newest towns to be built in Scotland after the war. It is located in West Lothian and took its name from Livingston Village. One of the points of interest here is Five Sisters Zoo, which features numerous wildlife, ranging from Arctic wolves up to meerkat and woodland bears. The zoo also has a play park for small kids and petting sessions, where you can get up close and personal with some animals.

Picturesque Oban

Oban is the best place to start your day trips in Scotland, given that it is also known as Gateway to the Isles. Make sure that before heading to other cities in the country, you have explored every nook and corner of Oban for it will surprise you with its many museums, historical sites, beautiful architecture, local cuisine, and a lot more.