Oban Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Oban Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Oban packs a lot into a small area. The town itself wraps around a horseshoe bay with fishing boats and ferries coming and going all day. I recommend starting at McCaig's Tower (PA34 5PE, open 24/7, free entry), the Colosseum-like structure overlooking the town. The walk up takes about 15 minutes from the harbour and gives you spectacular views across to Mull and Kerrera.

Oban Distillery (PA34 5NH) sits right in the town centre and runs tours daily from 10am-4pm. They've been making whisky here since 1794 and the tour guides really know their stuff. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from over 2,000 reviews.

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds (PA34 5TT) sits just north of town and offers a fascinating glimpse into clan history. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and tickets cost £9 for adults. The woodland walks here are lovely even if history isn't your thing.

For rainy days (and yes, Oban gets its fair share), the War & Peace Museum on the North Pier (PA34 5PT) tells the story of Oban's role in various conflicts. It's small but fascinating and completely free.

Pet Friendly

We've found Oban to be one of Scotland's more dog-friendly towns. Many cottages with hot tubs welcome dogs, though always check if there are restrictions about pets using outdoor areas where the tub is located.

Ganavan Sands (PA34 5TB), just north of Oban, allows dogs year-round on certain sections of the beach. It's a beautiful stretch of sand with parking nearby. The coastal path from Oban to Ganavan makes a perfect dog walk with stunning views.

For eating out, The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant (PA34 5PT) has a dog-friendly section and Cuan Mor (PA34 5NQ) on George Street welcomes dogs in their bar area. Both serve excellent seafood caught locally.

Oban Pets & Aquaria (PA34 4HG) on Stevenson Street stocks emergency supplies if you forget anything and Oban Veterinary Surgery (PA34 4HB) provides excellent care if needed.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Oban

The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary (PA37 1SE) sits about 20 minutes north of Oban and houses seals, otters and various marine creatures. What makes this place special is their seal rescue work - they rehabilitate injured seals before releasing them back into the wild. Kids love the feeding sessions and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable. A recent visitor wrote: "We spent three hours here and could have stayed longer. The seal hospital tour was fascinating."

Kerrera Island lies just offshore from Oban, accessed by a small passenger ferry (PA34 4QR). The island has no cars, just peaceful walking trails and the ruins of Gylen Castle. The complete island loop takes about 4 hours at a leisurely pace. I recommend taking a picnic as there's only one café. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Like stepping back in time - no traffic, just sheep, stunning views and castle ruins. Perfect day out."

Oban Chocolate Company (PA34 5NQ) might not be ancient or naturally beautiful, but their hot chocolate is legendary. Watch chocolatiers at work through the viewing window, then sample their creations. They've won multiple Scottish food awards and on cold days (which happen even in summer), there's nothing better than warming up here before heading back to your hot tub.

What's the best time to visit Oban?

May to September offers the best weather, with July and August being busiest. I prefer June when days are longest (almost 18 hours of daylight) but crowds are smaller. Winter visits have their charm too - storm watching from your hot tub can be spectacular.

Do I need a car in Oban?

Not necessarily. The town centre is compact and walkable. Buses serve nearby attractions and ferries connect to islands. However, a car gives you freedom to explore the wider region and reach more remote cottages with hot tubs.

How reliable is the ferry service from Oban?

CalMac ferries are generally reliable but can be cancelled during severe weather. In summer, book vehicle spaces well in advance. Passenger tickets rarely sell out. The Mull ferry runs most frequently with multiple daily sailings.

What seafood should I try in Oban?

Oban is Scotland's seafood capital! Try local oysters from Loch Creran, langoustines (often called scampi) and Loch Fyne mussels. The green shack on the pier (Oban Seafood Hut) serves the freshest catch with minimal fuss.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Oban?

Yes, though not guaranteed. Oban's relatively low light pollution makes aurora viewing possible between September and March during periods of high solar activity. The north-facing coastline provides good viewing spots.

Are hot tub cottages in Oban expensive?

Prices vary seasonally. A cottage with a hot tub typically costs 15-30% more than equivalent properties without one. Winter deals outside school holidays offer the best value, while Oban's summer festival weeks command premium rates.

1. CalMac Ferry Timetables
2. Oban Times What's On Guide
3. VisitScotland Oban Information