Holiday base in or around Oban - any suggestions?

[LaBelleSauvage123]

DH and I are planning a two centre Scottish holiday next May: the first week based in or around Oban and driving around the West Highlands and the second week on Mull, wildlife watching and visiting Iona and some of the other islands. Does anyone have any recommendations for self catering properties? Would you recommend staying in Oban itself or nearby?

We've got family in Oban so visit in the area fairly often. I'd probably look for somewhere outside the town. One place we really like is Bonawe Cottages in Taynuilt and we've also stayed in Connel a couple of times, though the house we like there has been sold and I don't think it's a holiday let any more. But I'm sure there are plenty of options in the area.
Further away, I really like the coast further north around Port Appin, but if you want to be closer to town I'd look on the outskirts rather than right in the town itself. Its nice going north out of town towards Ganavan Sands and Dunollie Castle. We recently stayed in Knipoch about 15- 20 mins south of Oban which was lovely. We were in a hotel but I'd imagine there's plenty of self catering accommodation out that way too.
Have a lovely holiday - it's a beautiful part of the world.

Not sure if a B&B is doable for a week, but I highly recommend Aspen Lodge just outside Oban. The views are out of this world!

Thank you both - will look at all those suggestions.

That’s a lovely part of the world :) A few years ago we stayed in a self-catering cottage in Benderloch, about 15 mins drive from Oban. The cottage is called West Ferlochan and it was lovely and quiet there.

The good thing about being in the town itself would be close proximity to places to eat in the evening. Unless you want to fully self cater of course.

In Scotland you can’t really drink alcohol and be legal to drive. We are not big drinkers but enjoy wine with dinner on holiday. Obviously not an issue if you don’t drink or won’t be eating out.

Oban is OK - very busy in the season, a town of three halves as it were. A half is very toursity focussed, a half focussed on practicalities and supplying the isles, and half looking like a run-down council estate (as the Scottish West Coast can rather regularly...).

As others have said, if you do not want to eat out then look for accommodation out of town. I personally would look to somewhere quieter, off a main road.

There is so much to do around there - multiple islands that are a day out in themselves such as Kerrera (a lot wilder than you imagine, heaven on a quiet day), Lismore (brilliant community cafe, otter central), Seil, Easdale (very different!), Luing (great community cafe) and for a longer day out, Gigha is a proper slice of heaven on a sunny day!

Mull, if you are into wildlife you have to spend time down Loch Spelve and down to Lochbuie - last time I was there we had two otters, one within a metre of us, 5 golden and a sea eagle overhead within about 15 minutes...Similar with Ulva and Gometra - no cars, so keeps most tourists away, and well worth the walk. Brilliant restaurant on Ulva.
I love Iona, been a few times, but felt last year when I went it was a victim of over tourism with parking for hundreds of cars, 5 coaches at a time arriving, and just crowded around the village. That said, you can walk to quieter bays and get away from the crowds.
Similarly Calgary - a stunning spot, but oh so busy with the instabanger brigade, and a walk away from the main beach was the highlight of my last visit...

We’ve found a potential holiday house in Connel, right by Loch Etive, which looks great and is only 5 miles from Oban. We probably will eat out a couple of times but I don’t drink much so wouldn’t mind abstaining and driving back. We both love cooking so that’s not a burden. My only concern is midges in a property on the shores of a loch, but hopefully in late April it shouldn’t be too much of a problem?

Thanks for the info on Mull Outdooryone. Haven’t looked for accommodation there yet but will look at the areas you suggest. Am hoping that going in late April/early May will mean we avoid most of the tourist hordes.

We’ve been to Mull a couple times during the May half term holiday and weren’t troubled by midges. Lovely place, such wonderful wildlife - land, air and sea.

We've been looking at the ferries from Oban to Craignure (Mull) for next Friday. It's fully booked for cars. You could go as a foot passenger and catch the bus up to Tobermory.

We’re looking at the Cal Mac ferry website but it says there aren’t any available sailings for camper vans. We know this can’t be true as a friend is on Mull at the moment in her van. Can anyone clarify?

Sorry - just to clarify - I’m talking about 2026, not this year.

It’s a lovely part of the world OP, but do go prepared for every season, especially rain! We like staying in the town and walking down to the harbour in the evening but depends what kind of holiday you’re looking for.

Don’t think the boats are booking into 2026 yet - irrespective of the vehicle! But you will need to keep an eye because if you’re taking a camper you’re asked to book your berths on the island before you go, and you can’t join the standby queue.

Watching this because I'm going in August and can't wait. Last time I went Avon Skin So Soft was the best anti-midgie product but I heard the recipe had changed. So keen to get there anyway. Hope you all enjoy it. 🪻

We’ve been a few times. We stayed in cottages on the Ardmaddy estate. There’s a sort of castle/big house. You can walk in the gardens, and round the estate. It goes down to a loch (might be a sea loch).

I think it’s about 12 miles from Oban, but we always find the drive to Oban so stunning, it’s worth it. People told us one of the best times to go is May. We usually go last week of August and first week of September, due to work commitments. Even though it’s the summer when we go, temperatures might not rise above 16 degrees C, so take some warmer clothing than you might need, say in the South of England at that time of year.

The Calmac ferry is great, especially if you get one with a restaurant - we were surprised how good the cooked food was, considering its mass catering. Do the drive along the coast to Calgary, if you can. Iirc, it’s regarded as one of the best in Europe. Last year, we saw two white tailed eagles together along there!

Try the seafood shack on the quayside at Oban - the cheapest lobster and seafood, we have ever had! (And probably the freshest). Still the fish and chip shop in Oban is also very good. Imo, the best seafood in the Uk is on the Scottish west coast, and way cheaper than Cornwall!

@Apillthatmakesyousayalltherightstuffid recommend Smidge as a midge repellent- I’m from Argyll and they are ferocious in the Summer!

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Well we’ve booked our first week just north of Oban and our second on the coast west of Craignure on Mull. Very excited! Thanks for all the advice on this thread and keep any suggestions for places to visit coming.

Ferries for late spring and summer 2026 will be released usually at end of January for booking.

Thank you

Just got back from Mull today after a long weekend. We weren't troubled with midges until we were at the Fishnish ferry terminal this morning and then they were out in force. We had glorious weather too. Gin clear skies.