Enjoying your holiday cottage in Oban - Argyll Scotland

When self catering at Melfort, you will be ideally situated to enjoy all that Oban and the surrounding area has to offer. Melfort is almost equidistant between the towns of Oban and Lochgilphead and in the midst of all the Argyll visitor attractions, often less than half an hour’s journey by car.

One of the joys of Melfort self catering is that you can start the day in a leisurely way, enjoying your holiday cottage and the beautiful surroundings. After taking advice from our friendly Reception staff about the best places to visit, you can spend the afternoon exploring Argyll, enjoy a wonderful meal in one of the many West Coast restaurants and finally, return to your self catering cottage at Melfort to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing evening.

Once you've settled in to your holiday cottage you're bound to wonder what treasures Oban & Argyll have to offer the visitor and this page hopes to illustrate some of the 'little gems' that are within easy reach. The West Coast has many wonderful places to visit: ancient castles and monuments; glorious gardens; visitor attractions; the magical islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa by ferry from Oban. A huge range of visitor attraction leaflets are freely available from reception.

Things to do around Oban & Argyll

Oban, just 16 scenic miles from Melfort Village, is our nearest town. Often referred to as the "unofficial capital of the West Highlands" and also the "Gateway to the Isles". It has four large supermarkets and a diverse range of shops in the town centre. For more information about Oban and what it has to offer, look at the Oban & Lorn Tourism Association website. Look at the Oban Webcam.

Visit the islands
Many of our guests enjoy a visit to Mull and lovely Iona and Staffa, or even farther afield, the windswept islands of Coll and Tiree. For information about ferries, have a look at the Caledonian MacBrayne web site.

For a day out you could try a trip to the fairly flat island of Lismore, hire some bikes and cycle to the island heritage centre. Lismore Bike Hire will deliver anywhere on the Island (Tel: 01631 760 213).

Kerrera, the island situated in Oban Bay, is less than 5 mins by ferry from the ferry slip just 2 miles south of Oban on the Gallanach Road. There's a great circular walk taking in Gylen castle, a Parrot Sanctuary, and the Kerrera Tea Garden and some fantastic views over towards Mull.

Boat Trips from Oban
Spend a few hours on the water, enjoying the sea air and viewing the wildlife. There are plenty of great trips to choose from all leaving form the sea front in Oban Bay.

Oban Boat Trips Argyll - Mara Mhor Cruises - Wildlife tours on a spacious catamaran, with covered deck area.
Skipinnish Sea Tours - Fun, exhiliarating trips on MV Brightwater, a 10m open top RIB. Great for all the family.
Coastal Connections Scenic tours and trips - Making the lochs and islands more accessible than ever before! Cabined 11m RIBs.
Seafari Adventures - operating from Easdale (just 30 mins drive from Melfort) Combine a thrilling ride over the waves with an informative wildlife tour.
Lochawe Steampacket Company - Cruise up Loch Awe in a Steam Boat (Tel: 01838 200440)

Sails and Summits - Based at Oban Marina, Kerrera. Sail and Dine packages available from £20 per person for an hour's sail. Will also pick up from Loch Mlefort for day sails.

The Waverley Paddle Steamer sails around Loch Fyne on Tuesdays from 29th June. Sailing from Tarbert at 2.45pm.
Book on-line or by calling 0845 130 4647

Sporting fun on the Sea and in the Hills around Oban
Atlantis Leisure is our local community swimming pool. Great for a rainy day! Also has a fantastic outdoor playground.

Kayaking & Canoeing
With plenty of sheltered coastal waters, the Oban area is perfect for trying out kayaking and canoeing! Try the National Kayak School in Oban (Tel: 01631 565310) or perhaps explore some inland waters at Loch Awe Boats (Tel: 01866 833256)

Highland Activities, White Water Rafting and White Water Funyakking is based on fun and adventure so is perfect for families and those who are trying White Water Rafting for the first time. This isn’t an extreme experience, it is about having fun with your friends and family on the bouncy rapids. (Tel: 08450 945513)

Tralee Rally Karting, Tralee Beach, Benderloch (Tel: 01631 720297)

Vertical Descents, Onich - Extreme Outdoor Activities less than 1 hour from Oban. (Tel: 01855 821593)

Puffin Dive Centre, Oban (01631 566088)

Stramash Outdoor Adventures Adventure, exploration and challenge are what Stramash can offer you. (01631 566080)

Some interesting places for the family to visit:-

Scottish Sealife Sanctuary - Explore natural marine habitats and enjoy the antics of seals and otters. 10 miles north of Oban. 01631 720386
Inverawe Country Park - So much to offer! Fishing, Walking, Play area, Tearoom & smokery exhibition. 16 miles inland from Oban. 01866 822808
Kilmartin House Museum - Award winning archeological museum, walks, gift shop and cafe. 12 miles south of Melfort.
Gardens of Argyll and Bute.Find out more about the gardens of Argyll.
Argyll Adventure , near Inveraray - great fun activities for all the family, rain or shine! (Tel: 01499 302611)
Inveraray - there's loads to do on a day out to Inveraray!

The Oban Treasure Trail - download The Murder Mystery Trail and have fun with the family.

Eating out around Oban & Argyll

Waypoint Bar and Grill, Kerrera For a meal with a difference, why not take the water taxi from the North Pier across to the Waypoint Bar and Grill at the Marina on Kerrera, open between 1st June and 30th September? (Tel: 01631 565333)

Eeusk An award winning seafood resturant situated on the North Pier, Oban (01631 565666)

Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. Local Produce and wonderful seafood on the Railway Pier, Oban. (01631 563110)

The Seafood Temple, One of a kind where local fishermen supply the food AND cook it too! (01631 566000)