10 Castles Near Oban
Longing to escape the city’s hustle and bustle? Why not take a step back, recharge and truly appreciate the rich culture and history of Scotland by visiting castles near Oban – and there really is nowhere better to do that than our very own seaside town.
When thinking of what makes Scotland stand out, for many, the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful, historic castles and our breathtaking scenery. Most of which you can experience at the same time. At one point it was said there were over 3,000 castles in Scotland spread across the most scenic parts of the country, some dating way back to the medieval times! From this, keen explorers from all over the world visit Scotland’s well-preserved architecture and ruins to get a chance to feel what it’s like to step into the pages of a real-life fairytale.
With its abundance of wonderful and fascinating medieval castles, situated in some of the most scenic, romantic locations, the little Victorian town of Oban never falls short of places to explore. Alongside it’s gorgeous shoreline you’ll find an array of ruined castles and magnificent structures, near our seaside town or within a 2 hour drive, making for the perfect day-trip!
Find out more about the wonderful castles near Oban, Scotland!
1. Dunollie Castle
Castle location: Oban, PA34 5TT.
Distance from Oban town centre: 2 min drive.
Visiting Information: Reopening April 3rd 2022!
Parking: Public car park on premises.
Dunollie Castle, situated strategically overlooking surrounding isles, is a small ruined castle in Oban that traces back 8000 years of human activity. It was built by the most powerful family in Scotland at the time; the MacDougalls. When you stroll up to castle ruins you are overpowered by the phenomenal views. Find out more here: https://www.dunollie.org/
2. Dunstaffnage Castle
Castle location: Dunbeg, PA37 1PZ.
Distance from Oban town centre: 9 min drive.
Visiting Information: Open for the public to tour the castle and grounds.
Parking: Public car park on premises.
The partially ruined castle near Oban, with stunning sea views, lies on the south-west entrance of Loch Etive and is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles. It was built and held by the family of the ‘King of the Isles’ – the McDougalls – where Flora MacDonald was kept prisoner. The surrounding woodland is home to a rare species of bats; ‘pipistrelle’ – if you’re looking closely you might just spot one!
Tickets available from £3.60. Find out more here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dunstaffnage-castle-and-chapel/
3. Castle Stalker
Castle location: Appin, PA38 4BL.
Distance from Oban town centre: 29 min drive.
Visiting Information: Open for pre-booked tours of castle and grounds.
Parking: Public car park on premises.
This extremely picturesque Scottish castle, surrounded by water, lies on an islet on Loch Laich. The gaelic name “Caisteal an Stalcaire” translates literally to Castle Hunter, and comes from the late James VI of Scotland living here while taking part in hunting expeditions in the 15th century. It, as well as various other castles, was built and held by the MacDougalls while they were Lords of Lorn in 1320. Most people would recognise this three-storied tower in popular British Comedy Monty Python where it was more famously named “Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh”.
Find out which tours are available here: https://www.castlestalker.com/wp/
4. Kilchurn Castle
Castle location: Lochawe, PA33 1AF
Distance from Oban town centre: 36 min drive.
Visiting Information: Take a tour inside the castle and grounds.
Parking: Public car park on Premises.
Kilchurn Castle is another spectacular partially ruined castle near Oban which was constructed in the mid 15th century to be used as a base for the Campbells of Glenorchy. It was a five-story tower house which overlooked the rest of the grounds, most of which still remains. It is said the ground floor of the tower was used as a cellar and prison. Find out more here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/kilchurn-castle/
5. Inveraray Castle
Castle location: Inveraray, PA32 8XE.
Distance from Oban town centre: 57 min drive.
Visiting information: Group access to tour the castle and grounds up until the 31st October.
Parking: Public car park on the premises.
This country house, built between 1745 and 1790 which lies on the shore of Loch Fyne – Scotland’s longest sea loch, was the home of the Duke of Argyll. With its gorgeous well-maintained garden, charming walks, castle-like turrets and extensive estate, it has grown to be one of the most iconic, must-see visitor attractions on the West Coast of Scotland! After exploring the interior which holds over 1300 ancestral pieces, you can visit the tearoom and gift shop for refreshments and authentically Scottish items.
Tickets available from £8.50. Find out more here: https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/inveraray/inveraraycastle/index.html
6. Gylen Castle
Castle location: Kerrera, PA34 4SX.
Distance from Oban town centre: 59 min by foot – includes a ferry.
Visiting Information: Explore the castle grounds and surrounding areas.
Parking: Take the ferry from Oban ferry terminal near the town centre and get to the grounds by foot instead.
This appealing castle is situated at the southern end of Kerrera and lies on the edge of a rickety hill, surrounded by spectacular views of surrounding Hebridean islands & the Firth of Lorn. The now roofless tower house near Oban was built by the MacDougalls in 1582 with a strong focus on defence – the front exterior was fitted with gun loops to allow defenders to fire from the bays below. The island is only 6 miles long and houses 34 residents so you can truly experience the slow-paced, peaceful environment.
Make sure to bring your cosy jackets and umbrellas though as you will be getting no shelter on your travels there and back!
7. Torosay Castle
Castle location: Craignure, PA65 6AY
Distance from Oban town centre: 1 hr 23 min drive – includes a ferry.
Visiting Information: Explore the grounds and surrounding areas.
Parking: Public parking near the area.
Image Credit: Allister Combe, Geograph.
This beautiful castle was built in 1858 by David Byrce. It is surrounded by 12 acres of glorious gardens, where you can explore the bog garden, old rock garden, greenhouses and Japanese garden – all with spectacular sea views.
Keep your eyes peeled though as tours will be reopening soon! Find out more here: https://www.isle-of-mull.net/attractions/history/castles/torosay-castle/
8. Duart Castle
Castle location: Lochdon, PA64 6AP.
Distance from Oban town centre: 1 hr 28 min drive – includes a ferry.
Visiting Information: Take a tour inside the castle and grounds.
Parking: Public car park on premises.
This castle guards the sea cliffs of Mull and entrances to Lochs Linne, Etive and Firth of Lorne. It was a ruin from the 18th century and has been completely brought back to life by Sir Fitzroy, with the oldest part dating back to 1911. You may recognise it from Hollywood films Entrapment (1999), When Eight Bells Toll (1971) and I know where I’m going (1945).
Tickets available from £4. Find out more here: https://duartcastle.com/
9. Carrick Castle
Castle location: Dunoon, PA24 8AG.
Distance from Oban town centre: 1hr 40 drive.
Visiting information: Explore the castle grounds and surrounding areas.
Parking: Public parking in the area.
Image Credit: Sarah Charlesworth, Geograph.
This restored old tower house is located in one of the most scenic and remote spots in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on the banks of Loch Goil. It dates all the way back to the late 14th century when it was long held by the Campbells. A fun historical fact about this beautiful piece of architecture is, before the castle burned down to ruins during the Argyll rebellion, Mary Queen of Scots spent one night here in 1563.
10. Castle Coeffin
Castle location: Lismore, PA34 5UL.
Distance from Oban town centre: 1 hr 45 min – includes a ferry.
Visiting Information: Explore the grounds and surrounding area.
Parking: Public parking in the area.
Image Credit: Colin Smith, Geograph.
All that lies of this 13th century castle is its crumbling walls of ruin, situated on the island of Lismore. The island is only 6 miles long and is described as paradise by visitors due to its stillness and slow-pace of life.
Coming to explore castles near Oban? Stay in luxury on the shorefront esplanade
Stay at No.26 By The Sea in Oban to explore Scotland’s rich culture and history by visiting some of the most picturesque, magnificent structures Scotland has to offer. Explore our website and book now to be treated like royalty after your long day of gallivanting around some of Scotland’s incredible castles!