Experience the Tranquil Beauty of Loch Awe Holiday Park
Loch Awe Holiday Park is more than just a holiday destination; it’s a place where lasting memories are created. Nestled in the serene surroundings on the western coast of Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway, this park offers a breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’ve ever dreamt of having your own static caravan in a peaceful and picturesque setting, Loch Awe Holiday Park is the ideal place for you.
A Perfect Base for Exploration
Situated not far from the vibrant town of Oban, Loch Awe Holiday Park is your gateway to exploring the stunning west coast of Scotland and the captivating Highlands to the north. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, this park offers it all. Use your holiday home as a base to explore nearby Oban, venture along the west coast, or head deeper into the majestic Highlands. With each visit, you can discover something new or simply unwind while soaking in the incredible views that surround you.
Discover the Wonders of The Hollow Mountain
Just a short distance from Oban, you have the opportunity to explore one of the Highlands’ hidden treasures—the Hollow Mountain. Buried within Ben Cruachan mountain on the shores of Loch Awe, this extraordinary site houses the world’s first high head reversible pumped storage hydro scheme within a colossal man-made cavern. The visitor center at Cruachan Power Stations offers a free exhibition area and serves as the starting point for a guided tour that promises to educate and amaze.
The heart of the mountain features a massive cavern, spacious enough to accommodate the Tower of London! Within this cavern, colossal turbines harness the power of water, transforming it into electricity—power that you enjoy with a simple flick of a switch. The Hollow Mountain is an unparalleled underground world on a grand scale.
While you’re here, indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the Hollow Mountain Cafe. Enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches, Paninis, Aberdeen Angus Burgers, and a variety of homemade scones and traybakes, all complemented by fairtrade tea and coffee. As you dine, soak in panoramic views of Loch Awe, and keep your eyes peeled for Osprey, eagles, Pine Martens, and an abundance of wildlife in the garden area.
Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds – A Heritage Haven
Located just 1.3 miles north of Oban, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds is a cherished Heritage Site with a history spanning millennia. It has been the seat of the Clan MacDougall for a thousand years, making it a place steeped in tradition and stories.
While Dunollie Castle now lies in ruins, it remains a captivating attraction known for its awe-inspiring views of Oban Bay and the Isles. The 1745 House Museum, housed in part of the Laird’s House, offers a glimpse into Highland Social History and that of the Clan MacDougall. The site also hosts a captivating temporary exhibition called ‘Hope Behind the Lens,’ featuring a collection of 20th-century photographs of the Oban area.
Dunollie’s beautiful Heritage Woodland Grounds are home to a diverse range of species, adding to the site’s natural charm.
In addition to its historical treasures, Dunollie boasts the Kettle Garden Café, serving delicious home baking, light lunches, and refreshments. The Draper’s Shop collaborates with local artists and artisans, offering a range of unique Dunollie products, including tartans and fabrics.
This family-friendly destination provides a wealth of activities for children, and all outdoor spaces are dog-friendly, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Accessibility is a priority at Dunollie, with most of the site being wheelchair-friendly. However, please note that the upper level of the museum and castle may not be accessible to all. The site is also dog-friendly, but visitors are kindly requested to keep their furry friends on a leash.
For those traveling by car, Dunollie is a quick 2-minute drive from the center of Oban. If you prefer a leisurely stroll, a pleasant 30-minute walk along the seafront from the town center, following the Dunollie Woodland Trail, will lead you to the entrance of Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds is managed by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust (Charity No. SC028091), dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of this remarkable site.
Discover Duart Castle
Duart Castle stands proudly, commanding a view of the Sound of Mull. Rooted in the 14th century, it serves as the ancestral home to Clan Maclean, currently led by Sir Lachlan Maclean, the 28th Chief of Clan Maclean. This castle is steeped in history, featuring an ancient keep, a grand banqueting hall, and even a dungeon! On a clear day, a visit to the battlements is essential, as the view is simply breathtaking.
Open from April to October, Duart Castle offers an exciting day out for everyone, from history enthusiasts to families and those seeking the beauty of the natural surroundings. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Hollywood actors like Sean Connery while exploring this historic gem.
Duart boasts a cozy tearoom that takes pride in serving locally sourced produce and traditional baked goods, making it the perfect place for lunches and hot drinks. Below the castle, you’ll find picturesque walks leading to the sea, and the Millennium Wood is open to all.
Throughout the summer, Duart Castle hosts various events, including storytelling sessions and captivating Birds of Prey displays, as well as performances by the Mull Gaelic Choir and the Mull and Iona Pipes & Drums. For upcoming event dates and the latest opening hours, please visit our website at www.duartcastle.com.
Explore Oban Distillery
Nestled beneath the towering cliffs overlooking Oban, one of Scotland’s oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky is just a short stroll from the sea. Oban Distillery proudly embodies the history and character of this charming harbor town, offering a welcoming and informal atmosphere suitable for visitors of all ages.
Oban’s War & Peace Museum
Oban’s War & Peace Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and photographs that vividly depict the rich cultural history of this bustling port town and its people. Explore the exhibits highlighting the fishing and maritime industries, railways, road transport, and Oban’s strategic role during the war years, when it housed Australian, Canadian, and US aircrews, along with RAF Flying Boats operating from the bay. The museum also pays tribute to the involvement of local men and women during WWII, as well as the various services operating in the area.
Learn about local sports like Shinty and discover the story of the first transatlantic telephone cable link, the operations of the Northern Lighthouse Board, local emergency services, the Ferries, the construction of McCaig’s Tower, and the museum’s own fascinating history.
With free admission and daily opening hours, Oban’s War & Peace Museum is a must-visit attraction.
Dive into Ocean Explorer Centre at SAMS
Transform into a marine scientist at the Ocean Explorer Centre at SAMS! Explore plankton through our microscope, unravel the secrets of our seas on our 3D globe, and dive into the latest research on ocean currents, environmental change, aquaculture, and more conducted in Oban at Scotland’s oldest marine research institute.
This family-friendly visitor centre includes a cinema, a children’s molecule hunt, and an activity table. Don’t miss the Beach Café, which offers indoor and outdoor seating right on the shores of the Firth of Lorn, as well as a small shop stocked with marine and science-related books, games, and gifts. Plus, the Ocean Explorer Centre at SAMS is conveniently located by the beach at Camas Rubha na Liathaig (Liathaig Bay).
Entrance is free, and donations are welcome. It’s just 3 miles north of Oban.
Savor Local Flavors in Oban and Lorn
Whether you’re craving seafood, whisky, chocolate, or ice cream, Lorn’s culinary offerings are a true delight! Oban proudly holds the title of the Seafood Capital of Scotland, and it also plays a starring role on Scotland’s Chocolate, Ice Cream, West Coast Whisky, and Seafood Trails.
You’ll discover some of the finest seafood in the world here, thanks to the cold, pristine waters that yield an array of top-quality fish and shellfish, including oysters, mussels, langoustines, prawns, scallops, crab, mackerel, haddock, herring, and squat lobster. While hundreds of tonnes are exported annually, savoring this bounty at its source, fresh from local fishermen and prepared simply, allows nature’s flavors to shine.
Seafood may not be everyone’s preference, but fear not; award-winning restaurants and pubs also serve up delectable Argyll venison, beef, duck, and lamb, in addition to seafood. The region offers a variety of cheese, preserves, fresh produce, and smoked delights to round out its abundant menu.
And let’s not forget the whisky, which boasts a unique character due to the pure water, pristine environment, and smoky peat combined with generations of expertise. From fish and chips on the pier to a Michelin-starred meal with a view, Oban caters to every palate.
