This July, my family and I embarked on a beautiful roadtrip through the Scottish Highlands and Oban was the first pit stop after landing at Glasgow and spending a night there. We spent three amazing days in Oban. With our 4-year-old son in tow, we found the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families with young children. Scotland is a hidden gem for those looking to explore nature, culture, and good food, and Oban delivered all that and more.
We stayed at the quaint No. 26 By The Sea, a cozy little hotel that truly felt like home. The location couldn’t have been more perfect—the hotel was nestled right by the water, giving us breathtaking views from our balcony each morning. We could walk to downtown Oban, which made everything accessible. It’s an ideal spot if you want the comfort of staying somewhere scenic yet convenient.
Of course, we had to visit the Oban Chocolate Company—more than once! We became regulars there during our short stay, indulging in their rich chocolates and truffles that our son absolutely adored. It’s a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Every visit felt like a little reward after our daily explorations.
One evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at Mandarin Laundry, a Thai restaurant in town. The food was divine! I wasn’t expecting to find such amazing Thai cuisine in Oban, but the flavors were on point, and the ambiance made it even more enjoyable.
I must also mention, we enjoyed the best waffles in Oban at Cuan Mor, a cozy restaurant with a reputation for its incredible desserts. Each bite was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—a must-try if you're ever in town.
For
outdoor enthusiasts, Oban doesn’t disappoint. We hiked up
Signal Rock, where the views of the surrounding landscapes left us in awe. Our son was a little trooper on the hike, and it’s definitely doable with young children. The weather was on our side—it didn’t rain once, which was such a blessing considering Scotland’s reputation for unpredictable weather.
During our time in Oban, we also took the opportunity to visit the Dunollie Castle, an old crown-type ruin perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. This historic site is a perfect addition for any traveler interested in Scotland's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. The castle, once the seat of the Clan MacDougall, gave us a fascinating glimpse into the past while offering a serene spot for some stunning photos.
Exploring the ancient ruins was a great activity for our family, especially for our 4-year-old, who enjoyed the open spaces and the castle's enchanting setting. The short hike up to Dunollie Castle was manageable, even for little legs, making it another family-friendly adventure in Oban. The views from the top were truly magnificent, offering a perfect balance between history and natural beauty.
This stop added a deeper historical layer to our trip and provided yet another reason why Oban stands out as a well-rounded destination for travelers with young kids.
On one of our drives, we made it to Loch Lomond, a place that had been on our travel bucket list. The scenery was just as breathtaking as we imagined, and it offered plenty of open spaces for our son to run around and explore.
One of the most magical parts of our trip was doing the Fairie Trail. The lush greenery and whimsical vibe of the trail made us feel like we were in a storybook. Our son was mesmerized by the little fairy houses along the trail, and we enjoyed watching him run ahead, trying to spot the next hidden door. It was a wonderful way to connect with nature and let his imagination run wild.
As if all these adventures weren’t enough, we stumbled upon the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race happening right in Oban during our stay. We didn’t know about the event beforehand, and while it meant we couldn’t get ferry rides to the nearby isles as we had initially planned, the yacht competition was such a pleasant surprise. Watching the sleek yachts glide across the water with the vibrant energy of the race filled the town with excitement. Even though our original plans shifted, we didn’t feel like we missed out—Oban had more than enough to offer.
Despite not being able to take the ferry, we loved walking by the waterfront, watching the yachts, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. The town was bustling with tourists and locals alike, and our little one was captivated by the boats. Oban’s charm comes from its ability to offer so many activities, whether it’s a hike, a boat ride, or just a relaxing stroll by the sea.
In hindsight, our decision to visit Oban was spot on for a family-friendly getaway. It offered just the right mix of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and culinary treats to keep both adults and children entertained. Whether you’re traveling from Dubai like us or anywhere else, Oban makes for a fantastic stop on a Scottish Highlands road trip—especially if you're with toddlers. The town’s relaxed pace, natural beauty, and the warm weather we were lucky to have made for a trip we’ll always cherish. If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure that’s equal parts exciting and relaxing, Oban should definitely be on your travel radar!
Bonus Tip! Be prepared to pluck some ticks out of the most bizzare places in your/ your kids bodies if you end up like us, too many farm visits and hikes everyday. Our 4 year old had one on his eye lid that took us to the emergency for a quick tick pick. Good times!
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