Holiday in Oban, ideas needed please

zubezube

Hi there, going to Oban on Saturday for my hols, i'm really excited, are there any moneysaving tips for things to do round and about the area?So far i've cashed in some clubcard vouchers for day out tokens for the sealife centre, but stuck for other idea.Thank you

competitionscafe

Not moneysaving as it's about 40 quid per person for a daytrip but Turus Mara boat trip to see the puffins on Lunga and Fingals Cave on Staffa is an amazing day out, especially if you get good weather....take suncream, hat, packed lunch, drinks and a camera! http://www.turusmara.com/

Oh and the prawn sandwiches from the little seafood hut near the Cal Mac ferry ticket office on the Oban pier are gorgeous! Can't remeber the name but it's on the left hand side as you walk along (with the water on your right) just before you get to the ferry tickets place....

mvteng

Also not moneysaving, but take the ferry across to Mull.

If you've got kids its great to see Balamory for real.

zubezube

Thanks you both for your excellant replies, will look into them when we're there, only 3 sleeps to go i can't wait Looking forward to the fresh seafood, yumm :)Sorry i don't have a thanks button ?!?!?!?!??! don't know why.

competitionscafe

A trip to Mull is a must - one of the most beautiful of the west coast islands - Tobermory is a picturesque place (for good food try 'Cafe fish' on the pier above the tourist info office/Cal Mac office - excellent food - mainly fresh seafood and fish from their own boat) if it's sunny you can sit outside on the terrace with a view of the yachts in the harbour and enjoy a glass of wine. Open for lunch and dinner, but best to book in advance as it's very popular specially at weekends. Avoid 'Posh nosh' cafe/restaurant in Tobermory as the food was very average and the wine undrinkable! If you have a car then Calgary Bay (on Mull) is worth visiting, very picturesque on a sunny day with a gorgeous beach. Iona makes a nice day trip or even better stay overnight when the hordes of daytrippers go home. I was on Mull about a month ago and a dive group who was there at the same time did a trip report with pictures on their website:
http://www.westlothiansac.co.uk/history/2007/0706-silver-swift/silver-swift-june-07.html

I also put a few photos of Tobermory, Iona, Fingals Cave and the puffins on Lunga onto flickr photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marksouthgate/

There are also Sea Eagles on Mull and a hide to visit where you can watch them. We didn't have time to do this though. From Tobermory there are also boat trips to see whales, porposes, dolphins, basking sharks etc - including one aimed especially at kids. Take hats and suncream though!! http://www.sealifesurveys.com/shortcruises.htm

P.S. Weather looks warm and sunny for Sunday according to met office:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/st/oban_forecast_weather.html

Cat72

How long does it take to get to mull ? im going to oban for the day and wasnt sure if i would have time to go to mull or seen the puffins ? Can you advice if it is possable and which one would be better for a day trip ?

Edinburghlass_2

zubezube wrote: »

Thanks you both for your excellant replies, will look into them when we're there, only 3 sleeps to go i can't wait Looking forward to the fresh seafood, yumm :)Sorry i don't have a thanks button ?!?!?!?!??! don't know why.

Try the Rare Breeds Park just outside of Oban, stunning views, wonderful home baking in the cafe and lots of animals to feed.

Say hello to David and Granny Smith for me and tell him I hope he is better at sexing guinea pigs nowadays

http://www.obanrarebreeds.com/

Edinburghlass_2

zubezube wrote: »

Hi there, going to Oban on Saturday for my hols, i'm really excited, are there any moneysaving tips for things to do round and about the area?So far i've cashed in some clubcard vouchers for day out tokens for the sealife centre, but stuck for other idea.Thank you

Actually if you can use your Tesco vouchers for something else you'll find you get money off at Seaworld on the back of parking tickets or your Tesco receipt.

zubezube

Thank you again everyone for your helpful suggestions, only 2 sleeps now till i go i can't wait.

competitionscafe

Cat72 wrote: »

How long does it take to get to mull ? im going to oban for the day and wasnt sure if i would have time to go to mull or seen the puffins ? Can you advice if it is possable and which one would be better for a day trip ?

Puffins takes all day from the mainland - times are here: http://www.turusmara.com/timetable.html
The ferry from Oban to Mull only takes 45 minutes though, buses meet the ferry - Iona is about 1 hour by bus (and 10 minute ferry ride) to the West (goes through nice scenery though) and Tobermory is about 45 minutes bus ride to the north.

teapot2

Would second the Mull trip and we also went to Iona which I thought was beautiful and interesting. Was ages ago now but we had a v good holiday and the fish suppers were yum.

Enjoy your visit