Picturesque village dubbed the nation’s ‘seafood capital’ with stunning and peaceful coastal views
- UK Hidden Gems
- Nov 6, 2025
- 2 min read
If you love seafood, this small Scottish town is the place to be. Known as the unofficial capital of the West Highlands, it’s famous across the UK for its delicious, freshly caught fish and other local seaside delicacies.
Tucked away on Scotland’s west coast, this hidden gem is a beautiful town that locals and visitors alike call a must-see.
It’s not just the food that draws people in, but also the breathtaking coastal views and the town’s fascinating history.
With scenic boat trips, castle ruins to explore, and cosy restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes, it’s easy to see why Oban attracts visitors throughout the year.
Oban is often celebrated as the heart of Scotland’s seafood scene.
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the North Atlantic, the area provides some of the freshest seafood you can find anywhere in the country.
One of the top experiences for anyone visiting is to sample the local catch and enjoy a real taste of Scottish cooking.
TripAdvisor lists dozens of highly rated restaurants in the town, with glowing reviews from diners who can’t get enough of the local cuisine.
The best places to try the famous fish, mussels, crab and more include The Lorne Bar, Coast Restaurant, Ee-usk, Oban Fish and Chip Shop, and The Waterfront Fishhouse Restaurant.
One happy visitor wrote about The Lorne Bar: “The most delicious scallops I’ve ever had; huge, juicy and cooked perfectly, absolutely sublime.”
Oban and the surrounding area of Lorn & the Isles are rich in history, with dramatic coastlines dotted with castles, ruins and grand old houses.
The town’s romantic scenery makes it a perfect setting for peaceful walks or a day spent discovering Scotland’s proud heritage.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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