Diocese of Argyll & The Isles

The Cathedral of St Columba sits in Oban's town centre - a Victorian Gothic affair that serves as the seat of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. It's not the sort of place you'd stumble upon by accident, but if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Oban Holiday Park or Tanunda Pods, it's worth a quiet half-hour on a rainy afternoon.

The cathedral itself is modest by grand standards, but that's rather the point. Built in the 1880s, it has that particular Scottish solidity - all pointed arches and stone work, without being showy. Inside, the light filters through period windows and there's genuine peace, which is rarer than you'd think in a busy tourist town. You can light a candle, sit in the pews, or just absorb the atmosphere. No rushing.

Truthfully, this isn't a destination in itself. History buffs and anyone interested in Scottish ecclesiastical architecture will find something worth their time, but casual visitors often spend ten minutes and move on. That's fine - it's free and accessible, and it sits handily between Oban's seafront attractions and the town's restaurants.

If you're based at Loch View Luxury Pod or North Ledaig Caravan Park and want a proper walk, the cathedral pairs well with a stroll around Oban's harbour or a climb up McCaig's Tower. On a clear day, you get views across to the islands - that's the real reason to visit Oban, if we're honest.