If you’re looking to escape the eye-watering prices of southerly beach towns, there may be a hidden gem in Scotland that is just for you. Oban, a small town in Argyll and Bute, has been voted the UK’s most affordable beach town – and as a bonus, it’s beautiful.
Topping the list of the Co-operative Bank’s most affordable seaside towns is this West Coast Scottish find. Whether you want to travel there for a peaceful summer weekend or you’re looking for something more permanent, coastal life here is a breeze. The Cooperative looked at average house prices, monthly rents, the house price to income ratio, and the proportion of salary that goes on rent to calculate an overall affordability score. With all this in mind, Oban, finished on top with a score of 9.82 out of 10.
Referred to as the seafood capital of Scotland, fish lovers will find a haven of delicious food here. Average house prices come in at some of the lowest in the country at £220,458, with the average rent at £800 per month, which works out to just 34.7% of the average monthly income.
Nestled on the coast of the rolling Highlands, Oban is considered a gateway to the Hebrides. With a population of just over 8,000 people, this is a small, tight-knit community, but there is plenty to see and do.
One striking landmark is McCaig’s Tower, situated between the surrounding bright green trees. The towering structure is 200 metres tall with two-tiers of 94 lancet arches offering breathtaking views of the bay and islands peppered around the coast. Next you can head north of Oban to explore the 8,000-year-old ruins of Dunollie Castle.
It is also home to one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland – Oban Distillery. Here you can take a guided tour and sample some of its signature whiskies. The crown jewels of the town – is home to a crowd of bobbing fishing boats with plenty of local restaurants serving freshly caught seafood.
Although Oban is remote it is well connected. Scotrail runs regular daily trains to and from Glasgow, with tickets starting from around £20. The journey is three hours long but its scenic as it takes you through the Highlands. Oban also serves as the main ferry port for those wanting to reach the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and is often used as a base for island-hopping.
The town has been described as “beautiful” and “spectacular” by visitors. One TripAdvisor reviewer said of McCaig’s tower: “If you are in Oban, walk up the hill to see this fascinating tribute to memorialise a family. The gardens are lovely, and the view is spectacular. Plus, you are in Oban—one of our favorite locations to visit. Shops and great dining are nearby. Do not miss this spot if you are in this beautiful town!”
Another added: “Decided to make a visit to see the round tower and was not disappointed. Over 100 steps to climb but we took our time and the steps were wide so it was fine for passing. Also there were benches for a breather on the way up, the view at the top was breathtaking.”According to Rightmove, the majority of properties sold in Oban during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £151,783. Detached properties sold for an average of £351,993, with semi-detached properties fetching £227,786.