St Columba's Cathedral

The cathedral sits on the edge of Oban, a solid Victorian Gothic structure that catches you off guard with its sheer presence. Built in the 1880s, St Columba's isn't the sort of place you'd stumble across by accident - you have to mean to go there. The interior is all soaring arches and stained glass, properly atmospheric on a grey Scottish afternoon, which is most afternoons round here.

It's worth an hour if you're interested in Scottish religious architecture or just need a quiet spot away from Oban's waterfront bustle. The stonework is genuinely impressive, and there's a real sense of the craftsmanship that went into it. That said, it won't keep kids entertained for long unless they're the contemplative type.

Inside you get a genuine feel for Victorian devotion - nothing overly showy, just well-executed. The light through the windows is lovely on a clear day, though you're more likely to get that moody grey-and-gold effect that somehow works better anyway.

If you're staying at Oban Holiday Park or one of the pods within a couple of miles - Tanunda or Maggie's Cabin are practically on the doorstep - you could easily pop in while exploring the town. It's free to visit, which helps. Best approached as part of a wider afternoon in Oban rather than a destination in itself. You could knock it off before heading up the coast towards Loch Awe or out to the islands.