Fort William Holiday Lodge
pick your highlands adventure
Attractions Near Fort WilliamBeyond the stunning scenery and Munro’s there is an incredible amount to see and do around us at Highwinds, it’d take years to see it all! Here’s 20 of our favourite attractions near Fort William.
harry potter magic
Jacobite Steam Train
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! This historic steam train starts in Fort William and passes over the world famous viaduct in Glenfinnan, before reaching its destination in Mallaig. It returns on the same route, providing an unforgettable journey through some spectacular scenery, making it one of the top rated attractions near Fort William. A great idea on a rainy day. The Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally.
sealife
Western Isle Cruises
The wildlife cruise is designed to fit in with the Jacobite Steam Train and Scot Rail. This trip leaves Mallaig at 12:45, 14:30 and 15:30 daily (17:00 on Saturdays), April to October, and returns in plenty of time to catch the train back to Fort William. On the cruise you may spot seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales (including orcas), basking sharks and a variety of birds (including eagles).
gondola rides
Nevis Range
Skiing in winter, world class mountain biking in summer and Gondola trips up the mountain (assuming the wind is cooperating) all year round with amazing views and walking routes. In the summer the Nevis range hosts an international mountain biking competition. Also has two cafes one at the bottom of the Gondola and one at the top! The Gondolas can take a wheelchair 60cm wide, there are staff at the top and bottom that can slow the Gondolas. People come from around the world to visit making this one of the top attractions near Fort William.
sealife & bEN NEVIS VIEWS
Cruise Loch Linnhe
Go for a tour on the Loch Linnhe cruise where you can see Seals, Eagles and get an incredible view of Ben Nevis.
They have Seal Island & Ben Nevis tours, Evening tours that run in the summer and also ‘Rib Adventures’!
hollywood highlands
Highland Cinema
The Highland Cinema is an absolute gem in the heart of Fort William. Hollywood films on the day they’re released in a modern cinema in the middle of the Highlands, you can even watch a film in a Lotus. The cafe at the cinema is also worth a visit!
start of the great glen
Neptune’s Staircase
This famous Fort William attraction is a dramatic flight of eight locks which raise the canal by 19 metres over a distance of a quarter of a mile! Built between 1803 and 1822 by Thomas Telford it’s a very impressive feat of engineering.
iconic
Eilean Donan Castle
This is one of the most iconic sights in Scotland. The castle was built in the 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. It has been used as a location in many films including the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. If you’re looking for a place to eat close by I can recommend the charming Pizza Jo which looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland. (Pizza Jo’s is open seasonally.)
to hogwarts
Glenfinnan Viaduct
This is the famous viaduct from the Harry Potter films and is what you cross on the Jacobite steam train, it’s well worth getting a proper view of it. One of the most photographed attractions near Fort Willam.
In the summer months the carpark at Glenfinnan gets unbelievably. Make sure you set off early to avoid disapointment, better yet you can take the train from Fort William to Glenfinnan!
In the summer months the carpark at Glenfinnan gets unbelievably. Make sure you set off early to avoid disapointment, better yet you can take the train from Fort William to Glenfinnan!
jacobites
Glenfinnan Monument
If you came for the Viaduct you should also take the short walk from the car park to the Glenfinnan Monument. This is a tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause in 1745. The impressive structure is set on the banks of Loch Shiel.
If you look out over Loch Shiel from here you can see the Location of Hogwarts in Goblet of Fire
If you look out over Loch Shiel from here you can see the Location of Hogwarts in Goblet of Fire
in the shadow of ben nevis
Golf
If golf is your game it’d be a shame not to tackle the course at the base of Ben Nevis. Unsurprisingly, it has spectacular views and is just down the road from Highwinds.
historic highlands
West Highland Museum
This interesting museum is close by in Fort William. It is the oldest museum in the Highlands and was founded in 1922. The museum exhibits the history and archaeology of the Western Highlands.
in the shadow of ben nevis
Ben Nevis Distillery
The next Fort William attraction is the Ben Nevis Distillery is just down the road from Highwinds which is handy if you’re keen to sample what they have to offer as you may just be able to walk it (weather permitting!). Founded by John ‘Long John’ Macdonald in 1825, it is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland.
swimming, gym & squash
Lochaber Leisure Centre
If you fancy a dip (that doesn’t involve a loch or the sea) the Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William has a 25 metre pool. The centre also has a gym (including brand new strength and conditioning area), squash courts, hydrotherapy pool and fitness classes.
workshops
Highland Soap Company
The Highland Soap Company is well worth a visit in Fort William. The food there is great and its a good place to buy locally produced goods! Be sure to walk back from the carpark to check out the Old Inverlochy Castle ruins.
They also put on soap making workshops so you can learn a new skill before you return home.
They also put on soap making workshops so you can learn a new skill before you return home.
trout
Fishing
Around Fort William there are some stunning spots for anglers. The River Lochy, walking distance from Highwinds, offers spectacular salmon fishing and incredible views of Ben Nevis. Fishing permits are available in store from James Bayne in Callander. Trout and Char fishing permits are available from the 15th of March to the 6th of October. A short drive away is The River Orchy which offers migratory fish and brown trout. Fort William also offers some sea fishing charters.
wwii special forces
Commando Memorial
It’s well worth the short trip to see this impressive memorial with incredible views of Ben Nevis. The Commandos, on which all modern-day special forces are modelled, trained in this area during World War Two. Based at Achnacarry, the commandos regularly march to, and climb Ben Nevis as part of their training. To read more on the commandos in The Highlands feel free to check out the book we have all about them called ‘Commando Country’ in the living room.
indoor climbing
Three Wise Monkeys Climbing
We have indoor climbing on our doorstep, which is perfect if the weather is a little rough! The 3 Monkeys climbing centre is impressively set in a converted church. Has 70 bouldering problems and 25 top rope/lead walls. If you just want to relax they have a lovely little cafe where you can sit back and watch the climbers.
nevis centre
Bowling
The Nevis Centre at Fort William has something for the whole family including bowling, softplay, roller skating, table tennis and badminton.
geology
Treasures of the Earth
We have indoor climbing on our doorstep, which is perfect if the weather is a little rough! The 3 Monkeys climbing centre is impressively set in a converted church. Has 70 bouldering problems and 25 top rope/lead walls. If you just want to relax they have a lovely little cafe where you can sit back and watch the climbers.
historic highlands
Clan Cameron Museum
The Camerons have lived in Lochaber since the 14th century and the Museum traces the history of the Clan from its early beginnings to the present day, through 27 generations. The museum also has a collection of artefacts from when the Commandos trained in the area during WW2.
