Fort William Holiday Lodge
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.
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).
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.
Ice Factor
The Ice Factor is currently closed but we hope it will re-open soon! This is Britain’s biggest ice climbing wall. There’s no better place to learn if you fancy giving ice climbing a go! It also has indoor top rope, lead and bouldering walls. If you are more keen on a nice sit down while watching others climb, there is a lovely upstairs cafe. A great trip for the whole family. Minimum age for instructed ice climbing is 12 years old, for bouldering and top rope climbing minimum age is 3 years old.
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!
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Old Inverlochy Castle
These are impressive ruins of one of the most important castles in Scottish history. The Castle dates back to the 13th century, there are very few Scottish Castles from the 1200s that have survived this well.
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.
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.
3 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.
Bowling
The Nevis Centre at Fort William has something for the whole family including bowling, softplay, roller skating, table tennis and badminton.
Treasures of the Earth
The Treasures of the Earth is an impressive museum displaying a private collection of crystals, gemstones and fossils!
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.
Glencoe & the James Bond Skyfall Road
Spectacular Glencoe Coe driving while channelling your inner James Bond. What more could you want! The scene on this road is towards the end of the film Skyfall.
