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Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan: Our most recommended tours and activities

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Tour

1. Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Tour

Try a Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William adventure, beginning in the heart of Edinburgh city center from Royal Mile. Take in the scenery of classic modern Hollywood films. Depart Edinburgh's bustling streets, pass some of its most iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle on your way out, and begin your journey north into the rugged Scottish Highlands. Stop for refreshments at the gateway to the Highlands in Callander before continuing to Glencoe. Drive through the land where James Bonds' Skyfall was filmed. See the backdrop to some scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Pause here for photos and to learn all about the history of Glencoe, including the massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. From the atmospheric Glencoe, travel further along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William, which sits at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain - Ben Nevis. Stop here to stretch your legs and have an early lunch break. Next, continue on to Glenfinnan Viaduct, the location of many Harry Potter scenes, encased by the shores of Loch Shiel. See the location of the Jacobite Steam Train, and of “Black Lake”. Take in the setting for the Triwizard Tournament, and the loch on which Hogwarts sits. Continue on to Glenfinnan Monument, which symbolizes one of the most important events in Scottish history; the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Next, departing Glenfinnan, you’ll begin your return journey to Edinburgh, stopping for refreshments at the small village of Pitlochry.

Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour

2. Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glencoe Adventure Tour

Enjoy a guided day trip from Glasgow by bus exploring the Port of Mallaig, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and reach Glenfinnan Viaduct right on time to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express) crossing the tall bridge. Depart Glasgow and travel north, stopping for a coffee and refreshments at a small highland village. Traveling onwards, reach Glencoe, known to many as the location for the Massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. Take photos of this beautiful area whilst you learn about its turbulent past. After Glencoe, travel further north to Fort William. Stop for refreshments and perhaps a bite to eat before journeying down the Road to the Isles. Learn about the history of the area as you approach Mallaig, where you will spend time enjoying lunch and its sea views. From Mallaig, travel eastwards to the main attraction, Glenfinnan. Arrive to see the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter Films) cross the bridge. Enjoy the iconic view, known as the setting for many Harry Potter scenes, including Loch Shiel. From Glenfinnan, travel southwards, stopping for refreshments before reaching Luss for Loch Lomond. Spend time here to enjoy the beautiful lochside views before returning to Glasgow.

From Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip

3. From Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip

Step into scenes used in famous films like the Harry Potter franchise on this bus day trip from Glasgow. See the bridge that the Hogwarts Express passes over, visit the Glencoe meadow, view a piece of Jacobite history at the Glenfinnan Monument, and enjoy free time in the town of Fort William. Begin your tour with pickup from the heart of Glasgow. Board a comfortable and climate-controlled bus and be whisked away from the bustling streets. Take in the stunning views as you travel through the heart of the Trossachs National Park which is known as "the Highlands in Miniature." Stop for a rest in Tyndrum, in the Trossachs area, before your Glenfinnan tour continues onwards to Glencoe. The Glen is arguably one of Scotland's most famous glens. It has been featured in the James Bond film 'Skyfall' ' Outlander,' and a Harry Potter film. Journey onwards to the Glenfinnan Viaduct which is known to many as the "Harry Potter Bridge" where the Jacobite Steam Train, the Hogwarts Express, passes during the parts of the year when it is running. The bridge is surrounded by mountains that line the shores of the stunning Loch Shiel.  See if you can spot a grindylow under the surface causing mischief at Loch Shiel which was the location of the Black Lake at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. It was used as the backdrop for scenes like Buckbeak's beautiful flight and the Triwizard Tournament.  Take pictures of the loch and bridge before heading to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, a symbol of one of the most important events in Scottish history, the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. From Glenfinnan, travel along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Enjoy plenty of free time in Fort William to stretch your legs and have a lunch break After lunch, begin our return journey to Glasgow. Pass Loch Lomond and pause for a photo and coffee break. Arrive back in the city center in the early evening.

4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

4. 4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. Your first stop is the charming village of Culross. You continue to the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland substitutes for 1940s Inverness. In the early afternoon you stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th century turf-roofed Highland crofts. These were used as a setting in the first episode of the show. You then pass Aviemore, where you may recognise the stunning hilly and wooded area of Tulloch Ghru. You arrive in Inverness later that afternoon, which will be your base for the next two nights.  Day 2 starts by visiting Culloden, which plays an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. It’s at the Culloden Battlefield where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes, before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and site, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. You then take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns. After lunch, head continue to Castle Leod, “home of the Clan MacKenzie”, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The castle resembles the way that Diana Gabaldon described Castle Leoch, though she had never heard of this building prior to writing Outlander. A short drive takes you to Beauly, the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat in the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Beauly priory is a beautiful 13th-century ruin and where the Lovat Frasers are buried in Diana Gabaldon’s book. In the afternoon, you can sample ‘The Water of Life’ with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Inverness with time to explore the town and enjoy the city for another evening. Day 3 starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 begins with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Blackness Castle on the banks of the Firth of Forth. This was used as the set for Fort William in the show and appears in many other movies because of its beautiful setting and thickly fortified walls. After your medieval adventure, you'll return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

5. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

This 2-day guided tour takes you from Edinburgh to the gateway of the Highlands at Fort William, and on a world-famous steam train ride that passes Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and other natural wonders of Scotland. Stay overnight in Fort Augustus at a B&B. Itinerary Day 1 Travel past the Forth Railway Bridge, then take a woodland walk in the Highlands at Dunkeld. Continue through the breathtaking Drumochter Pass, skirt the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park, and visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against government forces. The first day ends in Fort Augustus, a quaint highland town. Overnight at a B&B in Fort Augustus.   Day 2 Take a steam train journey back in time. The Jacobite steam train route has been rated as one of the world's great train journeys. Travel past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river, and westernmost train station. Cross the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and pass the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Have lunch in the west coast town of Mallaig, where you can taste the best of Scottish seafood. Head back to Edinburgh via Glen Coe. Visit Glen Coe, where the MacDonalds were betrayed, and then experience the beauty of Rannoch Moor and Stirlingshire en route.

Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

6. Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day journey through the Scottish countryside, enjoying the grandeur of the Scottish glens, mountains and coastlines at a relaxed pace. Spend some time exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye and stop to take in the dramatic views of untouched nature as you pass the dramatic Glencoe and Glenfinnan. Day 1: Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Glencoe - Fort William Depart Edinburgh at 9:15 AM and travel northwest to visit the Kelpies, the largest pair of horse sculptures in the world and one of Scotland's most fascinating modern marvels. For lunch, stop in either of the small towns of Killin or Callander, passing through beautiful lochs and castles. After enjoying beautiful views of rivers, lochs, and forests, cross the wild and remote Rannoch Moor, a beautiful location for photographers and nature lovers. You then travel to Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous landscapes, before heading towards Fort William, where the tour stays for the first night. Day 2: Fort William - Mallaig – Skye After breakfast, get picked up from your accommodation and travel by Glenfinnan Viaduct. It's one of the most spectacular railway bends in Britain and featured in the Harry Potter movies. There is also an iconic monument that commemorates the Jacobites who fought for Scottish independence. After arriving in Mallaig, take the ferry with your group to the southern area of the Isle of Skye. Spend your afternoon exploring the incredible landscapes of the Sleat Peninsula, with potential stops at the waterfalls of Glenbrittle or Cuillin Mountains in Elgol. The tour then heads towards the Lochalsh/Skye area, the base for the next two nights. Day 3: Travel through Skye's most iconic scenery Today the tour offers great opportunities to enjoy some of the most famous wonders of Skye, such as Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, etc. This day's itinerary is quite flexible, depending on the weather and the group's interests. Your experienced guide will choose a unique itinerary and will ensure you get a chance to get off the beaten track and discover what the Isle of Skye has to offer. Day 4: Skye - Dunkeld - Edinburgh This morning you say farewell to Skye and travel south through Glen Shiel towards the Central Highlands. Stop at the historic village of Dunkeld, and have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the old cathedral. The tour then heads through the Lowlands, over the Firth of Forth, and gets back to Edinburgh at approximately 6:30 PM.

Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour

7. Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour

See some superb Highland sights on this 1-day excursion from Inverness. Stop outside Urquhart Castle, view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and keep an eye out for the Loch Mess monster on this tour aboard a comfortable coach.  Begin your day out from Inverness, by hopping onboard the climate-controlled coach and heading for Urquhart Castle. Stop for refreshments and photos at the Castle which is located on the banks of Loch Ness. Pass through the charming waterside town of Mallaig.  Travel to Commando Memorial for a photo stop before heading for the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is known for being part of the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films. Enjoy an hour here to soak up the atmosphere and to snap a photo of the train when it crosses the bridge. Venture westwards on a picturesque road to the Isles and arrive in the harbor village of Mallaig in time for lunch. Stretch your legs while exploring its harbor. From Mallaig, travel to Fort Augustus for a refreshment break, and then on to the impressive Falls of Foyers. End your tour with a stop at Dores Beach which is located at the north of Loch Ness. Pause here to take some time to explore its sandy beach and go Nessie hunting, before returning to Inverness.

From Oban: Glenfinnan and Glencoe one day tour

8. From Oban: Glenfinnan and Glencoe one day tour

Board a luxury, comfortable and climate controlled vehicle to explore history and breathtaking views. enjoy stunning views as we drive to our first stop, Castle Stalker a scenic castle surrounded by water. Onwards journey will take us along banks of Loch Line to Fort William at the foot of the highest peak in UK, Ben Nevis. We most carry on to Glenfinnan where you will get a chance to see Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite Steam train known as the Harry Potter train. Across the road you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, a symbol of Jacobite uprising in 1745, one of the most important events in Scottish history. And then there is Glencoe! Surrounded by towering mountains, I get a goosebumps every time driving thought it. Formed by volcano and sculpted by glaciers, this is Mother Natures one of the best creations. We will make a stop at the Three Sisters Glencoe. Drive through the land where James Bond's movie Skyfall was filmed. As we are making our way back we will stop at St Conan's Kirk. The Kirk is unique in having an example of almost every style of church architecture.

From Ediburgh: 3 Day Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness

9. From Ediburgh: 3 Day Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness

Day 1 : Starting in Edinburgh you will head to the Kelpies. Enjoy the impressive giant horse sculptures and take some photos. From there, make your way to Stirling Castle. After that continue to Doune Castle, known for its appearance in movies and TV shows such as Monty Python and Outlander. Make your way through the beautiful Scottish countryside towards Glencoe. From here you will go to Fort William, town nestled below Ben Nevis, we you will spend the night. Day 2: Start with the drive to Glenfinnan, where you can see the Jacobite train crossing over the viaduct. Take the ferry from Mallaig to reach enchanting Isle of Skye. You will visit Fairy Pools, a natural waterfall phenomenon in Glen Brittle. Overnight on Skye in accommodation of your choice. Day 3: Starting early to make the most of your day. Skye stunning landscapes, so you will explore its top attractions such as the Old Man of Storr, Lealt falls. We leave Skye behind and head towards Inverness. You will make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle. This picturesque castle sits on a small island and is one of most iconic castles in Scotland. Continue your journey to Loch Ness and then to Urquhart Castle. Heading south you'll pass through Cairngorms national Park with its breathtaking landscapes, mountains and wild life before passing Dalwhinnie and Blair Castle. Heading past Perth over the Firth of Forth and back to Edinburgh *this tour can be customise to leave Glasgow instead of Edinburgh.

Other Sightseeing Options in Glenfinnan

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What people are saying about Glenfinnan

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,065 reviews

Very nice excursion which makes us discover the Highlands and the nature of Scotland. Super guide always very attentive and attentive to the group. Good driving from the driver. The town of Fort William where the lunch break is not very interesting but there is a nice café and the time passes quite quickly. We spend a lot of time on the bus but we don't see the time spent, there are pee/view breaks all along, the guide makes relevant comments and punctuates the day with a rather nice playlist. We would like to thank them for this great tour. Glencoe and the Glenfinann Viaduct are a must see!

What can I say apart from it was fantastic, Fraser our guide was informative and knowledgeable he was brilliant, John our drive was very good. The sights we saw and experience were amazing. It’s a long day but worth it. You have lots of stop off’s for photo opportunities and toilet breaks. Definitely worth the money will definitely do one of these again.

This is my first solo trip and I enjoyed it a lot. Very very lively guide (sorry I forgot your name)and bus driver Adam. I’m planning to book again soon with my friends. Thank you both for making my day.!

Our guide, Martin, was amazing. He made us feel safe at all times during the tour. Considering it was sunny, rained and even snowed. Had a great time, would highly recommended it. Thank you from Costa Rica

We really enjoyed the tour with Peter. The sights we visited were breathtakingly beautiful!