Our favourite things to do in Glenfinnan
It’s tricky to pinpoint exactly what makes our luxury lodges such a popular choice for couples seeking a West Highland hideaway. Sure, the private, sunken hot tubs are basically a personal jacuzzi time machine to relaxation, and our bed linen is so soft it might make you question your relationship with your own bed at home! But the true magic? We’re perfectly positioned for extraordinary day trips!
Whether you’re craving a day out walking, a gastronomic tour of the local area, a history lesson or a movie locations road trip, it’s all possible just minutes from Woodlands Glencoe.
We thought we would combine all of the above, as we take you on a whistlestop tour of glorious Glenfinnan – a location offering awe-inspiring natural beauty, heaps of history, great dining options and just the right amount of Harry Potter magic!
Do the locomotive!
Let’s be honest, no one’s rushing to get out of bed when you’re wrapped in luxury bed linen with either the sound of the river rushing by or floor-to-ceiling views over Loch Linnhe! But eventually, your breakfast basket will be delivered and the smell of fresh pastries will coax you out of your luxury cocoon.
Once you’re up, it’s time to chase the Jacobite Steam Train (or the Hogwarts Express is you’re a Harry Potter fan). This incredible locomotive leaves Fort William at 10.15am each morning and slowly chugs its way to Mallaig (a second train departs at 12.50pm during peak season).
We would HIGHLY recommend getting to Glenfinnan before 10.45am and watching the Jacobite Steam Train as it makes its way over the spectacular 21-arched viaduct. It takes approximately 45-minutes to reach Glenfinnan from Woodlands Glencoe, but a word of warning, parking can be incredible tight, so do leave plenty of time to get parked.
Top tip! If you’re planning on having lunch while you’re in Glenfinnan, you can park for free at Glenfinnan House as long as you spend a minimum of £25 on your lunch.
Time for a walk (50-minutes)
The Glenfinnan Viaduct Circular is a great choice for those who want to experience all that Glenfinnan has to offer, plus the views over the surrounding mountains and Loch Shiel are worth every step. Read on to find out what you’ll discover along the route.
Glenfinnan Train Station & Museum
Once you’ve watched the steam train do its thing on the viaduct, you can continue up over the hill along a well-trodden path to Glenfinnan Train Station & Museum. This micro-museum (and functioning railway station) is well worth a visit where you will find lots of interesting artefacts, plus a great exhibition of the construction of the West Highland Line (which was no mean feat!).
Top tip! As you near the station, you’ll notice a miniature railway in the woodland directly below the train station. This mini-railway line runs for 200m, with the ‘real railway’ running in parallel above it. In the very near future, it is planned that this line will be used to demonstrate single-track railway operation and eventually have “ride-on” potential once all safety requirements have been met!
Church of St Mary & St Finnan
From the railway station, you will drop down onto the main ‘Road to the Isles’ where you can wander along the pavement until you reach the spectacular Church of St Mary & St Finnan. Although the Church isn’t open to the public, it’s well worth taking time to embrace its architectural beauty (and the killer views).
Top tip: The church bell stands in a separate building in the grounds of the church, where you can ‘ding’ it with a stick!
Glenfinnan Monument
The steam train isn’t the only Jacobite in town! The original Jacobite and “Young Pretender”, or more officially, Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Sylvester Severino Maria Stuart (bit of a mouthful!) arrived in Glenfinnan on 25th July 1745. From the Church, take the short five-minute walk down to the Glenfinnan Monument, which is situated in a breath-taking location at the head of Loch Shiel. A lone, kilted Highlander stands poignantly at the top of the 18m monument, which was erected in 1815 to commemorate the clansmen who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause.
Top tip: If you want to climb to the top of the monument, it costs £5 per person, but if you have a National Trust Membership, it’s free!
Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel!
From the monument, you might spot Arisaig Sauna across the water. Despite the name, Arisaig Sauna isn’t in Arisaig anymore (at least not for now). Through 2025, you’ll find it perched right on the banks of Loch Shiel. Just follow the signs to Slatach and you’ll stumble upon this cosy little retreat. Fire up a sweat in the toasty sauna, then take a plunge into the refreshingly chilly waters of the loch!
Top tip: the sauna is super popular, so make sure you book your spot in advance!
Glenfinnan Visitor Centre
If you’d like even more information about Glenfinnan, its history and what else you can do on your daytrip, you can loop back to the start of your adventure where you’ll find Glenfinnan Visitor Centre who employ THE most helpful local staff (shout out to Julie & Paul), who will talk you through all things Glenfinnan.
Where to eat & other adventures
Glenfinnan Horsebox Coffee Co,
