After our magical stay on the Isle of Skye, we took the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig to get back to mainland Scotland. Mallaig itself is a charming little seaside town — if we’d had more time, I would have loved to poke around it longer. But we were on a mission: catching the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the one Harry Potter fans will recognize instantly.
I’d looked up the train timetable ahead of time and found it was crossing at 10:40am, 1:15pm, 2:50pm, and 5:40pm on our day. (Quick tip: always double-check the current schedule for your specific dates, since it changes.)
We got there about 45 minutes early, which I’d recommend — the parking lot fills up fast. Funny enough, there was a sign saying the lot was full, but when we asked the attendant anyway, they waved us right through and we found plenty of spots. Might’ve been a fluke, but it’s worth asking instead of turning around.
From the car park, it’s a short, easy walk down to the viewing point in the valley. You can hike further if you want a closer vantage point. My son is obsessed with trains, and watching the Jacobite cross the viaduct and blow its whistle was one of those moments — he’s still talking about it.
After Glenfinnan, we headed south into Glencoe, one of the most stunning regions in the entire Scottish Highlands.
Where to Stay in Glencoe with Kids
We stayed at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel, which I booked at a great rate through my agency. It’s not a luxury property, but it worked really well for us. The hotel has an indoor pool and sauna, a solid dinner menu, and free breakfast included. The real highlight, though, was the view — the hotel sits right on the water, and my kids spent hours skipping rocks and watching boats go by. The family rooms also comfortably fit all of us, which saved a meaningful amount of money compared to booking multiple separate rooms.
Right behind the hotel, the Loch Leven trail is an easy, family-friendly walk. Next door there’s an outdoor center where you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and other gear to get out on the loch yourself.
Other places to stay near Glencoe:
- Glencoe House – A Victorian mansion turned boutique hotel with elegant suites.
- Inverlochy Castle – A true luxury stay near Fort William.
- Isle of Eriska Hotel – A private island retreat for those wanting something special.
- Glamping Pods – Fun for adventurous families looking for a unique experience.
Tip: Family rooms can be tricky to find in Scotland. If you’d like help booking accommodations in Glencoe (or anywhere in Scotland), I’d love to assist—request your custom trip here.
Things to Do in Glencoe and Fort William with Kids
This region is breathtaking and there’s a lot packed into a fairly small area. Here’s what stood out to us:
- Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan – A must if you have a train lover or Harry Potter fan in your group.
- Clachaig Gully – Filming location of Hagrid’s Hut. It’s right next to the Clachaig Inn.
- Glencoe Valley Drive & Glen Etive – Iconic Highland landscapes, including a Skyfall filming spot. The road is narrow and takes longer than you’d think, so build in extra time
- Glencoe Visitor Centre – Interactive exhibits, a café, and short walks.
- Meeting of Three Waters – A dramatic waterfall right off the main road, easy stop.
- Signal Rock and Glencoe Waterfall Rock – Scenic and tied to Highland legend.
- Castle Stalker – A picturesque castle on an island, viewable from the road or by boat tour.
- Nevis Range Mountain Gondola – Ride to the top for panoramic views.
- West Highland Museum – Small but genuinely interesting collection in Fort William.
- Sea Life Lochaber Aquarium – A good rainy day option for kids.
- Lochaber Geopark Visitor Centre – Highland geology and fossils, a must if you have a dinosaur-obsessed kid like mine.
- Steall Falls and Glen Nevis – A spectacular waterfall with a relatively easy trail.
- Boat trip on Loch Linnhe – A relaxing way to see wildlife and scenery.
- Corpach Shipwreck – A striking photo spot on the shore with mountain backdrops.
Family-Friendly Hikes Near Glencoe
The Highlands are a hiker’s dream, and there are plenty of trails manageable with kids:
- Crofters Wood – Gentle, short walk through native woodland.
- Neptune’s Staircase – A series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Fascinating for kids to watch.
- Lost Valley – More adventurous but manageable for older kids; leads to a hidden valley.
- Cow Hill – Scenic loop near Fort William.
- Dun Deardail – A forest walk leading to an Iron Age fort.
- Glenloy Forest and Strone Viewpoint – Beautiful views with minimal effort.
If you’re traveling without young kids, there are plenty of more ambitious hiking options in the area too — but these are the ones that worked well for us.
Where to Eat in Glencoe with Kids
We found some great family-friendly dining spots:
- Waters Edge Restaurant – Inside the Isles of Glencoe Hotel, with beautiful views.
- The Laroch Restaurant and Bar – Local favorite with a cozy atmosphere.
- Clachaig Inn – Classic Highland inn with hearty meals and a playground for kids. The trail to Hagrid’s Hut filming site is nearby.
- Glencoe Inn Restaurant – Excellent food with a family-friendly setup.
- Kinghouse Hotel Restaurant and Bar – East of Glencoe, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Tip: Just like Skye, Glencoe restaurants can book up in summer. Always make reservations if you can.
Between Glencoe and Edinburgh: Stops Worth Making
When we left Glencoe, we headed south to the Scottish Borders to stay at Schloss Roxburghe. Along the way we made several stops that ended up being some of the best parts of the drive — perfect if you’re doing a similar Glencoe-to-Edinburgh route:
- Bracklinn Falls – A beautiful two-mile waterfall hike.
- Deanston Distillery – Craft distillery on the riverfront.
- Doune Castle – Known as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Tours cover both history and filming stories. Very interesting, fun stop!
- Stirling Castle – One of Scotland’s most important castles.
- The Kelpies in Falkirk – Iconic 100-foot horse-head sculptures. I think this is a bit over-rated, but you can see them from the road!
- The Falkirk Wheel – A rotating boat lift connecting canals—kids love watching it.
- Midhope Castle – The filming location of Lallybroch in Outlander. We had a great time here and the kids loved running around outside the Castle.
FAQs about Visiting Glencoe with Kids
How many days should I spend in Glencoe?
Two to three nights is ideal. That gives you time for scenic drives, short hikes, and day trips to Fort William and Glenfinnan.
Is Glencoe worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely. The scenery alone is magical, and there are plenty of short, manageable walks and kid-friendly attractions.
Is driving in Glencoe difficult?
The roads are narrow and winding but manageable if you take your time. Pullouts are common, and traffic is generally polite.
Are there grocery stores in Glencoe?
Yes, the nearby village of Ballachulish has a Co-op supermarket where you can stock up on snacks and essentials.
Do I need restaurant reservations in Glencoe?
Yes, especially in summer. Some restaurants fill weeks in advance. Book early when possible.
What is the best time to visit Glencoe with kids?
Summer has the best weather and long daylight hours but is very busy. Spring and early autumn offer fewer crowds with still-decent weather.
Final Thoughts
Glencoe was another magical stop on our Scotland trip. The scenery is some of the most dramatic in the entire Highlands, and the mix of easy hikes and kid-friendly attractions made it a genuinely great place to visit with little ones.
That said, I’d love to come back when the kids are a bit older and try some of the more ambitious hikes — maybe even get out on the lochs by sailboat.
Before You Go
I put together a free Hotel Upgrade Guide with the exact strategies I use to get room upgrades, resort credits, and better rates. Grab it below.
Want Help Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Glencoe or anywhere else in Scotland and want help with accommodations, activities, or building out the perfect itinerary, I do this for families all the time and it costs you nothing.
Shoot me an email at [email protected] and tell me where you’re headed.
