After our magical stay on the Isle of Skye, we took the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig to return to mainland Scotland. Mallaig itself is a charming seaside town, and if we’d had more time, I would have loved to explore it. But we were on a mission: to see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films.
I had researched the train timetable ahead of time and found that on our day it crossed at 10:40 am, 1:15 pm, 2:50 pm, and 5:40 pm. (Tip: always double-check current schedules for your dates.)
We arrived about 45 minutes early, which I highly recommend as parking fills up quickly. Interestingly, there was a sign saying the lot was full, but when we asked the attendant, they waved us through and we found plenty of spots. It may have been a fluke, but it’s worth asking!
From the car park, it’s a short and easy walk to the viewing point in the valley. You can also hike further if you want a closer look. My son loves trains, and he was absolutely thrilled when the Jacobite crossed the viaduct and blew its whistle—he’s still talking about it!
After Glenfinnan, we continued south into Glencoe, one of the most stunning regions in the 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. While it’s not a luxury property, it was a great option for us. The hotel has an indoor pool and sauna, a restaurant with a solid dinner menu, and free breakfast. The highlight was the view—the hotel sits right on the water, and my kids loved skipping rocks and watching the boats. Another bonus was space. The family rooms comfortably fit all of us, which saved us a significant amount of money compared to booking multiple rooms.
Behind the hotel, the Loch Leven trail offers an easy, family-friendly walk. Next door, there is an outdoor center where you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and other gear to get out on the loch.
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 packed with family-friendly activities. Here are some of our highlights:
- Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan – A must for train lovers or Harry Potter fans.
- Clachaig Gully – Filming location of Hagrid’s Hut. It’s right next to the Clachaig Inn.
- Glencoe Valley Drive & Glen Etive – Iconic landscapes, including a filming spot from Skyfall. The road is narrow and will take you longer than you think.
- Glencoe Visitor Centre – Interactive exhibits, a café, and short walks.
- Meeting of Three Waters – A dramatic waterfall right off the main road.
- 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 fascinating collection in Fort William.
- Sea Life Lochaber Aquarium – Fun for kids on a rainy day.
- Lochaber Geopark Visitor Centre – Learn about the geology of the Highlands and see some fossils. A must for dinosaur lovers.
- 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 paradise, and there are plenty of trails that work well for families:
- 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.
There are plenty of other hiking options if you aren’t hiking with young children, but these should work well for most families!
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.
Things to Do With Kids Between Glencoe and Edinburgh or the Scottish Borders
When we left Glencoe, we headed south to the Scottish Borders to stay at Schloss Roxburghe. Along the way, we made some incredible stops—many of which are perfect for a Glencoe-to-Edinburgh road trip:
- 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 on Glencoe with Kids
Glencoe was another magical stop on our Scotland adventure. The scenery is some of the most dramatic in the Highlands, and the family-friendly hikes and activities made it a wonderful destination with kids.
That said, I’d love to return when my children are older to try more adventurous hikes and maybe even explore the lochs by sailboat.
If you’re planning a trip to Glencoe and need help with accommodations, activities, or building the perfect Scotland itinerary, I’d love to help—click here to request your custom trip.
