- We are open until 6:30pm today!
- 01257 248000
Sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is one of Scotland’s most beloved destinations. Known as the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’, it draws visitors from all over the world, not just for the dramatic mountains and stunning Highland scenery, but for the sheer variety of things to do and sights to see. Glencoe, Loch Ness, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Jacobite steam train, the Ben Nevis Distillery – the list is truly endless, and a coach holiday to Fort William puts it all on your doorstep.
In this guide, we’ll explore the absolute best sights and attractions, provide practical tips on where to stay, and explain why coach trips to Scotland are one of the most rewarding ways to experience everything this remarkable place has to offer.
Fort William itself is a relaxed and welcoming town, the kind of place where you can spend a pleasant morning strolling down the high street or popping into the local museum before heading out into the hills. The people are welcoming, the food is great, and the views are breathtaking.
But what Fort William does better than almost anywhere else in the country is give you easy access to an extraordinary amount of attractions and excursions from a single base. There’s no need to rush between hotels or spend half your holiday in the Scottish Highlands stuck on the motorway. Simply settle in, get your bearings, and head out each day in a different direction to explore a new area.
While the bigger excursions tend to steal the spotlight, the local area offers a wonderful range of things to do, and you could easily fill several days without ever straying far from the town.
The West Highland Museum in Cameron Square is a great place to start, with eight rooms covering everything from Jacobite history and ancient artefacts to exhibits on the area’s industrial and military past, plus entry is free. To immerse yourself further in the local culture, you can also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, which has been producing single malt whisky at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain since 1825. With an intriguing tour and delicious tasting experience, you get a real sense of the skill and craft behind the famous Scottish spirit.
Just a mile north of the town centre lie the ruins of Inverlochy Castle on the banks of the River Lochy. Built in the 13th century, the walls and corner towers are mostly intact, providing yet another window into the area’s long and impressive history. With Spean Bridge just a short drive away, you can easily visit the Commando Monument, a bronze sculpture commemorating Allied soldiers who trained secretly in these hills during the Second World War. The views from this spot of Ben Nevis and the many peaks are among the best in the area, and the site is easily accessible. And for those who want more of this Highland landscape without committing to a serious hike, the Glen Nevis valley offers straightforward walking routes surrounded by some breathtaking scenery.
If you’re looking to venture further afield, you won’t struggle for places to explore. These are just a few of the exciting excursions you can enjoy on a Fort William coach holiday with Alfa Holidays.
A Jacobite Steam Railway trip is one of the most peaceful and picturesque ways to experience the Highlands. Running between Fort William and Mallaig along what is said to be one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, the track winds through 84 miles of Highland scenery, past the shores of Loch Eil, across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous for its Harry Potter cameo, and through some of the most remote and unspoilt landscape in the country. For many visitors, it’s the single most memorable part of a holiday here. Fort William and the Jacobite truly go hand in hand.
Running from Fort William towards the Firth of Lorn, Loch Linnhe is one of Scotland’s longest sea lochs. The views across the water to the Ardgour mountains on the opposite shore are a highlight of any stay here, but perhaps the most relaxing way to take in the scenery is on a Loch Linnhe cruise. It’s a gentle, relaxing experience that suits all ages and abilities, and the views of Ben Nevis from the water offer a fantastic new perspective. If you want to slow down and simply take in the scenery, an afternoon on Loch Linnhe is hard to beat.
Undeniably the world’s most famous loch, Loch Ness is roughly an hour’s drive from Fort William along the scenic Highland roads. Stretching for 23 miles and reaching depths of over 700 feet, it holds more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. The legend of the Nessie may be what draws people from across the world, but while she remains as elusive as ever, the loch itself is breathtaking and no holiday in the Scottish Highlands would be complete without a visit.
For guests on a Fort William coach holiday with Alfa Holidays, or looking for a self drive hotel, accommodation is provided at the Croit Anna Hotel. Set directly on the shores of Loch Linnhe not far from the town centre, the hotel has spectacular views across the loch, with a panoramic lounge, terrace bar and evening entertainment most nights.
The Highlands are truly spectacular, but they’re not always the easiest part of the country to navigate. Simply planning a trip that makes the most of everything the area has to offer is quite a considerable task. For many visitors, especially those looking for more accessible holidays in Scotland, a coach trip to Fort William removes all of that stress without taking anything away from the experience itself.
Our coach holidays to Fort William include return travel from a local pick-up point, comfortable accommodation, dining plans and a programme of excursions that allow you to enjoy the very best of the Highlands. You’re not tied to a strict schedule, with full days set aside for exploring at your own pace, but you do have the reassurance that the key experiences are taken care of.
Ready to see the Highlands for yourself? Book your Fort Williams coach holiday with Alfa Holidays and get ready to be whisked away to this spectacular corner of the country.
