14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Fort William

Located on the northeastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is known as the UK's "outdoor capital." Behind Inverness, it's the second largest settlement in the Highlands, with a beauty so captivating, you'll want to extend your stay. Plus, there's no shortage of great attractions and fun things to do in Fort William, which makes it easy to settle in for a while.

Famous for its multiple hillwalking trails, mountain climbing, bike paths, and snow and water sports, this Scottish town is a mecca for adventure travel. It's also home to Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain, which makes this a popular destination for climbers.

Prefer to keep your adventure more low-key? Taking it easy is simple in this historic town. From walking to castle hopping to fishing, Fort William has plenty to offer those who prefer a slower pace. It also boasts a wide array of delicious restaurants to help you pass the time, many of which offer amazing views.

No matter which path you choose to take in Fort William, you'll be surrounded by immense beauty and unbeatable vistas. Fun fact: Fort William was the first British town to use hydroelectricity to light its streets.

Find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Fort William.

Climb (or Photograph) Ben Nevis

One of Fort William's main draws is Ben Nevis, which is Gaelic for malicious (or venomous) mountain. If you're stuck on it during a storm or thick fog, you'll understand how this impressive crag earned its moniker. At 4,411 feet, Ben Nevis's summit is a long way up - about eight hours of climbing there and back to be exact. Many hikers choose to pitch a tent for the night, so they can enjoy the breathtaking sunset from this top attraction in Fort William.

That said, the paths to the top can be quite steep and treacherous, so inexperienced hikers and those traveling with young kids may be better off admiring the reddish granite peaks from below. If you attempt the climb, be well prepared with extra snacks, water, and a change of clothes. It's often wet and slippery.

Your reward for a long, steep hike to the top: a breathtaking panoramic view. Mountains and lochs of the Scottish Highlands stretch as far as you can see, which is about 150 miles on a clear day. If the fog doesn't roll in to spoil your vista, you can even catch a glimpse of the Irish coast. Charge your camera before you go, and be sure there's lots of extra space in your "Cloud" account!

Book a Nevis Range Mountain Experience

As mentioned above, no trip to Fort William is complete without a visit to Ben Nevis. Do it in style with the Nevis Mountain Range Experience. Your heart will skip with excitement as you soar 650 meters above the ground in a mountain gondola. Riding this gondola, located on Aonach Mor, Britain's 8th highest mountain, is one of the most popular things to do in Fort William. The gondola was built to carry skiers, but has been lauded for its unparalleled views.

If you're lucky enough to go on a clear day, you'll be left speechless by the beauty extending in every direction. Lakes, valleys, coniferous forests, and patchwork farmers fields blanket the region while massive granite hills surround you. Run through the fields, climb among the trees, or bike down the hilly trails to truly enjoy the clean mountain air.

Traveling during the winter? Lucky you! Grab a hot chocolate at the top of Aonach Mor and enjoy the spectacular landscape while you ski or snowboard your way down to the valley. Be sure to pack layers, including a hat and gloves, as it can get super cold at the top.

Official site: www.nevisrange.co.uk

Hike to Steall Falls

The walk to Steall Falls from the Glen Nevis car park is majestic. Worries dissipate with the calming sounds of wind, rushing water, and footsteps on the rocky path below. An easy but sometimes slippery trek, the well-worn path to the falls takes you through deep green, moss-covered trees that look as if they could start walking and talking at any moment. Perhaps that's one of the reasons the makers of Harry Potter chose this spot as the setting for an intense Quidditch match.

You may hear the falls before seeing them in the heart of the dramatic Nevis Gorge. As you get closer, you'll notice a steel rope bridge hovering precariously over the water below. It's best to wear hiking boots or a good pair of running shoes if you're planning to traverse the wobbly (but strong and sturdy) wires. Your reward: an up close and personal view of the falls, the second highest in Scotland at over 394 feet.

The trail starts at the end of the Old Military Road, where it leads up Ben Nevis. You won't want to miss hiking to this captivating site.

Walk across Neptune's Staircase

This incredible example of engineering prowess sits in a small village called Banavie, four miles north of Fort William. Neptune's Staircase is a series of locks that span a quarter mile and raise the canal by 19 meters to allow boats to travel up or down. Built by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, it remains Britain's longest staircase lock and a fascinating system to watch.

If you time it right, you can catch a glimpse of the Jacobite Steam Train billowing across a nearby bridge. Have your camera at the ready! Even better, you'll be able to watch the locks in motion and marvel as two bridges swing out of the way to allow a passing boat to enter before closing and allowing the lock to fill with water.

When the area is devoid of action, and you've tired of walking the endless paths and admiring the view (a hard thing to get bored by), wander through the nearby shops or grab a bite at a local restaurant.

Address: Great Glen Way, Fort William

Step Back in Time at Old Inverlochy Castle

You can't visit Scotland without stopping to see a castle. While some exist as exquisitely preserved buildings that ooze history, others, like the Old Inverlochy Castle, survive as mere ruins of their formerly grandiose selves. Don't let that fool you.

Built in the late 13th century, the Old Inverlochy Castle may be small, but its history is mighty - and you can read about it on the informative boards positioned throughout. Built by the Comyns of Badenoch, Old Inverlochy Castle changed hands multiple times throughout history, most often as a result of warfare.

This small stone ruin may be crumbling in many places but wandering around it provides a sense (sometimes an eerie one) of what it might have been like to live in the center of the first and second battles of Inverlochy. It's worthy of a walk around, at least for an hour, and presents a pretty spot for a picnic.

Address: About a mile outside of central Fort William, on the A82

Official site: www.inverlochycastle.co.uk

Visit the West Highland Museum

Visit the West Highland Museum for an in-depth look into the history of the West Highlands. In addition to interesting exhibits, you'll also make fast friends with many incredibly friendly (and knowledgeable) volunteers.

Each volunteer is passionate about the history of Highland life and can guide you through the museum's multiple displays, including those about Bonnie Prince Charlie (a.k.a. Prince Charles Edward Stuart) and the Jacobites (supporters of King James VII of Scotland and II of Britain).

Conveniently located in the center of town, The West Highland Museum was founded in 1922, making it one of the oldest museums in the Highlands. Here, you'll find the Goldman coin collection, polished stone axes, ancient pottery, and stonework from a wrecked Spanish Galleon, and 1,500-year-old artifacts from a crannog site.

Address: Cameron Square, Fort William

Official site: www.westhighlandmuseum.ork.uk

Climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train

Climb aboard the Hogwarts Express – oops, we mean Jacobite Steam Train. Most famous for its role as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies, the Jacobite chugs its way along 84 miles of railway between Fort William and Mallaig.

Book a first-class seat for the best, open-coach views as you pass Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch, and Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch. You'll also cross over the stupendous, 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, which was made famous as the bridge to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Book a high tea to enjoy as you whip along the tracks – it will make your journey feel even more authentic.

If you can tear yourself away from the magnificent vistas, stop by the gift shop for some Harry Potter-themed memorabilia. An important traveler's tip: book a visit between late April and Early October to ensure your spot on the train - it doesn't run during the late fall and winter months.

Address: Fort William Train Station

Official site: westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/steam-train-trip

Admire the Beauty of Glenfinnan Church

If you aren't paying attention on your way into town from Mallaig, you could miss this quaint church, and that would be a shame. It's easy to do. You're driving along, gaping at the astonishing hillsides, squinting at the sun shimmering off Loch Shiel, and then you spot something amazing flash by. Our advice: slow down and keep your eyes open. The church, which was consecrated in 1873, is found about 30 minutes outside of Fort William and rests just above the lake.

Also known as the Church of St. Mary and St. Finnan, this Gothic building is small but impressive. Inside, you'll find an understated altar lying below a bright and colorful stained-glass window in a unique flower pattern. You'll also find sculptured columns and memorial stones to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the MacDonald family. Outside, the view is nothing short of spectacular.

Rock Out at Treasures of the Earth Museum

If you're a fan of geology, this museum is for you. If rocks bore you, this might be one to miss. Home to a private collection of crystals, gemstones, and fossils, Treasures of the Earth Museum makes looking at rocks a precious experience (get it?). Where else can you enter a cave in which crystals change color and glow?

Originally built as a Catholic church, Treasures of the Earth is small (a half hour is likely all you'll need to see everything on offer) but it has an impressive array of exhibits, including fossilized dinosaur skulls. It lies slightly outside Fort William, four miles away, in the town of Corpach.

Kids and grownups alike will enjoy touching seven-foot-tall amethyst geodes, which were formed over 200 million years ago. Some of the fossils date back 500 million years - not bad for a tiny museum in the Highlands.

Another bonus: the gift shop. With a wide array of fossils, jewelry, and gem stones to choose from, you're sure to find a treasure with a reasonable price tag.

Official site: treasuresoftheearth.co.uk

Wander around Saint Andrew's Church

This quaint church can be found just off the northern end of Fort William's High Street. Set back from the street by a churchyard and surrounded by stores, this historic building is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled. A member of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Saint Andrew's appears simple, but the intricate details (i.e. detailing on the organ's pipes and elaborate ceiling bosses) are remarkable. The Caen stone altar is the church's focal point, but the salient choir stalls lining the sanctuary are especially impressive.

During the week, you'll likely find yourself alone to admire the church's stained-glass windows in peace and solitude. If visiting for a Sunday service, you'll probably be asked to join the other constituents for tea. If you're one of those lucky enough to be invited, stay! The community is a kind one, and they tell wonderful stories.

Address: High Street, Fort William

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Cameron Square

Cameron Square is the place to be for those who like to shop, socialize, and eat tasty meals. In fact, it serves as the heart of Fort William. Here, you'll be greeted by shops; eateries; cafés; and, of course, the West Highland Museum. Shopping in this area is one of the best things to do in Fort William, especially during the holidays.

Beside the museum lies one of the best restaurants in Fort William: Garrison West, where visitors can tuck into a traditional dish of haggis, neeps, and tatties, warm and delicious soup, or a mouthwateringly good sticky toffee pudding.

Many years ago, Cameron Square served as a meeting place for important events such as signing up to fight with the British army. Today, this pretty spot hosts live concerts and is home to a cinema.

In 2018, a bronze statue of a Ford Model T was placed in the square to commemorate a car that drove to the summit of Ben Nevis in a legendary publicity stunt in 1911. You can see a film about it during your visit to the West Highland Museum.

Bike along the Great Glen Cycle Route Fort William

Feeling extra energetic? Why not hire a bike and travel along the Great Glen Cycle Route. It spans 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, and you can bike as much or as little as you like. Biking the entirety could take a week, so you'll have to plan a few places to stay along the way.

No matter how far you travel, you'll be awed by the magnificent scenery you zip past while atop your bike. This lengthy route follows the path of Scotland's greatest geological fault. It also passes parts of the Caledonian Canal Towpath, which was designed in the 1820s by Thomas Telford.

Along the way, you'll traverse towpaths, forests, and winding roads. Luckily, the area between Fort William and Laggan isn't too hilly, so you won't have to climb too far. Once you continue north of Laggan, however, you're in for some steep climbs. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there aren't many places to stop for refreshments.

While parts of this path are the same as the walking path, the Great Glen Way, there are certain areas that are walkable only, so be sure to stick to the right route.

Tour the Lochaber Geopark

One of three geoparks in Scotland, this massive, natural wonderland is one you won't want to miss. This is home to the highest mountains in the UK, the deepest lochs, and a wide variety of incredible wildlife.

The geopark's top attractions include Ben Nevis, the volcanic rocks of Run & Eigg, and the lava cliffs in Glen Coe. You're sure to spot many ancient finds while exploring this area.

In addition to visiting an eroded volcano, guests of Lochaber Geopark can also witness the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy. You'll spy sandy beaches, sparkling lochs, rushing rivers, jagged coasts and rocky cliffs along your journey.

Wondering what a geopark is? You're not alone. It's a park that "contains several geological or geomorphological sites of national and international importance." In other words, it's a pretty spectacular place to appreciate nature, learn about the community, and gawk at the amazing scenery.

This Geopark is massive, so you may want to pick up a map at a local tourist office and complete the car tour of the Lochaber Geotrails.

Take a Crannog Cruise

The best way to experience a Scottish Loch is by cruising along its calm, azure surface. That's why Crannog Cruises is deemed one of the best tourist attractions in Fort William, especially for those hoping to have a waterfront view of the area's best assets–we're talking unsurpassable views of the towering Ben Nevis.

Sail aboard a historic vessel named the Souters Lass. From its comfortable deck, you'll pass all the majestic features of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil and learn interesting knowledge about the area's storied past from the excited crew members. Along the way, guests are treated to breathtaking views and, very often, have the chance to spot incredible wildlife, such as seals and dolphins.

Other unmissable sites include the Caledonian Canal, the Caol narrows, and the Heronry.

Address: Town Pier, Fort William

Official site: https://www.crannog.net/cruises

Map of Attractions & Things to Do in Fort William

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