Fort William is located on the banks of Loch Linnhe and sits at the southern end of the Great Glen that runs from Fort Williams to Inverness. Fortwilliam is a huge tourist hub with many things to do in Fort William.
Glen Coe is just to the south, Ben Nevis to the east, and Glenfinnan to the west. You will not be bored when looking for things to do in Fort William. If you are interested in learning what we think you should add to your “things to do in Fort William” to-do list, then look no further.
Below is our list of things to do in Fort William. We hope you enjoy our suggestions and if you have any more things to suggest, please use the comments section below.
Here is our Top To Do In Fort William
Our list of things to do in Fort William is in no particular order, so I don’t think that one is better than the other.
Hike up Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom at 1344m (4409ft). It is located near Fort William, which gives it its name. The easiest way to climb Ben Nevis is via a tourist track that ascends to Britain’s highest pub, “The Ben Nevis Inn”, 1,344 feet above sea level.
Ben Nevis’ most daring climbers use the tourist track but then continue up to climb Britain’s highest mountain, risking things like high winds, severe weather, and long falls if things go wrong.
Climbing Ben Nevis
The easiest way to climb Ben Nevis is via a popular tourist track that ascends through Glen Nevis. This route has an excellent and well-marked path to follow, and many tourists use this route.
This route is not very dangerous, but things can go wrong, so you need to be prepared and take care.
The main things that can go wrong on Ben Nevis include sudden weather changes and inexperienced climbers or people who are not fully prepared for the conditions of a climb. These things happen from time to time, so it’s always good to be prepared and know what you’re doing.
Other things that can go wrong include things like sprained ankles, falls, and sudden illness
However, most of these things are easily avoided or overcome if you know what you’re doing. Ben Nevis is on our list of top things to do in Fort William because it is stunning, and even if you don’t decide to hike up it or climb to the summit, you will want to take photos and share them with your friends and family.
Steall Falls – Stunning Waterfalls
Steall Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Steall Gorge of Glen Nevis, which is part of Lochaber, Highland. Steall Falls is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions, with up to 200,000 visitors annually.
Steall Falls is very picturesque and impressive at any time of year, especially during winter months when frozen over.
Steall Falls is located 7 miles from Fort William, with the Steall Gorge Visitor Centre being just a two-minute walk away. Steall Falls can be viewed from Steall Gorge and Steall Meadows, which are free to enter, allowing visitors to take in all of the majestic beauty. Stealls falls are also home to one of Scotland’s most challenging rock climbs.
Steall Waterfall is a grade III rock climb located within Steall Gorge. Steall Falls is also known for being home to the Steall white-water kayak course, where many take part in kayaking lessons, races and fun sessions. Stealls has been voted one of Scotland’s must-do activities alongside skydiving, abseiling and mountain biking.
Stealls Waterfall can be easily reached from Fort William, making Stealls an ideal and popular tourist attraction and one of our must things to do in Fort William.
Neptune’s Staircase
The Neptune Staircase, also known as the Giant’s Staircase and Neptune’s Monument, is a staircase lock on the Caledonian Canal in Scotland. It was built by Thomas Telford and completed in 1822.
The Neptune Staircase connects Loch Eil with Loch Linnhe and links two parts of the canal at Corpach, by the Neptune’s Staircase Office.
Constructed between 1815 and 1822, Neptune’s Staircase consists of a chain of locks, eight in total, that raise boats from Loch Eil to Loch Linnhe at a rate of 55 metres per mile (18 m/km). The Staircase is named after Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
The Neptune’s Staircase is also used as a fitness test for candidates applying to join the Royal Navy Submarine Service.
Neptune’s Staircase is also a Category B listed building and has been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Neptune’s staircase trip boat, run by Scottish Canals, provides access to view Neptune’s staircase locks in operation.
Neptune’s Staircase may not be for everyone, but you can decide if it is something you would like to add to your list of things to do in Fort William.
Old Inverlochy Castle
Old Inverlochy Castle was built in the 14th Century and is a great place to visit if you are ever in Fort William. This castle no longer has fully intact walls but still stands tall as a great example of what life was like back then.
Inverlochy Castle stands on the banks of Loch Linnhe, overlooking Inverlochy Bay.
The castle is steeped in history, with many battles fought here over the years, most notably during the Jacobite risings when control of the castle changed hands between the Jacobites and the Loyalists several times.
There are very few examples of Scottish castles which can be visited close to their original construction site – Old Inverlochy Castle is one of the few which still stands in its entirety on its original site. Old Inverlochy Castle offers a viewing platform, allowing visitors to see the surrounding area from above.
A visit to Old Inverlochy Castle can be combined easily with other nearby attractions – it is located just off the A82 road, on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Old Inverlochy Castle is located in an area that offers some stunning scenery, and visitors to Old Inverlochy Castle can also enjoy a walk around Loch Linnhe (The Great Glen Way runs along the northern side of the loch) while they are here.
I always love a castle, and Inverlochy Castle is no different, and that is why I have added it to our top things to do in Fort William.
West Highland Museum
The West Highlands is a breathtaking region in the Scottish highlands. It offers stunning natural beauty, good food and drink, and plenty of outdoor activities to its visitors. There are several indoor activities, and West Highland Museum is one of them. West Highland Museum has a collection of over 1 million Scottish artefacts from the West Highlands.
The West Highland Museum was established in 1879 by Charles Rampini, who wanted to preserve West Highlanders’ culture and heritage for future generations. It began as a personal collection of West Highland artefacts. West Highland Museum was then officially opened to the public in 1882, and it has been welcoming its visitors ever since. West Dunbartonshire Council currently runs West Highland Museum.
West Highland Museum’s building is also famous for its architecture. The museum building was initially built as a mansion for Lord Rowallan to serve as his home. West Highland Museum is now housed in the mansion building, and it has five themed galleries which feature West Highland artefacts from all over West Highlands. It also has a collection of West Highland paintings donated by Scottish artists.
A museum is not always high on someone’s to-do list, and let us be honest, if the sun is shining, I would rather be outside, but if it is raining cats and dogs, I will happily walk around a museum, and that is why it is on our list of top things to do in Fort William.
Jacobite Steam Train
Sit back and relax as the Jacobite Steam Train takes you on a scenic trip through the Scottish Highlands. Jacobite offers an unforgettable sightseeing journey, passing some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland, including views of glaciers, mountains, forests and lochs.
The Jacobite experience is about so much more than just the picturesque train ride itself. Jacobite Steam Train is the only steam-hauled train in Britain. Jacobite Steam Train has up to 6 scheduled daily departures from Fort William. Jacobite Steam Train’s fleet of restored carriages travels along 200 miles of some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Jacobite also offers unique dining experiences creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Jacobite Steam Train offer a range of speciality options to complement your Jacobite experience. Jacobite have been offering “All Day Itineraries” from CairnGorm Mountain to Fort William since 2009 for those who would like a genuinely memorable Jacobite Steam Train journey and extended Jacobite experience. Jacobite Steam Train is the only Jacobite in Britain with a dedicated Jacobite champagne bar and Jacobite restaurant carriages.
Jacobite’s goal is to offer you good old fashioned service at affordable prices, and you will receive a warm welcome when you board Jacobite or step inside their restored vintage carriages or dining cars.
I said right at the start of this that there was not going to be any order to what I think were the best things to do in Fort William. Still, I have to say a ride on a steam train has to be up there with one of the ultimate things to do anywhere, and that is why it has made it here on our list of things to do in Fort William.
Glenfinnan Church
Glenfinnan Church is a 19th Century church, and it overlooks Loch Shiel and Glen Finninan. Glenfinnan lies near the west coast of Scotland, and this church was built in 1869. Over 10,000 people visit Glenfinannan Church every year.
Glenfinnan Church serves the Glenfinnan Estate, owned by The National Trust for Scotland. Glenfinnan Church is part of the Glenfinnan Group Ministry Area and the Argyll Presbytery Church of Scotland. Glenfinnan Glen is a significant tourist attraction, and Glenfinnan Glen attracts people from all over the world.
Glenfinnan Church has regular services on Sundays, and it has services on some weekdays too. Glenfinnan Church has an extensive collection of stained glass windows. There are many different styles of stained glass in Glenfinannan Church, including Celtic patterns and abstract designs.
Glenfinnan Church also has memorials for people who fought in the Second World War. Glenfinnan Glen was made famous because it is the Glen where the Glenfinnan Monument is. Glenfinnan Glen is featured in many films and TV series because it can be seen in Glen Nevis and Loch Shiel. The most famous film that Glenfinnan Glen appeared in was when Harry Potter passed through Glenfinnan Glen on a train in the Harry Potter films.
Glenfinnan Glen is home to the Glenfinnan Monument, and many people visit Glenfinnan Glen to see this monument. Glenfinnan Glen attracts 10,000 visitors every year because of its stunning views and unique history.
Glenfinnan Church is beautiful and well worth the visit and is one of the things to do in Fort William that I think you will enjoy and at the very least take a lot of photos of.
Saint Andrew’s Church
Saint Andrew’s church is located at West Bridge Street, Fort William, PH33 6XT. It is found about 2 miles north of the town. Saint Andrew’s church is at the north end of the High Street, Saint Andrew’s church was erected in 1819, and it replaced Saint Peter’s church which was built around 1745.
A competition for the design of Saint Andrew’s church was held open to architects living or practising in the west of Scotland, with a prize of£50. The winner was Thomas Telford, who had previously worked on the design of Saint Andrew’s church in Dundee and Saint Paul’s church in Liverpool. Saint Andrew’s church is a very plain building with a tower and spire, and it is built from rubble stone with raised parts to resemble ashlar blocks.
Saint Andrews Church, Saint Andrews Saint Andrews Saint Andres, Fort William Landmarks, Things to do in Fort William
The building remained a chapel of ease until 1843, when it became a parish church. In 1878 a new rectory was built, and Saint Andrew’s church was renovated. In 1881 Saint Andrews church is a category B listed building. Saint Andrews church is also known as Saint Andres or Saint Andrew’s Church, Saint Andrews.
During the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, the Duke of Cumberland stayed at Saint Andrew’s house in Ardverikie and in 1766, Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed in Saint Andrew’s house, which stood on the present site of Saint Andrews church. Saint Andrew’s house was built in 1772 by William Robertson, a prosperous Fort William merchant, and William Adam had designed it.
Saint Andrew’s house was named after Saint Andrew because he is the patron saint of Scotland. In 1810 Saint Andrews house was renovated, and it was sold to Saint Andrew’s church for £300. Saint Andrews house is a category B listed building, and Saint Andrew’s house is also known as Ardverikie House or Saint Andrew’s mansion.
Cameron Square
Cameron Square is the premier tourist destination in Fort William. Cameron Square is located in downtown Fort William and has an abundance of stores, restaurants, cinemas, etc. Cameron Square recently opened a brand new sports stadium that hosts all kinds of sporting events, including Football, Rugby, Hockey, Basketball games; it even hosted the 2012 Olympic Trials for Track & Field!
Cameron Square also has a convention centre which hosts big type conventions, sales and marketing events and even car shows. Cameron Square is a fantastic place to take the family out to have fun! I recommend going to Cameron Square on a sunny day so you can have a nice picnic with your loved ones or maybe some target practice at one of Cameron Square’s many outdoor shooting ranges. Cameron Square is the premier tourist destination in Fort William; Cameron Square has something for everyone!
That’s it, All of our top things to do in Fort William.
As you can see, there is a lot of great things to do in Fort William and no matter whether it is raining or the sun is shining, there is a lot of exciting things to do in Fort William. Whether you like museums or great sites or an adrenalin junky, you will find something to keep you entertained.
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