Holiday homes & rentals in Fort William

Lying on the shores of Loch Linnhie, Fort William is a must-visit destination for visitors to the Scottish Highlands. As the largest town in the Highlands, Fort William is the ideal place for you to enjoy the wealth of activites this area boasts.

Whether you're interested in hiking, fishing, sailing, skiing or snowboarding, there are outdoor activities to suit every visitor. Located in an area with spectacular scenery in the surrounding lochs and glens, holiday lettings in Fort William are also ideal for nature lovers and budding photographers. Want to take your furry friend with you? You'll even find plenty of pet-friendly holiday cottages.

Getting to your Fort William accommodation

Fort William is easily accessible from Glasgow. You can drive there in just over two hours along the A82. Alternatively, the train from Glasgow Central Station along the West Highland Line will give you the opportunity to relax and take in the stunning landscape. Showcasing the naural beauty of some of the lochs and mountains of the West Highlands, the route from Glasgow to Fort William is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Scotland. Train journeys vary in length, so it's worth planning in advance, but they will provide a scenic start to your Fort William holiday.

For those coming from further afield, Glasgow International Airport is the most convenient access point. Some flights may also be available into the smaller Inverness Airport, which is a shorter drive to Fort William, usually made in just under two hours.

Foodie hotspots in Fort William

Discover the best places to eat at in Fort William - including the kitchen in your own holiday cottage!

Crannog Seafood Restaurant A major part of Fort William's draw is its seaside setting, so as a visitor, you're almost obliged to partake in some fresh local seafood. One of the best places in town is Crannog. Set right on the waterfront in a historic building, the popular eatery has been serving up perfectly prepared mussels, scallops, and plenty of other marine delicacies since 1989.

The Crofter Whether you're seeking a meal or a pint, the Crofter is sure to satisfy. Choose from its traditional pub fare (including fried haggis) and wash down it down with some local ale, all while listening to live music or watching live sports.

Fort William Farmers' Market The third Saturday of every month brings the area's farmers to Lochaber Rural Complex to sell their produce. In addition to being able to select fresh, locally grown ingredients for a big meal prepared back at your self-catering holiday cottage, you can mingle with the friendly locals.

Fort William's outdoor attractions

Fort William rests on the northern end of one of Scotland's biggest sea lochs, Loch Linnhe. A holiday cottage near the loch will put you in the perfect position to enjoy fishing and sailing, , as well as kayaking and other water sports. Set within picturesque mountains and hills, Fort William is also ideal for photographers to capture some of the many breathtaking views available from this loch-side town.

Accommodation in Fort William also give skiers and showboarders an ideal location to enjoy winter sports that are available late into the season. The Nevis Range Mountain Experience is the best way to enjoy the snowsports and mountains, located just a few miles north of Glasgow.

The West Highland Museum

For holidaymakers interested in Scottish culture, the West Highland Museum in the town centre is ideal. A small local museum, it contains a variety of pieces of Scottish memorabilia relating the lives of people in the West Highland up until WWII. Located just off the pedestrianised High Street of Fort William, the West Highland Museum is easily reachable from your Fort William holiday cottage.

Local excursions

Fort William holiday cottages provide the perfect base to go off and explore more of the Scottish Highlands; only a short walk from Fort William is the famous Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.

There are a number of paths of varying difficulties to the summit - the easiest is the 'Tourist Track', also known as the 'Pony Track.' For more experienced hill walkers, there is a route beginning near Torlundy, reached by travelling a small distance north-east from Fort William. Summer is the best time for holidaymakers to make the ascent; it is recommended that only more experienced, well-equipped walkers should attempt the climb during winter and early spring.

Just over 11km south-east of Fort William is Steall Waterfall, Scotland's second-highest falls. At around a 20-minute drive from Fort William, the waterfall is popular with those in search of natural beauty and a scenic walk. Walking boots are strongly recommended when exploring this area, but the walk is certainly worth it for the beautiful views surrounding this waterfall at its location in Glen Nevis.

A must-see stop within easy reach from most Fort William holiday lettings is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Appealing to both scenery lovers and Harry Potter fans (it was one of the series' standout filming locations) the Glenfinnan Viaduct is an great attraction for adults and children alike.

For visitors with cars, it only takes around 25 minutes to reach the railway viaduct to witness its scale from a distance. For those that want the true Harry Potter experience or just a journey with a beautiful view, travellers can take the train from Fort William to Mallaig and journey along the Glenfinnan Viaduct itself.

The views given by the train journey are worth the trip, and Mallaig is host to a small number of pubs and restaurants for visitors venturing to the end of the West Highland Line. After an exciting day out on one of Scotland's most beautiful train journeys, you can return to your Fort William holiday cottage to relax. In your comfortable self-catering accommodation, you can share a home-cooked meal and fond memories of your trip.

Fort William: Natural splendour in the Scottish Highlands

Steall Waterfall

Scotland's 2nd highest waterfall, Steally Waterfall in Glen Nevi boasts a drop of 120 m. Wear waterproof shoes with a good grip, and take care crossing the wire bridge.

Ben Nevis

The highest mountain in Britain at 1,345 m, Ben Nevis is a prime location for ice-climbing and mountaineering. On a clear day, the views of the Scottish Highlands are sensational.

Nevis Range Mountain Experience

Take the gondola ride to the top and enjoy a hot chocolate in the Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar. The Mountain Discovery Centre provides interesting information on mountain wildlife.

West Highland Museum

Across three floors, this museum recounts the story of the mountainous West Highlands of Scotland, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the Jacobites. Entry is free.

Jacobite Steam Train

Travelling this dramatic route that weaves through hills, lochs and the Glenfinnan Viaduct is an absolute must if you are in the Scottish Highlands. You'll feel transported to a bygone era.

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