"A viewpoint and information hub near the viaduct popular with photographers and sightseers wanting to watch the steam service cross the bridge; the train usually passes the visitor centre at around 10:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on daily trips, making it a reliable spot for timed shots and short visits." - Rachel Chang
Rachel Chang
Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
The Glenfinnan Visitor Centre is excellent with a nice shopping area and very clean facilities. I was surprised to learn the building is quite new and it shows in the quality. I had no trouble finding a parking spot although I arrived about an hour early which might help. There are two paths to the viewpoint, one goes straight to the viaduct and is definitely the better option while the other is less impressive. Overall a great stop that makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Caroline Loves T.
Google
Allows at least 1-2 hours in advance, in order to find a parking. Don’t park on the street, otherwise you will receive ticket. This visitor center provides toilets inside the shop which is pretty good.
charlie just C.
Google
really great staff, plenty of parking available and an easy walk to the viewpoint of the bridge. I wouldn't recommend paying for the actual jacobite steam train, though, because it's very expensive, dated and not well maintained.
NRR A.
Google
This visitor center provides toilets inside the shop which is pretty good. Nice view , clean staff in cafe friendly 👍🏼
Susan B.
Google
Very friendly staff. Good,small exhibition. Great little shop and cafe. Viaduct and monument definitely worth a visit.
Alexander G.
Google
Car park gets very busy if you're coming to see the jacobite train pass the viaduct. Get there early! There were like 200 people on a very rainy Thursday in September watching the trian. I alcan only imagine how many come at high season in August.
L D
Google
Lovely, quaint - don't forget to donate - chap in the glasses with the beard, bottom left of image, actually made the Glenfinnan Station sign shown - stop for a moment and have a chat, very, very interesting gentleman
Paul V.
Google
Superb Visitor Centre
This has like an ice cream parlour, toilets & a little shop. It is great to visit if you are on your way to the Viaduct.
Casey M.
Yelp
The views in and around the monument are breathtaking, built on a beach on the shores of loch shiel, the monument leans ever so slightly. The monument commemorated those who died fighting the Jacobite cause and gave their lives to support Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite uprising in 1745 and it is around 18m high. I loved climbing the monument and standing beside the lone highlander and looking out across the loch as well as looking over to see the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct! The climb to the top of the monument is not that strenuous but it's narrow and the steps are steep and there's a heavy steel hatch door that you open (think it was supposed to be open already) and you climb up and enjoy the view which is definitely worth the effort and very rewarding! Think it was one of my favourite things to do in Glenfinnan!
Tanja R.
Yelp
The Glenfinnan Monument is located 3h from Edinburgh and 25 min from Fort William and marks a place of historical importance for the Scottish Highland Nation.
I always planned to visit this monument, because of its historic meaning. Bonny Prince Charlie (Charles Stuart) raised his army around this monument at Loch Shiel. There he raised his banner. Originally he only arrived with about 8 comrades, but clans from all over the Highlands started joining his ambition to win back the throne of Scotland. Another Jacobite Rising was initiated from this place in time. It is a shame that it all ended with the battle of Culloden.
It is a wonderful and peaceful place. You can oversee Loch Shiel, admire the nature surrounding the Loch and even enjoy watching the Harry Potter Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The monument is part of the National Trust of Scotland. There is a visitor centre where you can enjoy some nibbles and drinks and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
It is a nice place to stop, admire and rest.