Address: 2 Erracht, A830, Banavie, Fort William PH37 4LT, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7
based on 318 reviews.
Visitor Experience
Pros:
"There is also a fab visitor exhibition & shop with washrooms."
"For Harry Potter fans its a must."
"Great place to catch panoramic view of the Glenfinnan viaduct."
"The views of Loch Sheil and Glenfinnan Viaduct are stunning and it only takes 5 minutes to trek up from behind the visitor centre so not too tiring."
"The visitor centre has great food, plenty of (paid) parking, souvenirs and free toilets."
Cons:
"However, it is BUSY. SOOO busy."
"Has become incredibly busy in the last few years, almost impossible to get to during the day due to limited parking."
"It gets very busy, parking is a mess and it maximum for 1h, so get there about 30 minutes before the train comes, otherwise you might go over the time limit."
"Lovely place but unfortunately it has been gripped by commercialism."
"The on site cafe is very small with very slow service."
Parking
Pros:
"Parking is 3£.. Nobody seems to be checking for tickets so take a chance if you're feeling like scrooge."
"Parking on-site, paid - £3.5 for the whole day."
"National Trust car park gets very busy but as its a constant flow of arrivals and leavers we were lucky to get a space."
"Parking was good but the machine only took coins."
"Good parking space available- £3.50."
Cons:
"Free carpark now has a charge."
"Total day light robbery exploiting the visitors."
"Almost impossible to get to during the day due to limited parking."
"Overhyped. Beware of the parking mafia who sell you the whole day parking for 3.5 quid while you are only there to see the Train, a couple of pics and begone but there are no other options available."
"Car park fills up very fast."
View and Accessibility
Pros:
"Nice picturesque spot to see the steam train going over the viaduct. Just be sure you're on the right side of the bridge to capture the front."
"The main viewpoint is amazing. Only 10 min climb. A must!"
"Best times to avoid crowds & tourists is early morning - no traffic, no people - just silence and beauty."
"A beautiful spot to visit and on a lovely sunny day get some great views."
"Scenic destination with a stunning lake one side and a short climb to see the viaduct."
Cons:
"Both viewpoint can get muddy and slippery at times so have a good footwear."
"To get to the view point was rather muddy and rocky, so access for some might be limited."
"The viewpoint is too far away for viewers to feel how high the viaduct is and you can't see its curve shape."
"For a disabled person with sticks it's a tricky, steep climb with stone kerb like steps. But I made it and boy the views were amazing despite the cloudy poor light."
"Difficult to park, as when the car park is full of HP fans wanting to see the train going over the viaduct, they close it!"
Local Interaction
Pros:
"Very friendly staff everywhere, and the beauty of the whole area is stunning."
"Right off the viewpoint there is this nice coffee shop where you can take a rest and enjoy something to eat or drink. Toilets are also available at the premises."
Cons:
"The local villagers of Glenfinnan were appallingly rude to external visitors."
"It's a shame so many tourists spoil it."
"The many people can ruin the experience a little bit."
"Full of people that ruin the magic moment though."