Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

Glencoe

  • Ballachulish , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 12 March, 2024

Today, Glencoe is an adventure playground for skiers, mountaineers (munro-baggers) and walkers but this magnificent brooding glen was once the scene of one of the bloodiest massacres in Scottish history.

Thirty-eight unarmed members of the MacDonald Clan were slain in 1692 by forces loyal to King William III. The treacherous soldiers had been fed and sheltered by the Clan for 2 weeks before suddenly turning on them – just one of the many fights and switching of allegiances in the feudal clans that held power in the day.

The state-of-the-art visitor centre has exhibits and displays that depict the gruesome event, plus information on the area’s geology, wildlife and mountaineering history.

While you’re there 

After Glencoe, stop by the MacDonald monument in the village, erected as a tribute to those slain in the massacre here.

For great Highland views, take the chairlift up into the mountains from the ski area base station at Glencoe. You’ll soar 2,200ft in 12 minutes. There’s also an in-house ranger service that can advise you on going for a walk in the Glencoe hills.

Logistics

Price from: £6
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The visitor centre has interactive displays and exhibits about the local wildlife, geology, and history, including a 15-minute video presentation about the famous battle. There’s a café on site serving home-made soup and sandwiches.

When to do it

The visitor centre is open daily, all year round, apart from mid-December-Christmas.

Who to go with: organised tours

10

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Edinburgh

When exploring Scotland on your 1 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Tour, you will experience the very best of Scotland in a jam packed adventure. With breathtaking scenery and landscapes of unspoilt nature you’ll travel the Highlands, getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Experience Scottish culture through the folklore of Scotland’s myths and legends, historical sites and learn about the history of our wonderful country. Make a visit to the iconic and Highland Cows (seasonal availability). Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had. Please note, to meet demand and to prevent overcrowding in smaller Scottish towns, this tour may be provided in reverse in our peak season. Due to the large area covered, a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT ALLOW ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 7 ON TOUR.

Price £58

Min age 7

Rating 4.80 / 5 [5576 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Edinburgh

*Includes a 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness in the tour price. Explore Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands on this 12-hour tour from Edinburgh. Depart from Edinburgh on a luxury mini-coach and travel out into the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe with your guide. Stop at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness at marvel at the spectacular scenery, then continue on to explore the Cairngorms National Park. Admire the majestic mountain of Craig Meagaidh and continue through the Drummochter mountain pass to visit the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Group size limited to 16 to ensure a personalised experience.

Price £87

Min age 5

Rating 4.71 / 5 [5576 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Edinburgh

This 12 hour tour will fit in as much of Scotland as can possibly done in one day! You will witness the stunning scenery of Glencoe and Ben Nevis before you make your way to Loch Ness for a cruise across its deep waters looking for evidence of its renowned resident, Nessie. Enjoy traveling in comfort on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches as you witness the stunning sights that Scotland has to offer. Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way.

Price £52

Min age 4

Rating 4.47 / 5 [1540 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Edinburgh

A perfect tour for Harry Potter fans; visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express, and take your iconic photo as the train crosses the bridge; explore Fort William and Glencoe in this one-day tour. Please note: The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by another company. We cannot always guarantee that your tour and the train will meet up at the same time. The tour does not include a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. The Jacobite Steam Train will run from May 5th 2025 - September 26th 2025. Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way.

Price £47

Min age 4

Rating 4.56 / 5 [728 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >