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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

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.

Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
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.

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

Loch Ness Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh

Loch Ness Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh

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Enjoy a unique experience visiting some of the most charming places in Scotland: Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Great Glen and, of course, Loch Ness. T...

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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

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Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh

Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh

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Explore some of Scotland's most iconic sites and stunning scenery with this unique guided day tour from Edinburgh and witness the unique sit...

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Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

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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 ...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Glencoe House

Glencoe, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[2 miles]

A grand Victorian mansion surrounded by heart-stopping scenery with a distinctive all-suite in-room dining concept, perfect for those seeking seclusion.

Official star rating:

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[19.3 miles]

Luxurious 19th-century castle hotel in stunning scenery offering an extensive range of traditional country pursuits.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Climb Ben Nevis

Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 miles]

The highest mountain in Britain, ‘The Ben’ is a challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day

West Highland Line

Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[16.6 miles]

One of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys – 165 miles (5 hours) through Scottish mountains, moors and lochs from Glasgow, Fort William and finally Mallaig.

Best for ages: 6+ | £15 | 4-5 hours