Glencoe Visitor Centre
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Glencoe Visitor Centre
4
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Glencoe Visitor Centre is your gateway to Glencoe National Nature Reserve. The National Trust for Scotland has cared for this incredible mountain landscape since 1935. We look after 60km of footpaths, 8 popular Munro peaks and 14,000 acres of precious upland habitats. Don't miss the 3D map in our Info Hub to help you plan your activities in the Glen. Catch our cinema films to discover more about Glencoe's story and visit our new recreation of a 300 year old turf and creel house, like the MacDonalds would once have lived in here. Refuel in our panoramic cafe and pick up unique mementoes of your visit in our shop. Every penny you spend here helps fund our charity's conservation work.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- andrewjennyHervey Bay, Australia619 contributionsExcellent introduction to local areaThoroughly enjoyed our visit to Glencoe Visitor centre. As we didn't have a lot of time to experience this beautiful part of Scotland this Visitor centre gave us a great opportunity to experience what this area has to offer. Centre includes some great exhibits outlining the history of the area and at the back of the centre there are some excellent views. Make sure you watch the short films in cinema and visit the dwelling which is at back of centre. We had a hot drink and food at Cafe which was great. The best part it is free entry you just pay for parking. A must do if in this part of Scotland.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 19, 2023
- Penny R3 contributionsNot a lot ot seeThis centre is a good way to get an overview of the glen. The film is short but worth watching and the cafe has good food. Staff are lovely. However, be aware before you go that it focuses very much on the geology and land, and there is only one room, apart from the little cinema, where there is any sort of an exhibition. This changes annually apparently - when we were there, it was about mountaineering in the glen. It was our fault that we didn't research it more before we went, though even so, the lack of exhibits is a serious flaw. The turf house was shut the day we went, because of the weather. That might have given us more info about how people lived in the glen and more about the massacre, which was the main reason we went. We might have been better off at the nearby Folk Museum but it was shut when we visited.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 12, 2024
- Alice R7 contributionsBrilliant customer serviceWe stopped off in the visitor centre to buy some postcards on the way back from our walk. The centre had everything you needed, great selections of trinkets. Our trip was especially made by Mike who served us at the till - a lovely friendly man who gave us some local walk ideas. Thanks Mike!Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 19, 2024
- dlloyd77London, United Kingdom4 contributionsHighly recommend a visit to this lovely placeI absolutely love this place! Right next to the Three Sisters of Glencoe, the surroundings are beautiful. The turf house is really interesting too! Love the cafe (Mac & Cheese with a haggis topper today - yum!) especially as it is dog friendly and they gave my pup a biscuit to munch. Euan in the gift shop is a lovely young man - enthusiastic, helpful and great at dog spotting (so I could avoid other dogs and a barking episode from my little guy!). Second time visitor, won’t be my last visit either 😊Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 26, 2024
- Trax362015Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom24 contributionsAn amazing source of information!Having visited Glen Coe before, we already had a plan and so never made it to the visitor centre. We loved the area so much we came back but were at a bit of a loss at what to do. Having passed the visitor centre we decided to pop in! We received such a warm welcome, and straight away, we were advised on a good hike, with amazing views and suitable for the weather. The person we spoke to was very knowledgeable and we ended up having an amazing day! We didn't even look at the rest of the centre, so we are now going back later in the week. If you are visiting the area, this is the place to start!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 26, 2024
- Pal L2 contributionsFamily and pet friendly cafeVery friendly cafe, nice coffee and hot dogs even vegan option's available, extremely dog friendly, our dog got a treat from almost all staff members. You can watch chaffinches from the window. Car park is free for National Trust members.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 2, 2024
- Sue HBurghead, United Kingdom34 contributionsGreat centre! 🤩This was a fascination visitor centre with comprehensive and vital information about walking, climbing and skiing in Glencoe both present day and past history. It is extremely well set out and spacious. An excellent shop and friendly and helpful staff.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 8, 2024
- Inspiration7960501 contributionNice dayReally well thought through options. Did the walk, film, visitor centre, cafe. Walks take much less time than suggested. The hour walk was half an hour at a gentle paceVisited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 10, 2024
- Dream414147214721 contributionRethink what's on offerLovely, welcoming and helpful staff. Beautifully designed visitor centre which is an excellent space. However, felt information was sparse and could be much more engaging for children. The one activity provided was drawing for which the pencils were few and mostly blunt. We used our own pencil sharpener to leave them better than we found them. A visit to the cafe was so expensive that we only fed the children. My son's hot food was such a large portion he was almost put off eating it. We were offered a takeaway box for it. I wonder about pricing and food waste. So put out, I was distracted from the amazing views out of the window.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 13, 2024
- Phil H3 contributions"""EUAN THE GREAT"""This was a wonderful place to stop and get info on the area but this is to commend a guy who absolutely stood out as a passionate staff member with such a joyful and energetic way of serving. "EUAN"👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 You are an absolute legend. You made everyone feel so welcome. It's so obvious you love your job. You are a fantastic representative for Glencoe. Well Done mate. Phil and Karen Sunshine Coast Australia 🦘🦘🦘Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
686 reviews
Excellent
257
Very good
206
Average
103
Poor
56
Terrible
64
noisette060
Cardiff, UK80 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
This centre’s main aim seems to be to raise income for the NTS; there is a £4 flat rate parking fee, a large gift shop and cafe. The cafe is pleasant and clean and staff are helpful but prices are high for the quality of the food and drink. My cappuccino was scalding hot from a machine. The information and education side seems to be secondary; the best bit is the 3D map of the area. The video starts well but then becomes a promotion for the NTS. There was no free literature to take away. The reconstruction of the Croft looks interesting at a distance and may be worth coming back for in the future.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your feedback noisette060.
We can confirm that generating income for our charity is a prime aim of our visitor centre, but this goes hand in hand with sharing the Glen's stories and providing inspiration on things to do here.
I'm sorry you felt our film was a promotion for the NTS. Three quarters of it is about Glencoe's history and nature, but we are also definitely keen to raise awareness of the work our Rangers and mountain path team do to care for Glencoe National Nature Reserve. Did you visit our exhibition too? Or check out the tables in our cafe which each feature a different story!
Every penny you spend with us, including our £4 parking charge (an average of less than £1.50 per visitor) directly supports us in providing free facilities AND goes towards all our conservation activity in the Glen - caring for 40miles of footpaths, wildlife monitoring and habitat improvement. We think this is great value if you love Glencoe :)
We hope to welcome you back to check out our unique reconstruction of a 17th century turf house, like people once lived in up and down the Glen.
Written November 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim Fraser, on my travels :)
Barton Seagrave, UK498 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
On our travels up into the Highlands towards our first overnight stop in Fort William, we past through the stunning Glencoe and then saw the signs for its visitors centre. Why not stop said my wife, so we did and how pleased was we. Yes, you have to pay for the car parking, but that's all you have to pay for and you get a lot. The Glencoe Visitors Centre is amazing. It's set in an amazing building, has a well stocked souvenir shop, an amazing cafe, very clean public toilets and state of the art exhibition about Glencoe. And there's so much more; a fantastic view point looking up Glencoe itself, picnic areas, marked footpaths and much more. So, unless you have treated yourself to something nice from the shop or cafe, the car parking charge is the only charge and in my humble opinion, is great value for money. If your passing through Glencoe then the Visitors Centre is a must...and we are so glad we stopped!
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Falconaf1971
Leigh, UK74 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We stopped off at the visitor centre on our road trip seems ok when you pay £4.00 to park for a few hours then I heard someone spent nearly £30.00 on sandwiches for the family. It seems a bit expensive. We didn’t buy any food although we bought a bottle of water for £2.00. Other than this it is lovely. Nice woodland walk and a great gift shop reasonably priced well worth a stop off
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for leaving feedback from your experience of your visit to NTS Glencoe. The parking charge applies for the entire day and allows visitors to experience both the visitor centre and the wider Glencoe area/ walks etc.
We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Team Glencoe
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lou1232013
somerset499 contributions
Jul 2022
A useful stop off with the usual cafe, toilets and exhibition which leads onto short, easy walks around the very end of Glencoe near the village itself. For more dramatic scenery and better walks stop in one of the lay bys as you come down Glencoe. If you are a NT member remember to have your sticker else it is £4 for parking regardless of how long you stay.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belinda H
Dunblane, UK14 contributions
Jan 2023
We literally wanted to pop into the centre for a view of GlenCoe and get a coffee on our way home and ended up spending 1.5 hours there. We attended the tour of the 17th Century Turf House (reconstruction) with Lucy Doogan who has huge amounts of knowledge of the area and is passionate about the history and the turf house. I think we held her up as we ended up spending an hour just around the turf house asking loads of questions. Lucy was patient with us and we really appreciated her time.
Once done we got a delicious coffee and cake for the road. We would HIGHLY recommend a visit and we will be back to. Thank you Lucy 😀
Once done we got a delicious coffee and cake for the road. We would HIGHLY recommend a visit and we will be back to. Thank you Lucy 😀
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron S
Dunfermline, UK65 contributions
Jul 2021
Arrived at a large car park where a ‘lady in a van’ was showing and explaining her interactions with Scottish wild cats . Some were on a lead some were free to roam. Interesting facts discovered about them.
Went into the visitor centre. This was a newish very clean and well laid out building. The usual large gift shop. Safe distancing rules in place. Went into the canteen, again, well laid out with safe distancing cards on tables. Had coffee and cake while admiring the view from panoramic windows. Afterwards, went for short climb on local well established pathways returning after about an hour. Worth stopping off for a look see, we are not climbers. Credit to the staff there.
Went into the visitor centre. This was a newish very clean and well laid out building. The usual large gift shop. Safe distancing rules in place. Went into the canteen, again, well laid out with safe distancing cards on tables. Had coffee and cake while admiring the view from panoramic windows. Afterwards, went for short climb on local well established pathways returning after about an hour. Worth stopping off for a look see, we are not climbers. Credit to the staff there.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAMel2013
Aberlour, UK41 contributions
Feb 2022
Parking was suggested as £4 but free if a member. We didn't mind as there's a lot of area, history and animals etc to support.
The eco centre was clean spacious and welcoming. Lovely lady doing a jewellery stock count at the reception desk explained the layout for us and was pleasant and friendly.
Informative boards to read but there is the annoying repetitive loudness of the recorded film on a loop whilst reading. Interesting film though. Funny to see Gererd Butler in the NTS advert but I bet he doesn't live in Scotland!!
Lovely walk to the wee hut still in progress being built but can't be far away from completion.
People have said not much choice in the cafe - I disagree! I could already smell the potato and leek soup on arrival so I chose that. Just as well I didn't know they do macaroni cheese! I'd have had that! I had a lovely slice of Rocky Road made by Cobbs in Drumnadrochit. For the record, there is much choice in both the cafe and the gift shop here than the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Another NTS property.
Gift shop had a wide choice of gifts. I was drawn to the Outlander inspired ring. I asked to try them on for size if they had no ring size which I was told yes. I tootled off to the rings to begin my testing of the fitting. I tried the rings already on display and chose a size I wanted. Rather than buy a tester ring that fitted beautifully, I went for a boxed ring. That was my mistake. I thought I'd quickly put it on as a trial but I just could not get it off again! Sooooò funny! I bought it. I was going to get it anyways but just so you know, I did eventually manage to take it off with some skin now missing after using cold water and LOTS of soap at The Green Welly at Tyndrum. The ring was on the finger with another 3 rings and I just wanted the ring off to get the 3 rings off to put the ring back on, on it's own. If I get mugged for the ring, you'll have to cut my finger off coz it ain't coming off the finger. I won't be losing this ring.
But anyways that's my funny story but seriously cannot be drawn away from the breathtaking scenery as you drive through Glencoe. You can just feel the history! Photography cannot do this area, these mountains justice.
I am now intrigued by the mountaineering side of Glencoe. I am interested to find a non-fiction book about these characters over the years of mountaineering and especially those who lost their lives. With these Mountains being Scottish and no where near the heights of Mount Everest and K2 etc etc, it never crossed my mind to think that mountaineers would die. I'm interested in this now.
I would love to volunteer here but alas I am 3 hours drive away!
As at February 2022 there is still ongoing work on the eco Centre although for what I have no idea!
Wishing the centre a busy and prosperous 2022 tourist season!
The eco centre was clean spacious and welcoming. Lovely lady doing a jewellery stock count at the reception desk explained the layout for us and was pleasant and friendly.
Informative boards to read but there is the annoying repetitive loudness of the recorded film on a loop whilst reading. Interesting film though. Funny to see Gererd Butler in the NTS advert but I bet he doesn't live in Scotland!!
Lovely walk to the wee hut still in progress being built but can't be far away from completion.
People have said not much choice in the cafe - I disagree! I could already smell the potato and leek soup on arrival so I chose that. Just as well I didn't know they do macaroni cheese! I'd have had that! I had a lovely slice of Rocky Road made by Cobbs in Drumnadrochit. For the record, there is much choice in both the cafe and the gift shop here than the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Another NTS property.
Gift shop had a wide choice of gifts. I was drawn to the Outlander inspired ring. I asked to try them on for size if they had no ring size which I was told yes. I tootled off to the rings to begin my testing of the fitting. I tried the rings already on display and chose a size I wanted. Rather than buy a tester ring that fitted beautifully, I went for a boxed ring. That was my mistake. I thought I'd quickly put it on as a trial but I just could not get it off again! Sooooò funny! I bought it. I was going to get it anyways but just so you know, I did eventually manage to take it off with some skin now missing after using cold water and LOTS of soap at The Green Welly at Tyndrum. The ring was on the finger with another 3 rings and I just wanted the ring off to get the 3 rings off to put the ring back on, on it's own. If I get mugged for the ring, you'll have to cut my finger off coz it ain't coming off the finger. I won't be losing this ring.
But anyways that's my funny story but seriously cannot be drawn away from the breathtaking scenery as you drive through Glencoe. You can just feel the history! Photography cannot do this area, these mountains justice.
I am now intrigued by the mountaineering side of Glencoe. I am interested to find a non-fiction book about these characters over the years of mountaineering and especially those who lost their lives. With these Mountains being Scottish and no where near the heights of Mount Everest and K2 etc etc, it never crossed my mind to think that mountaineers would die. I'm interested in this now.
I would love to volunteer here but alas I am 3 hours drive away!
As at February 2022 there is still ongoing work on the eco Centre although for what I have no idea!
Wishing the centre a busy and prosperous 2022 tourist season!
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scottieYorkshire
Yorkshire151 contributions
May 2022
The information available was good and the man in the shop who served me answered my questions about the massacre. The shop is very good although some items are pricey. I bought some books including the one about Glencoe and some childrens books.
The cafe is nice but there was a shortage of pies and other hot food when we were there at 1pm.
The cafe is nice but there was a shortage of pies and other hot food when we were there at 1pm.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fredwin_H
Cambridge, UK58 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
£4 to park, all for the pleasure of being channeled through their gift shop. The 'viewpoint' seemed to be just an area outside the centre building giving the same views as you'd get from the road. Turns out the centre isn't even in Glencoe, which is further up the valley along the road. After searching for any kind of map or information about walks from the centre, it looked like there's just one low-level circuit through the woods around the centre and then instructions to drive further along the main road to other carparks for any other walks. So what I just paid £4 for I don't know. So my advice is save your money and just drive yourselves along the main road instead!
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry you feel the need to give such a negative review Fredwin.
It sounds like you didn't get the chance to enjoy our cinema with a film all about the Glen and its history, our exhibition, our large 3D map and info boards that shows all the local walks, or talk to our knowledgeable team who can answer specific questions and give further recommendations?!
Perhaps if you had spent a little more time doing these things your view would have been more positive...
Our visitor centre is at the western end of Glencoe National Nature Reserve. We prefer to keep the heart of the Glen free from such development. We do not claim that all the walks begin here, but it is a great gateway to planning your visit and exploring further afield.
It is a shame that you didn't explore 3min beyond our mountain viewpoint (which has to have some of the most picturesque picnic benches in Scotland!) as you would have discovered our unique reconstruction of a 17th century turf house, like people once lived in up and down the Glen.
As our signage explains, the £4 we ask visitors to pay to park contributes both to the free facilities we offer at the visitor centre (not bad for an average £1.50 per person) AND towards all the conservation work our charity does here, looking after 14,000 acres, 40 miles of paths and all the mountain views you enjoy for free when you drive through the Glen.
We hope you visit again one day to take advantage of all the things we offer at our visitor centre.
Written November 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeannie2207
Windsor, UK1,061 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Having driven into the car park and paid £4 for parking we discovered the Visitor Centre is closed on Tuesdays. It would’ve been helpful if this information was displayed on entry. While we were there a number of others drove in expecting to be able to visit. Some of whom had also paid £4 for nothing. Disappointing not to have been able to visit and very very annoying to have paid £4 needlessly.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jeanne, we're very sorry that you paid to park not realising that our visitor centre was closed on a Tuesday right now.
We do have several large A1 a-boards which are positioned along the drive into our car park stating that the visitor centre is closed that day and highlighting where the nearest toilets, etc, can be found.
The walks remain open so some people choose to park with us to do these, even when our facilities are closed.
Please reassured that every penny goes towards supporting our charity's conservation work, looking after Glencoe National Nature Reserve.
Best wishes
Team Glencoe
Written July 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there disabled parking and is it free .
Written April 26, 2023
NTS Glencoe
Fort William, United Kingdom
Yes, we have two accessible parking bays and they are free if you can display a Blue Badge.
Written May 6, 2023
What is the itinerary for the 1.5 hours Land Rover Safaris tour?
Written April 28, 2022
NTS Glencoe
Fort William, United Kingdom
Sorry for delay in seeing your question. Yes, our visitor centre is designed to be very wheelchair friendly. No steps, accessible facilities, lower counters and great views for all 😊👍
Written August 12, 2021
Thanks to Christina Smith for assisting me today. Also her front of sales colleague for additional support for my request in getting gift of membership for my adult children.
Writing here, as trip advisor not accepting feedback.
Thanks
Elaine 😊
Written August 1, 2020
NTS Glencoe
Fort William, United Kingdom
Thank you Elaine! We have just noticed your message here. We're glad you found our team helpful (will let them know) and really appreciate you supporting our charity with the gift membership :)
Team Glencoe
Written August 24, 2020
Mathieu Le Gall
Nantes, France
Bonjour,
Est il possible d'acheter des kilts à la boutique?
Hello,
Is it possible to buy kilts at the store?
Written March 13, 2020
Jean W
Toronto, Canada
To the lost and found area.
My name is Jean winters and was on the 5 day Rabbie’s tour with Sean from Rabbie’s tours.. On day 5 in the afternoon of October 5th I lost my Eddie Bauer striped long cotton scarf.
The colours were light blue,navy,light brown. I can send you a picture if you can give me an email to contact you.
Thank you for your help.
Jean Winters from Canada
Written October 13, 2019
You might try calling them directly — or having Rabbies tours call them—- as the visitor center may not monitor trip advisor.
Written October 14, 2019
Is the car park suitable for parking with a caravan?Thanks.
Written July 31, 2019
Hi sorry for the long delay in replying to you. I believe there were some caravans but I would check with them first.
Written January 24, 2020
Is parking free with NT membership here?
Written April 15, 2019
NTS Glencoe
Fort William, United Kingdom
Yes, membership of NTS entitles you to free parking at all of our properties.
Written April 17, 2019
What is the Glen Coe Exhibition that has a fee attached? And what is that fee?
Written September 8, 2018
I can't remember the exact price for entry but it is quite expensive for what it is. The exhibition is very dated.
Written December 14, 2018
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