Highland Explorer Tours
BEST FOR
Ages 5+
ENTRY
from £198
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
A multi-day Highland tour that swings past Glenfinnan so the kids can ride the steam train from the Harry Potter films.
This isn't a day out so much as a proper trip: a 1-day or 3-day tour round the Highlands, taking in castles, monuments and the sort of scenery that makes you stop the car every five minutes. The reason most families book it, and let's be honest about this, is the Jacobite Steam Train, the one that plays the Hogwarts Express in the films. You get the option to add it on and ride the real thing between Mallaig and Fort William, about two hours, with a proper view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct out the window.
Kids need to be 5 or over, and anyone under 17 has to be with an adult, so this is one for school-age children rather than toddlers. The train tickets aren't included in most of the tour prices though, which stings a bit when the tour itself already starts at £198 for one day or £309 for three. Budget another £10 to £20 a day if you want to actually go into the castles and attractions along the way, since entry fees are extra and optional.
The practical bits are worth knowing before you commit. You get one suitcase (max 67cm x 45cm, 15kg) plus a small carry-on per person, so this is not the trip for overpacking. Miss the departure and there's no refund, so turn up 15 minutes early rather than trusting the satnav. Toilets are on the train and the itineraries build in comfort breaks, which matters on a two-hour rail journey with young kids.
If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair, they need to be able to board and get off independently, which is worth knowing before you book rather than after. And if you're paying in the shop rather than online, it's cards only, no cash and no American Express.
Need to know
- Best for
- Ages 5 and up, especially Harry Potter-mad kids
- Booking
- Tours book in advance with timed departures
- One suitcase (max 67cm x 45cm, 15kg) plus a small carry-on per person, so pack light.
- Shop payments are card only, no cash or American Express.
- Wheelchair users need to be able to board and disembark the train independently.
- Tours run on timed departures booked in advance, not turn-up-and-go.
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Tours start from £198 for one day or £309 for three days. The Jacobite Steam Train itself usually costs extra on top of that.
How old do kids need to be?
Five is the minimum age, and anyone under 17 has to be with an adult. There's no upper age limit.
How long is the train ride?
Around two hours between Mallaig and Fort William, with the Glenfinnan Viaduct along the way. There are toilets at each end of the carriages.
What if we're running late for departure?
Don't be. They ask you to arrive 15 minutes early and won't wait or refund you if you miss it.
Is there much to spend on top of the tour price?
Reckon on £10 to £20 a day if you want to go into the castles and attractions the tour stops at. Entry fees are optional but the good bits usually aren't free.
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