Glenfinnan — Attraction in Great Britain

Whether it’s the inbuilt museum or the opportunity to catch a steam train along the same tracks the Hogwarts express rode, Glenfinnan train station is nothing short of an experience. The station is still fully functioning with daily services available to Glasgow Queen Street and Mallaig. The added extras of the museum and Dining car means you can find yourself spending much more time than just waiting for a train. First built in 1901 Glenfinnan train station sits on the West Highland Line between Locheilside station and Lochailort station. The station offers daily services to Glasgow Queen Street, from Monday through to Saturday

there are three trains available, the Sunday service drops to two, the fastest journey time for this route is 4 hours 25 minutes. Heading in the opposite direction you can get to Mallaig station, with four trains stopping daily at Glenfinnan and two on a Sunday, this journey will take you around 48 minutes. Facilities at Glenfinnan include a station car park and waiting rooms on both platforms. There is no ticket office or ticket machine available. A barrow crossing connects the two platforms. Step-free access is available to platform 1, although assistance is advised when using the barrow crossing.

If you want to experience a little magic from Glenfinnan train station, the Jacobite is a steam train runs from Fort William through to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct will be recognisable to Harry Potter fans as the route the Hogwarts Express takes in many...

Parking is available at the station which is active and regular trains and the Jacobite Express travel through. The station museum is attached and we also enjoyed a tour of the original signal box with a local volunteer guide and included simulated (with screen display) signal operations. The car park is 5 pounds for four hours and that allows enough time for a walk though the Glenfinnan station, admission to the museum and the commencement of the Glenfinnan viaduct track which takes you over the top of the famous track (great for photos) and right around (in a loop) back to the start. The walk is about 80 minutes and at its highest points was quite muddy and that particular walk requires lots of steps but the reward is the amazing views. The alternative track from the nearby visitor centre is much flatter, takes less time and more walkable but the views are not there (and parking is quite limited...

A Magical Moment at Glenfinnan Station

I saw the Jacobite Steam Train on its return journey to Fort William, and it was such a beautiful experience! Even though the train doesn’t officially stop at Glenfinnan Station on the way back, we managed to catch a perfect view of it from the front as it passed through. The sound of the steam, the classic black engine, and the scenic Highland backdrop made it feel like a movie scene.

If you’re in the area, definitely head to Glenfinnan Station or nearby viewpoints early to catch it. The best views of the train front are at the station or just after it crosses the viaduct. Timing is everything, so plan ahead!

Highly recommend this experience if you’re a fan of railways, Harry Potter, or simply love...