Glenfinnan House Hotel

The story of the house begins in the mid-eighteenth century, when it was built as an inn between 1752 and 1755 by Alexander MacDonald VII of Glenaladale. He had been wounded at Culloden in 1746 while fighting for Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In the years that followed, the building shifted roles and became a tenant farmer’s home, a quiet chapter that lasted until 1842. Around this time, Angus MacDonald XII of Glenaladale decided to transform the old structure into the family’s main residence. He raised the walls and ceilings, added larger windows, and soon after expanded the footprint to create the layout you see today. His brother Fr. Donald, who built the local church, lived here for more than thirty years. In 1870, the estate passed to Col. John Andrew, Angus’s son. After the Colonel’s death in 1916 without heirs, the house and lands passed out of the family, ending over three centuries of family ownership.

The MacFarlane family arrived in Glenfinnan in 1971 and found the house in serious disrepair. They set about restoring it and eventually turned it into a hotel, doing their best to keep the building’s original character alive. In recognition of its hospitality, Glenfinnan House Hotel picked up seven awards at the 2019 Regional Scottish Hotel Awards in Inverness.

This Scottish country house is a solid stone mansion with pine panelled corners that give it a quiet, steady charm. You sense it the moment you step inside. The hall breathes warmth from the log fire, and there is that soft hint of old pine in the air. The walls are crowded with atmospheric paintings that almost make you pause, especially the bold scene of the 1745 Jacobite Rising at Glenfinnan.

It feels a bit like you have wandered into a friend’s Highland home, lived in and welcoming. The rooms follow the same feeling, with some opening to a wide loch view, others to the garden, all furnished with solid mahogany and oak pieces. The fabrics and old fittings wrap the rooms in a calm, settled comfort.

The Dining Room
The Dining Room is the most polished spot. The chefs work with fresh, local produce, so the menu changes with the seasons. You might find seafood from nearby waters, meat from local farms, or a quiet twist on a classic Scottish dish. Big windows look out to the landscape, giving the room a calm and open feel. They also offer a kids' menu, so families can enjoy without any fuss.

Opening hours: Breakfast 7:30 am to 10:00 am | Dinner 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The BBQ and Beer Garden
Outside, the BBQ and Beer Garden runs from April to September. It sits right by the loch, so the view does half the work. You can order from the BBQ menu or the lounge menu by scanning a QR code. Families love it for the local beers, ice cream, and little toys that keep kids busy while everyone relaxes.

Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

The Bar
If you want something more relaxed, the Bar is where most people end up. It has that warm Highland pub feel, with hearty Scottish plates made from local ingredients. Think comforting pies, simple stews, or whatever seafood happens to be freshest that week. The atmosphere is easygoing, and the staff makes you feel right at home.

Opening hours: Bar Lunch Menu 11:30 am to 6:00 pm | Bar Dinner Menu 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The Whisky Bar
For whisky lovers, the Whisky Bar feels like a quiet little nook made for slow evenings. The collection is impressive, and the team is happy to talk you through different bottles if you want to learn something new. You can try a guided tasting or simply enjoy a drink with a few small bites.

Weddings at Glenfinnan House Hotel feel like stepping into your own Highland story, with the hills around you, the viaduct on one side, and Loch Shiel right in front. With exclusive use, the whole house becomes yours for the celebration. Every room, every corner of the garden, and all the quiet scenery around you turn into your own private setting. It suits small, intimate gatherings just as well as larger celebrations, and the team helps you shape the day the way you want it.

The Glenfinnan Room
Venue type and style: A bright indoor space with wide windows that frame the viaduct and the loch, creating a backdrop that feels almost unreal.

Glenfinnan Garden
Venue type and style: A calm, manicured lawn surrounded by nature, offering a soft and romantic open-air setting.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

There is so much to do around Glenfinnan that you will never run out of ideas. If you love being outdoors, the hills and trails here make even a simple walk feel special. There are also three golf courses close by in Traigh, Fort William, and Ballachulish if you want a relaxed day out. You can try archery, horse riding, cycling, hiking, or even skiing when the weather cooperates. Glencoe Mountain Resort, known as Scotland’s oldest ski centre, is close enough for a fun day on the slopes and even has the longest and steepest ski run in the country.

For something a bit different, Minch Adventures takes you out to places you would never reach on your own. You can fish, forage, and even cook your catch on a quiet beach, which feels like a little adventure by itself. M. V. Shearwater also runs cruises to the Inner Hebrides, where you can hop off at Eigg, Muck, or Rum and look out for whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and otters.

Loch Shiel Cruises leave right from the area and are such a peaceful way to explore the Highlands from the water. You often end up spotting golden eagles, white tailed eagles, divers, harriers, and red deer while someone on board shares stories about the landscape and the history. Trips can be as short as an hour or stretch into a full day if you want to slow down.

Since Glenfinnan sits in the outdoor capital of the UK, both active travelers and laid-back ones find plenty to enjoy. Kayaking with Rockhopper is a great pick if you want to be on the water. They have half-day and full-day outings, and sea kayaking is available around Lochaber. And if you just want something simple and scenic, the local walks around Glenfinnan are beautiful and easy to follow.

Christmas at Glenfinnan House Hotel feels warm and homely. Christmas Eve starts with cream tea by the fire, followed by a Prosecco welcome and a simple candlelit dinner. On Christmas morning, a stocking waits at the door before a slow Highland breakfast. Christmas Lunch comes with Champagne, and the rest of the day is yours for walks, games, or just relaxing by the fire. Boxing Day stays easy with brunch, Afternoon Tea, a light supper, and the chance to join the brave crowd who take the annual dip in Loch Shiel.

Hogmanay has a bit more sparkle. The stay begins with cream tea, then builds up to a Champagne reception and a Black Tie Gala Dinner on New Year’s Eve, complete with music and dancing. New Year’s Day stays easy with brunch, Afternoon Tea, and a cosy dinner to end the celebrations.

Glenfinnan House Hotel also works well for occasions beyond weddings. The property has dedicated meeting and banquet spaces that can be set up for corporate events, team gatherings, or workshops. They can also host private celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or family get-togethers. Since every event is a little different, it is best to get in touch with the team to discuss what you have in mind and see what is possible.