Have you ever ever dreamed of driving the enduring Hogwarts Specific, identical to Harry, Ron, and Hermione? Ever since I noticed that first puff of steam in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, I’ve been captivated by the concept of boarding the prepare that takes you to Hogwarts. Properly, right here’s the magic revealed: you’ll be able to! Whereas the precise Hogwarts Specific could also be fictional, the Jacobite Steam Prepare is the REAL deal. The six hour journey on the Jacobite Steam Prepare from Fort William to Mallaig is an absolute bucket listing exercise within the Scottish Highlands.
Working within the coronary heart of the Scottish Highlands, this prepare serves because the real-life counterpart to the magical Hogwarts Specific, and it presents a journey that’s straight out of the pages of Harry Potter books.
In case you’re planning your magical journey to trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare, this information will stroll you thru all the things that you must know: methods to e-book tickets, what to anticipate in your journey, and methods to witness the prepare crossing the well-known Glenfinnan Viaduct.
And sure, you actually can “take the lot!” when the trolley comes by! Together with Harry Potter themed sweets and treats!
What Is The Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The Jacobite Steam Prepare is an old style prepare run by West Coast Railways. And sure, it is beautiful and appears similar to the Hogwarts Specific!
It is a steam-powered magnificence that takes passengers via one of the vital picturesque routes in Scotland, from Fort William to the coastal city of Mallaig. This 84-mile spherical journey is greater than only a scenic tour via the Scottish Highlands—it’s additionally the stand-in for the Hogwarts Specific within the Harry Potter movies. That is the place you’ll be able to actually trip via the areas featured within the films, together with the enduring Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you’ve most likely seen in numerous scenes of the Hogwarts Specific chugging its strategy to faculty.
Bear in mind when the blue Ford Anglia pushed by Ron and Harry rides over the viaduct because the prepare passes? You will be there too!
However whereas the prepare’s Hollywood fame is a serious attraction, the trip itself is a wide ranging expertise. The route cuts via lush landscapes, rolling hills, and lochs, delivering postcard-perfect views each step of the best way. It’s no marvel the Jacobite is commonly hailed as one of many biggest prepare journeys on the planet!
Why Trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
There are such a lot of the reason why driving the Jacobite needs to be on each Harry Potter fan’s bucket listing, however even when you’re not a fan, the journey presents an unforgettable journey into the guts of the Scottish Highlands.
- A Magical Expertise: Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter aficionado or just somebody who loves steam prepare, the Jacobite trip presents a nostalgic, immersive expertise. It is like stepping again in time (or into the Wizarding World), and the classic prepare, full with old-world carriages and picket paneling, provides to the allure.
- Gorgeous Surroundings: The Scottish Highlands are really breathtaking. As you journey between Fort William and Mallaig, you’ll cross by deep valleys, shimmering lochs, pristine waterfalls, and rugged mountains that make this journey one of the vital lovely prepare rides on the planet.
- Harry Potter Movie Places: Sure, that is the place you’ll be able to re-live a number of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies! The prepare journey takes you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the place you’ll really feel such as you’re heading straight for Hogwarts. You will additionally cross by Dumbledore’s grave!
- Stops alongside the best way! The prepare stops in Glenfinnan the place there is a small museum. Then you definately’ll additionally cease within the city of Mallaig which is AWESOME for fish and chips and there are even Harry Potter themed retailers!
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: In addition to crossing it, one of the vital thrilling components of the journey is the possibility to observe the prepare from the surface. Extra on that under!
Tips on how to Ebook Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare
Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Prepare could be booked via West Coast Railways’ official web site. Even when your Hogwarts letter hasn’t arrived, you’ll be able to nonetheless get to Hogwarts!
In brief, you’d purchase tickets right here for the Jacobite Steam Prepare.
HOWEVER, if these are offered out you are able to do a bundle right here.
Listed here are some extra choices:
Right here’s a breakdown of what that you must know:
- Advance Reserving: Tickets promote out shortly, particularly in the summertime months when the climate is at its finest. I like to recommend reserving your tickets as early as potential.
- Sorts of Tickets: There are a number of choices in terms of seating. You may select between customary class, first-class, and when you’re feeling additional magical, you’ll be able to e-book a personal compartment for a extra Harry Potter-esque expertise. Customary tickets value round £50 per particular person, whereas first-class tickets will set you again round £72. Compartments, which maintain as much as six individuals, value about £180.Even when you’re on a price range, don’t be concerned—the expertise is magical regardless of the place you are seated. Plus, all of the carriages have that charming classic really feel, so it’s not like Harry, Ron, and Hermione traveled to Hogwarts in firstclass!
- Final-Minute Tickets: In case you’re somebody who likes to journey spontaneously, you’ll be able to attempt to purchase tickets on the day of the journey. It’s dangerous, as availability is restricted, however when you’re close to Fort William, it’s price checking on the station for any cancellations. You should definitely carry money, as these last-minute tickets are sometimes offered on a first-come, first-served foundation.
- You don’t get to choose your seats. However they really swap you on the return journey so you can look out BOTH sides while you journey!
*I personally booked the most affordable tickets (£50) round and felt my journey was properly price it!
The prepare journey itself follows the West Highland line from Fort William to Mallaig alongside the Nevis mountain vary.
How Lengthy is the Journey on the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The complete Jacobite Steam Prepare journey from Fort William to Mallaig covers 84 miles round-trip, with every leg taking about 2 hours. When you arrive in Mallaig, you’ll have a 2-hour layover to discover the city, seize some meals, or simply stretch your legs. That brings the entire time of your journey to roughly 6 hours—loads of time to soak within the beautiful Highland views!
A fast word: the Jacobite solely presents round-trip tickets, so there’s no choice to e-book only a one-way journey. You’re in for the total expertise!
When Can You Trip the Jacobite Steam Prepare?
The Jacobite Steam Prepare operates from early April to late October, so when you’re planning a winter journey, you will need to go for the common ScotRail service, which runs the identical scenic route in the course of the low season. Word: it is nice! Simply not the very same (ie, fairly) prepare.
Through the season, the prepare departs from Fort William twice every day. The morning prepare runs all through the whole season, whereas the afternoon service is accessible from Might to September. Right here’s the schedule:
- Morning Service: Departs Fort William at 10:15 am, arrives in Mallaig at 12:26 pm. You’ll depart Mallaig at 2:10 pm, returning to Fort William by 4 pm.
- Afternoon Service: Leaves Fort William at 12:50 pm, arriving in Mallaig simply after 3 pm. The return prepare departs at 5 pm, getting you again to Fort William by 7 pm.
Understand that the afternoon schedule is barely completely different on Saturdays, so all the time double-check the instances when planning your magical journey!
What to Count on on the Journey
Now for the enjoyable half! The Jacobite departs from Fort William and travels alongside the West Highland Line to Mallaig, with every leg of the journey lasting about two hours. The prepare additionally makes a brief cease in Glenfinnan, providing you with time to discover the world (or catch that excellent shot of the prepare passing over the viaduct).
Key Highlights Alongside the Route:
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct: Essentially the most iconic a part of the journey. This magnificent 21-arch railway bridge curves elegantly via the panorama and is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. Ensure to have your digicam prepared—that is your probability to seize that basic shot of the Hogwarts Specific chugging alongside.
- Loch Eilt: This tranquil loch served as the placement for Dumbledore’s resting place in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It’s additionally the place Hagrid skims stones in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
- Mallaig: The quaint fishing city of Mallaig is the tip of the road, and it’s the place you’ll have a few hours to discover earlier than boarding the prepare to your return journey. Take a stroll, seize some fish and chips, or pop into a neighborhood pub for a well-deserved pint.
*Please word* the prepare may be very strict about sticking your hand and face out the window for security causes. Actually, a little bit of coal did get in our compartment from having the home windows open. Ensure it would not get into your eye!
Arriving at Fort William Prepare Station
We arrived roughly 10 minutes earlier than departure. Don’t be like me. We RUSHED to get a BAP from the native cafe.
There isn’t any arduous and quick check-in time for the Jacobite Steam Prepare, however the prepare gained’t look ahead to you in case you are late.
I like to recommend arriving on the prepare station 20-Half-hour earlier than departure time to check-in and discover your seat. As well as, enable additional time to seek out parking close to the prepare station.
There may be very restricted parking on the prepare station, however there are a number of long-stay automotive parks in Fort William. They’re positioned at West Finish, the Transport Centre (reverse the Belford Hospital, and together with the Railway Station), An Aird No.1 (reverse the Nevis Centre) and An Aird No.2 (adjoining to the Shinty Membership).
West Coast Railways advises to not park on the Morrison automotive park by the station as that is just for grocery store clients and never appropriate for lengthy stays.
The check-in desk for the Jacobite Steam Prepare is positioned on the platform at Fort William prepare station. The prepare guard will meet you, verify your tickets and direct you to the precise carriage.
Fort William prepare station has bogs and showers, a ready room and kiosk for snack. You may verify all of the amenities right here. There are additionally baggage storage amenities on the station.
There’s a huge Morrison grocery store throughout the street. We received meal offers from right here after the journey.
Watching the Jacobite Steam Prepare from Glenfinnan Viaduct
In case you desire watching the Hogwarts Specific from a distance, don’t miss the chance to hike to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s top-of-the-line spots to see the prepare because it crosses the well-known bridge, and belief me, it’s pure magic to observe. This is methods to profit from it:
- Attending to Glenfinnan: The simplest strategy to attain Glenfinnan is by automotive. It’s a couple of 30-minute drive from Fort William. There’s parking accessible on the Glenfinnan Customer Centre, however get there early throughout peak vacationer season, because it fills up quick.
- The Hike: From the Customer Centre, a comparatively simple, well-marked path leads you to the most effective viewing level. The hike takes about 10-20 minutes, and whereas it’s not too strenuous, you’ll wish to put on respectable strolling footwear. From the highest, you’ll have an unbeatable view of the prepare passing over the viaduct. The prepare sometimes crosses the viaduct round 10:45 AM and once more at 1:25 PM.
- Photograph Suggestions: For the most effective photograph ops, head up the path early to safe your spot. The prepare slows down barely because it crosses the viaduct, providing you with a bit of additional time to snap your pictures. Additionally, be ready for every kind of climate—it’s Scotland, in spite of everything!
Different Harry Potter Filming Places within the Highlands
Whereas the Jacobite prepare trip is the primary attraction, the Scottish Highlands are dwelling to a number of different Harry Potter filming areas which might be properly price exploring. See all my Harry Potter guides right here!
- Loch Shiel: One other well-known backdrop within the movies, Loch Shiel was used because the setting for Hogwarts’ Black Lake. You’ll acknowledge this from the Triwizard Match scenes in Goblet of Hearth and when Harry soars over the lake on Buckbeak in Prisoner of Azkaban.
- Rannoch Moor: This desolate, hauntingly lovely panorama served because the backdrop for a lot of pictures of the Hogwarts Specific touring via the wilderness.
- Steall Falls: Positioned close to Fort William, this waterfall was used because the setting for the Triwizard Match in Goblet of Hearth. It’s an amazing climbing vacation spot if you wish to see extra of the Highlands after your prepare journey.
- Glencoe: My FAVORITE space of Scotland with essentially the most dramatic panorama. Additionally the scene of Hagrid’s hut! You could find it in Clachaig, Glencoe.
Tips on how to Maximize Your Jacobite Steam Prepare Expertise
A journey on the Jacobite steam prepare is not only a trip—it’s an journey! Listed here are a number of suggestions to make sure you profit from your magical day:
- Pack Snacks and Leisure: Whereas there’s a meals trolley onboard, the journey is lengthy, and also you’ll need one thing to maintain you entertained. Carry snacks, a e-book, and even some video games to cross the time. And when you’re a real Harry Potter fan, why not re-watch the films within the lead-up to your journey?
- Costume for the Climate: The Scottish Highlands are recognized for unpredictable climate, so remember to pack layers and a water-proof jacket, even when it seems sunny.
- Keep in Fort William: The journey begins early, so take into account staying in Fort William the evening earlier than. It’s a captivating city with loads of cozy lodging and eating places to take pleasure in.
- Sure, the prepare is canine pleasant! It is free to your canine to trip. Please take into account that it’s slightly small areas so enormous canine might need hassle discovering house.
Driving the Jacobite steam prepare is not only for die-hard Harry Potter followers—it is an expertise everybody ought to have a minimum of as soon as. From the beautiful Scottish Highlands to the enduring movie areas, each second on this journey is steeped in magic and historical past. Whether or not you’re driving the prepare or watching it cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s an unforgettable journey that you simply’ll keep in mind!
Try my information to Scotland right here!
And Harry Potter guides right here!