Despite being branded as the ‘worst town’ to visit in all of the UK, Fort William in Scotland has recently been praised for its crowd-free tranquil setting
A tranquil town tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, previously underrated, is now being hailed as the perfect staycation spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Scotland is brimming with breathtaking landscapes and idyllic villages, but if you’re yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Fort William should be at the top of your list. Despite once being dubbed as the UK’s worst holiday destination by consumer watchdog Which?, Fort William has recently been praised as a peaceful place to visit.
The town, known as the gateway to Ben Nevis – the UK’s tallest mountain – has received a four out of five rating from visitors for its ‘lack of crowds’. Fort William is known as the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’, as it offers an abundance of scenic walks and hiking trails. Earlier this year, Which? surveyed 3,967 members who had visited various UK cities and towns for leisure and stayed at least one night over the past two years. Although it scored lower than neighbouring Oban and Inverness, Fort William was highly praised for its serene surroundings.
While Which? gave the town a mere two out of five for food and drink, it actually boasts a plethora of popular eateries that have received rave reviews on Tripadvisor. The Geographer, for instance, has over 800 reviews with a 4.5/5 star rating. One diner raved: “Having recently visited Fort William for a few days, we were so fortunate to find the ‘Geographer Restaurant’. It is normal to read in reviews the staff are pleasant and welcoming, however this establishment goes well beyond that. Every member of staff took the time to chat to us even though the restaurant was full.”
The Crannog Seafood restaurant is another top-rated option, serving up fresh seafood from local waters that’s sure to delight. Meanwhile, the Ben Nevis Inn is a great choice for a post-hike pint, pleasantly located at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain. Fort William’s High Street is lined with local and independent shops, making it a great destination for some retail therapy.
“Scotland did well in our survey – with Edinburgh near the top of the big cities table with 83 per cent and Glasgow not far behind on 76 per cent. St Andrews was joint second in our small cities table on 78 per cent, with Stirling on 75 per cent,” Which? commented. The full list of the best and worst staycation destinations in Scotland and England can be found on the Which? website.
