A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inner Hebrides vs. Glencoe for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Inner Hebrides or Glencoe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a peaceful, tranquil, and stunning islands. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a serene, beautiful, and picturesque village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Inner Hebrides and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Inner Hebrides than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Inner Hebrides is better known for its beaches, while Glencoe is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Glencoe is more touristy than Inner Hebrides and is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting. Inner Hebrides is well known for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky. Also, Inner Hebrides is famous for Armadale Castle.

How is Inner Hebrides different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glencoe and Inner Hebrides. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Dining out at restaurants in both Inner Hebrides and Glencoe can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.


Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Glencoe is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Glencoe. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Beaches?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Inner Hebrides is well known for the beach. However, Glencoe is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Inner Hebrides attract visitors from all over. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Glencoe is not a beach destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

If you're looking to go hiking, Inner Hebrides and Glencoe both have excellent trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Inner Hebrides. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Glencoe. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.


Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Families?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Glencoe is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly destination. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Inner Hebrides. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

With fun activities for couples, both Inner Hebrides and Glencoe make for a excellent place to visit.

Inner Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

Couples visit Glencoe frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Inner Hebrides is a islands with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Inner Hebrides is a good islands to visit for backpackers. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.


Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Inner Hebrides and Glencoe.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Public transit is generally limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Inner Hebrides or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Inner Hebrides
Glencoe

Glencoe is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable village. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Inner Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inner Hebrides and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Inner Hebrides than in Glencoe. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Inner Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

Families should spend more time in Glencoe than Inner Hebrides. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Glencoe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Glencoe than Inner Hebrides. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glencoe that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Inner Hebrides than Glencoe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Inner Hebrides.


  • How many days in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inner Hebrides 3-5 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

In Inner Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This islands offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Glencoe, you'll find food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

In Inner Hebrides, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

Inner Hebrides is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inner Hebrides has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glencoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inner Hebrides. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Inner Hebrides. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the village of Glencoe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Inner Hebrides?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inner Hebrides is £142, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is £117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inner Hebrides and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inner Hebrides £67
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inner Hebrides £134
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Inner Hebrides and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Inner Hebrides or Glencoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inner Hebrides


Hotels in Glencoe


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inner Hebrides £76
    Glencoe £37

Is it cheaper to fly into Inner Hebrides or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Inner Hebrides change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inner Hebrides £31
    Glencoe £33

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inner Hebrides £22
    Glencoe £29

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inner Hebrides £7.71
    Glencoe £6.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inner Hebrides and Glencoe, we can see that Inner Hebrides is more expensive. And not only is Glencoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glencoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glencoe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Inner Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inner Hebrides than you might in Glencoe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Inner Hebrides Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.