tourist information aviemore scotland

Aviemore Attractions

There are many Attractions in Aviemore catering for all ages and all weathers.

Aviemore itself has some brilliant attractions such as the Strathspey Steam Railway , Rothiemurchus Estate , Cairngorm Mountain , the Fun House at Hilton Coylumbridge and the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre but is also brilliantly located to make the most of attractions in the surrounding villages. Nearby at Carrbridge is Landmark Forest Adventure Centre and to the south near Kincraig is the Highland Wildlife Park . In Newtonmore is the Highland Folk Museum a great day out for all ages and free to enter. Aviemore attractions are great for all ages so be sure to enjoy some great days out in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area.

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Aviemore is an amazing year-round tourist destination , no matter when you visit. Set underneath the mighty Cairngorm mountain, Aviemore has spectacular scenery and amazing attractions to look forward to throughout the year. From Scotland’s summer to winter months, you can look forward to many things to do in Aviemore that are fun for all the family.

The best-known attractions in Aviemore are its great selection of ski locations, its secluded lochs and enchanting forests, and its abundance of cycle trails and quad bike treks. It’s no surprise that Aviemore attracts tourists from all over the world to this fantastic Scottish holiday location.

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Where Is Aviemore?

This stunning Highland town is settled in the Cairngorms National Park , home to 3 of the 4 highest mountains in the British Isles. It is an absolute haven for hikers who want to scale and spy on the stunning scenery around them. Best of all, Aviemore only sits 30 miles south of Inverness on the A9.

Expect a warm welcome from its locals, several traditional pubs and restaurants, and much more as we dive into what to do in Aviemore.

Things to do in Aviemore

Perfect for explorers, Aviemore is an excellent base for those looking for a base of operations around the Cairngorms National Park. You’re not alone either, as Aviemore is a tourist hub with many cosy lodges and bespoke hotels within this area.

That said there is so much to do here, everything from music festivals to sledge dog rallies!

Whether you are visiting the town during the summer or the winter – check out the great range of things to do in Aviemore below.

The Cairngorms National Park

Aviemore lies within the Cairngorm National Park, the UK’s largest national park. If you’re coming to Aviemore for attractions, the Cairngorms can’t be beaten.

You can experience it all: water sports, snow sports, wildlife watching, hiking trails, kayaking and cycling routes.

There are many boutique hotels within the park, but many nature lovers choose to sleep under the stars at the various campsites instead. Why wouldn’t you? The Cairngorms is one of the best places to stay outdoors, with several purpose-built trails, outdoor facilities, and adventures to enjoy.

While Winter sports and hillwalking are the main activities in the Cairngorms mountains , trail cycling, mountain biking, and canoeing are all excellent options alongside less strenuous walks.

The Cairngorms National Park’s main tourist attraction is the Cairngorms mountain range. A scenic landmark, the Cairn Gorm mountain is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding (unfortunately, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway is closed) . Interestingly, the ‘Cairngorms’ used to be called ‘Am Monadh Ruadh’ (The Russet-Coloured Mountain Range).

The Cairngorms Plateau is the closest we can get to the Arctic, alpine, tundra, and boreal conditions in Britain. It’s no wonder that animals like Reindeer can comfortably call places like the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre their home.

Highland Wildlife Park

The Highland Wildlife Park is a 25-minute drive away from Aviemore. It is well worth a visit if you are looking for cool things to do in Aviemore for families.

Not only will you discover rare Scottish wildlife and endangered animals, but you can also engage in some wildlife photography! Make sure you capture native species such as the Capercaillie and Scottish Wildcat, Amur Tiger, and Polar Bear. Visitors to the Wildlife Park can drive around the main reserve and also walk-round the surrounding areas on foot.

Kids (and big kids, too) love visiting the Wildlife Park.

Glenmore Forest Park

You will find Glenmore Forest Park at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains. The park attracts over 250,000 visitors each year , coming to enjoy walking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

This is one of the stunning things to do in Aviemore for couples , and this enchanting forest is most famous for its native Caledonian pinewoods. Loch Morlich, which sits next to the woods, attracts many visitors thanks to its long sandy beach, which has been awarded a Rural Beach Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful. Loch Morlich is the first and only freshwater inland loch to have received this recognition.

Within the park is another hidden gem, the Pass of Ryvoan. This scenic trail is loved by those with green fingers as it is surrounded by natural beauty and views of the hillside. It’s a secluded part of the forest that is an excellent spot for relaxing and picnicking while indulging in Speyside wildlife watching – what great fun.

Aviemore Sledge Dog Rally

January is one of the most popular months for tourists to visit Aviemore, with one of the best things to do in January being the local sledgedog rally.

Hundreds of huskies head for the Highlands every year to take part in the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Rally. Glenmore welcomes over 1000 Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs to its grounds for the rally.

During the rally, teams of between two and eight sledge dogs pull sledges. These travel up to 25 miles an hour over the track, which is based near Loch Morlich and its surrounding areas. Competitors from all over the world participate, and over 3000 spectators come to watch each year— fun for the whole family!

Breweries and Distilleries

Say ‘slanj” and check out what’s brewing in the Highlands of Scotland. The Spey Valley is renowned for its delicious whisky, and Aviemore is no exception. Take part in a rite of passage and enjoy a tour of a local brewery or two!

The Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Brewery and six distilleries: Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Royal Lochnagar, Balmenach and Speyside Distillery.

Royal Lochnagar, Dalwhinnie, Cairngorm Brewery and Glenlivet all have visitor centres where you can learn more about the art of brewing/distilling. Tomintoul, Balmenach (Caorunn Gin) and Speyside Distillery can also be visited on request.

With so many options available around Aviemore and the Scottish Highlands, we advise that you drink responsibly. Also, children under the age of 12 are not permitted.

Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival

Another annual event which takes place in this buzzing town is Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival. If you enjoy a tipple or two, this is one of the best Aviemore attractions for you to enjoy.

You will be spoiled for choice as event organisers bring the best mix of spirits and craft beers under one roof. Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival started in 2019. Locals loved it so much that they have decided to continue the three-day festival every year.

The festival is a great opportunity for Aviemore residents to showcase the region’s finest food and drink producers, venues, and arts and crafts.

Macdonald Aviemore Resort

If you are looking for a spa break in Aviemore, look no further than the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Hanging out at the Cairngorms can be exhausting, especially if you are using up all of your energy on the slopes of a ski resort.

After all of those Aviemore activities , take some time for yourself – relax and enjoy a hot stone massage or rejuvenating facial. This is the perfect place to spend time with a loved one and a great way to end a trip to Aviemore in style.

If you want to indulge in luxury, this resort is one of the best things to do in Aviemore, Scotland.

Landmark Forrest Adventure Park

6 miles (10km) north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge . This is a must when looking at things to do in Aviemore , especially if your kids love a play park.

Expect a fun-filled day in Landmark Forest Adventure Park! Among the key attractions are family-friendly roller coasters, wild water coasters, the High Ropes Trails, and the Skydive.

The geographic variety here is also remarkable—the park features caverns, wild creatures, and gorgeous waterfalls.

Rothiemurchus Forest

Right on the edge of Aviemore and at the heart of Cairngorms National Park is the Rothiemurchus Forest. A veritable mountain garden, Rothiemurchus is yet another very special place to visit on a family trip.

Situated right next to the forest is the Rothiemurchus Centre, which boasts adventure aplenty with outdoor activities such as fishing, segway, quad bike trips, archery , pony trips, paddleboarding, family rafting, safari, and many others.

At the end of the day, you can visit the Druie Cafe to enjoy local tea or a delicious slice of cake.

Fun House at Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel

One for the kids, whether you are staying at Coylumbridge Hotel or not, the Fun House is another excellent location to spend a day with your family.

The Fun House offers activities to participate in for both children and adults.

Younger children will be able to have some fun at the soft play centre and the games room. As for adults and older kids, they’ll be able to enjoy golf and bowling. A remarkable site at the Fun House is a 1950s-themed licensed diner complete with colourful tables and vinyl seating. There’s even a pool table!

The Fun House also offers birthday party opportunities with a dedicated party room and meal plans.

Highland Folk Museum

A little south of Aviemore is Newtonmore, home to the Highland Folk Museum .

Lying on a mile-long stretch of land, the Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open-air museum. The key attraction of the Highland Folk Museum is the Highland Township. The Highland Township features buildings interpreted from the 1700s.

You also have the Open Air Section with a selection of 19th- to mid-20th-century buildings. Each area features staff members dressed as highlanders, reenacting the activities from the past centuries. On certain days, the Highland Folk Museum hosts rope-making, weaving, and other highland life demonstrations.

Some of the site’s buildings have been built here. However, most have been relocated from other areas of the highlands and rebuilt on-site.

Paintballing

Taking in all this beautiful, quaint scenery is brilliant. However, you might be looking for something with a bit of buzz to it (assuming you’re not into Skiing or Snowboarding). If that’s the case, then Aviemore has several paintballing opportunities to take advantage of.

There are a couple of paintballing vendors in Aviemore, each offering a unique course to navigate your hand at.

Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club

Love golf? Then you will find a number of excellent courses near Aviemore! There’s nothing better than teeing off with the superb views out to the natural surroundings.

The 18-hole Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club is one of the best golf clubs and courses in Scotland. No matter if you’re new to the Scottish sport or consider yourself a ‘Tiger Woods’, check out the Boat of Garten Golf Club.

Abernethy Golf Club

Another notable option is the Abernethy Golf Club, located just next to the Nethy Bridge village.

Established in 1893, the Abernethy Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country.

Built on natural moorland, this golf club is home to some challenging holes, gorgeous views, and a few wildlife species, such as red squirrels or ospreys. Taking a breathtaking walk in the early Aviemore morning on a golf course is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Aviemore.

Loch Garten Osprey Centre

Again, situated near Nethy Bridge north of Aviemore, Loch Garten Osprey Centre is a great afternoon out and a unique experience .

It is here that the ospreys returned in the 1950s after becoming extinct in the UK. If you’ve ever wanted to take a guided walk with birds of prey,

Ospreys can be seen here from March or April to August or September.

Aviemore Town Centre

Save the best for last, eh? One of the best Aviemore tourist attractions is the town centre itself.

Aviemore Town Centre is pretty busy for a small highland town. The Town has a real buzz about it, with plenty of hidden places to explore. Be sure to check out the numerous cafes and restaurants scattered throughout Aviemore!

If you are into hillwalking for some reason, the outdoor shops here have the best deals in Scotland. I’ve bagged myself a bargain on a couple of really good jackets and hillwalking trousers from a mountain shop or two in Aviemore.

The nightlife in Aviemore is surprisingly good. The pubs are reasonably busy in Winter when there is snow on Cairn Gorm mountain. In summer, Aviemore is a popular destination for stag dos. However, it is by no means a loud, rowdy Town.

You also have The Vault, a surprisingly ‘buzzing’ nightclub (coming from a Glaswegian!).

More Things to do in The Highlands

• Things to do in Arisaig
• Things to do in Beauly
• Things to do in Brora
• Things to do in Caithness
• Things to do in Carrbridge
• Things to do in Drumnadrochit
• Things to do in Fort Augustus
• Things to do in Fort William
• Things to do in Gairloch
• Things to do in Invergordon
• Things to do in Inverness
• Things to do in Kingussie
• Things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh
• Things to do in Lochinver
• Things to do in Loch Ness
• Things to do in Nairn
• Things to do in Newtonmore
• Things to do in Strathpeffer
• Things to do in Thurso
• Things to do in Ullapool
• Things to do in Wick

Graham Grieve

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Things to Do in Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms - Aviemore Attractions

Things to do in aviemore.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rothiemurchus

2. Loch an Eilein

3. Landmark Forest Adventure Park

4. Kinrara Distillery

5. An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch)

6. RSPB Loch Garten

7. Cairngorm Mountain

8. Loch Morlich

9. Quad Bikes Rothiemurchus

10. Cairngorm Brewery

11. Glenmore Forest Park

12. Craigellachie National Nature Reserve

13. Aviemore VisitScotland iCentre

14. Thunder in the Glens Rally

15. The Old Packhorse Bridge

16. Green Loch

17. Aviemore Ice Rink

18. Speyside Way Long Distance Route

19. Speyside Way Long Distance Trail

20. Aviemore Circular

21. Boat of Garten Community Garden

22. Aviemore Dog Park

23. The SNUG

24. Aviemore Kart Raceway

25. Boat of Garten Golf Club

26. extreme dream climbing centre, aviemore.

27. Carrbridge Golf Club

28. 1896 Gallery

29. Aviemore Railway Station

30. Sluggan Bridge

What travelers are saying.

13 BEST Things to do in Aviemore (2023 Updated Guide!)

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Need to know the best things to do in Aviemore, Scotland? You’ve come to the right place! Aviemore is (and will always be) one of my favourite places in Scotland, and here’s just a snippet of some of the highlights!

Whether you’re looking for mountain scenery, scenic hikes, ski resorts, Alpine-style bars, cosy pubs, watersports, sandy beaches, desolate castles, forest trails, or even a field full of reindeer at the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herd, Aviemore has something for everyone. 

Looking back on our Scotland road trip, I wish we had planned more time to stay in Aviemore. It’s a small Scottish town located in the North-West of Cairngorms National Park , and it attracts thousands of tourists each year.

But one of the best things about Aviemore is it still feels secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of some of the bigger Scottish towns. It’s like you’ve found a hidden gem when you arrive!

If you’re an adventurous or outdoor type of person, Aviemore should be at the top of your UK bucket list.

This guide is written from my most memorable experiences in Aviemore. During our epic Scotland road trip , I’d even go as far as to say Aviemore was the highlight.

Walking around Loch Morlich (more on this beautiful location later) was the most memorable day of our trip!

Below I’ve listed all of the best things to do in Aviemore, but there are many more things to do in this part of Scotland! Even just driving through Aviemore is an experience!

Visiting Scotland this year? Check out my other guides!

• 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary (2022)
• Where to Find Highland Cows in Scotland: Highland Cattle
• Fairy Pools Skye Walk: Everything You Need to Know

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

Best Things to Do in Aviemore , Scotland

1) have a beach day at loch morlich.

When we first visited Loch Morlich, I was shocked at how picture-perfect it was. The loch is small and is surrounded by the Rothiemurcus forest and the Cairngorm mountains.

It’s one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of the UK!

There are a few stops around Loch Morlich, but we found the sandy ‘beach’ to be our favourite.

There’s a watersport hut full of paddleboards, kayaks, and wet suits, an ice cream hut, and a cafe. Even in the peak summer months, you won’t find many tourists here, making it feel like you’ve found a hidden gem of Scotland!

If it’s not too cold, enjoy a swim or paddleboard on the loch. When we visited Loch Morlich in August, I spent a few hours just swimming around the lake without spending any money on equipment. It’s a perfect backpacker-friendly activity!

There’s also a large Tesco in Aviemore’s main town, so you can pack a bag and take a picnic to enjoy on the sand as well!

2) Walk through the Rothiemurcus forest

One of the best things about Aviemore is the Rothiemurcus Forest. We stayed in the Rothiemurcus RV campsite (which I highly recommend, one of the cutest campsites I’ve ever stayed in!) and it was right in the heart of the forest. 

Rothiemurcus is home to different species of wildlife and has hundreds of trails to follow for an easy day out.

Trails can be found from different spots throughout the forest, and our favourites started near Loch Morlich.  This again is a completely free activity to do in Aviemore and is perfect for those backpacking Scotland on a budget.

When you’re finished exploring the forest on foot, you can rent a quad bike, try pony trekking or kayak down the river if it’s a warm day!

🥾 Whilst visiting Aviemore, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots . It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Brasher walking boots!

3) Stay at the Rothiemurcus campsite

The Rothiemurcus campsite is one of the best places to stay in Aviemore.

At around £20 a night, the accommodation is located right in the middle of the forest. The campsite owners had thought of everything; they’d even decorated the trees with fairy lights.

It was such a nice touch and we couldn’t have been happier. It’s a blissful place to switch off from reality and be surrounded by nature.

The campsite is clean, easy to find and in a perfect location to explore the Cairngorms.  Wild camping is great to do in Scotland, but when you need a night to top up electricity, I highly recommend the Rothiemurcus campsite . It’s one I’ll be returning to!

4) Enjoy Aviemore High Street

Aviemore’s high street has a great atmosphere and a friendly, chilled vibe. Whether you visit the outdoor adventure stores, the restaurants and pubs, or to buy a BBQ from Tesco’s to have by your van, there are lots of reasons to enjoy Aviemore high street.

If you’re someone who doesn’t want the night to end, head to The Vault for after-hours dancing. Even the Glaswegians say it’s a good place for a party!

5) Go skiing in the Cairngorms mountains

Booking a winter ski trip? Scotland might not be your first thought for skiing, but the Cairn Gorm Mountain is the UK’s most popular ski destination!  It’s close to Aviemore and is a popular ski resort.

You can do activities such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing, and even dog sledging.

If you’re a beginner skier, the Cairngorms Centre also offers gear hire and lessons. But if you’re more advanced, you can go off-piste and explore on your own.

6) Do a circular walk around Loch Morlich

As Loch Morlich is surrounded by forest and beaches, it’s a great place to spend a few hours walking and exploring the Cairngorms.

Most of the trails are flat and have the opportunity to go ‘off road’ and into the forest . If you’d rather stay on the path, the routes are all clearly marked with colours and are easy to follow.

Our walk around the loch took a couple of hours with lots of stop-offs on the way. It was also a good chance to get Drogo ( our drone ) out to film some of the surrounding landscape. If you have a drone, I’d highly recommend taking it!

7) Swim to an abandoned castle in Loch Eilein

Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) is known for its historic castle ruin situated at its centre.

Hundreds of tourists visit the loch every year for some wild swimming and a picnic by the side of the water – it was even voted the number one picnic spot in a Warburtons National Bread Week competition.

A short walk from the car park, you’ll find views of the castles and dramatic views to the pine trees and towering mountains.  

Even if you don’t swim right out to the castle, it’s a great place to cool off from the sun and enjoy the woodland scenery.

🗺️ If you’re going to be swimming in the sea or lochs, I’d recommend getting a Syncwire Waterproof Case . I’ve had mine for a few years and I’m able to swim underwater, take photos and videos and keep my belongings safe when I’m in the water!

8) Visit the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. They roam the area as visitors can get up close to the friendly animals, which would be the ultimate Christmas card photo!

There are currently around 150 reindeer to see, and you’re more than likely to see them all year round (although it can be a bit of a walk to reach them).

The trip to see the reindeer lasts about 2 hours, and although you can’t feed them, you’ll have lots of fun seeing them up close and in their natural habitat!

Find out more about the reindeer visits and events that take place throughout the year here.

9) Find a spot to go wild camping

Wild camping should be high on your list if you’re planning a trip to Scotland. It’s one of the best things about taking a road trip there – just finding a spot and parking up for the night.

Sometimes we drove around for hours just looking and enjoying all the different secluded spots. 

There are a few wild camping spots in Aviemore, with my favourite being near Loch Morlich. There’s a small car park overlooking the loch which is only around £4 to park in, and it hosts several overnight sleepers. 

If you’d prefer someone a bit more isolated, drive around through the forest and find a layby or side street, making sure it’s safe to stop and stay overnight. Wild camping is one of the best things to do in Aviemore!

10) Get your adrenaline fix with watersports at Loch Morlich

If you want something to get your adrenaline pumping, hit up Loch Morlich to take part in some watersports. 

With the stunning backdrop of the peaks of the northern Cairngorms, you can take part in paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing for a reasonable price. 

Book and check out the activities at Loch Morlich here !

Want to try River Tubing in the Cairngorms National Park?

Get more extreme from your trip with River Tubing . You will enjoy plenty thrills and spills on this river in the heart of the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park.

11) Drink a pint at The Pine Marten Bar + Scran

The Pine Marten Bar and Scran is a small Alpine-style bar at the foot of the Cairn Gorm mountain, in the heart of the national park. A short walking distance from Loch Morlich, we enjoyed a pint here after a long day of hiking through the Rothiemurcus forest.

It has a warm, friendly vibe and was a great spot after a long day of exploring!

Head to the bar on a weekend for live music, or stop off for a mid-week beer. The bar also has a shop attached for all of your grocery essentials.

12) Enjoy yourself at the breweries and distilleries

A rite of passage for visiting the highlands and Aviemore is to have a few drinks in the local breweries. 

The Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Brewery and six distilleries: Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Speyside, Balmenach, and Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

Check them out online before visiting as venues offer different services (learning about the making of the drinks, history and so on). It’s one of the best things to do in Aviemore!

🥃 Get to know Cairngorms National Park and try Scottish whisky on the journey from Inverness

13) Have fun at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Six miles north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, with attractions like rollercoasters, wild water slides, high rope trails, and the Skydrive. 

Not only will you enjoy man-made attractions, but the geographic variety of waterfalls, caverns, caves, and forests makes the park unique and interesting to walk around. 

14) Have breakfast in The Barn

The Barn in Aviemore is a cosy cafe and coffee shop supplying and serving all local produce. Decorated with rustic furniture and fairy lights, it’s a great stop-off on your Aviemore trip.

Whether you want to sit in or grab a coffee to go, The Barn serves everything from breakfast, daily specials, warming stews, soups and homemade cakes. Dogs are also welcome!

The Barn is currently open 7 days a week from 9.30am – 4.00pm . It can be located around a 15-minute walk from the Rothiemurcus campsite.

15) Hike the Cairngorm Mountain and Ben Macdui

If you’ve got your hiking boots , I recommend hiking Cairn Gorm Mountain and Ben Macdui. Ben Macdui is the second-highest mountain in Scotland, and this double hike means you’ll climb both Ben Macdui and the Cain Gorm!

Whilst it’s a high-altitude climb, it isn’t particularly strenuous and shouldn’t take longer than 5 or 6 hours.

There is also no scrambling on any part of the hike. You’ll first summit the Cairn Gorm mountain and then continue to summit the peak of Ben Macdui. It will be a long day, but the views at the top are worth it!

Grab my favourite Brasher walking boots here!

16) Take a dip in the green waters of Lochan Uaine

Also known as the ‘green lake’, Lochan Uaine (pronounced  oo-an-yi ) is known for it’s healing waters and serenity. It’s great for swimming, but can get cold in the winter months!

If you believe in legends, the locals often state the bright green colour comes from the fairies washing their clothes in the water.

Others, more sceptical, state it’s from the algae (which isn’t as fun). Regardless of what you believe, swimming in Lochan Uaine is one of the best activities in Aviemore.

17) Enjoy a local event in Aviemore

Many events take place in Aviemore each year, and depending on the time you visit, you might be able to take part in one!

From Halloween costume parties to visits from Santa Claus, be sure to check out the Aviemore annual events page for up-to-date information.

Where is Aviemore?

Aviemore is a town in the Cairngorms National Park, within the Scottish Highlands. It is 30 miles south of Inverness.

If you’re driving from Glasgow, it will take around 2.5 hours and 142 miles. Or, if you’re driving from Edinburgh, it’s around 2.5 hours and 130 miles.

Aviemore is one of the most beautiful places in the Cairngorms National Park, and in my opinion, the whole of Scotland.

It’s a popular tourist destination all year round, with cold winters perfect for skiing on the Cain Gorm mountain, to mild/warm summers swimming in the lochs, it’s a great place to visit at any time of year!

I’d highly recommend Aviemore if it’s your first trip to Scotland . It’s a great adventure base to have, and you can easily spend 4-5 days exploring.

Where to stay in Aviemore

There are many places to choose from when staying in Aviemore, and here are some of the best options for first-timers. Simply click on a link to be taken directly to the accommodation of your choice!

• Rothiemurcus Campsite : if you’re travelling Scotland by van or would like to pitch a tent, this is the best campsite in Aviemore! ➡ BOOK THIS CAMPSITE NOW!
• Aviemore Youth Hostel : for solo and budget backpackers in Aviemore. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
• Cairngorm Hotel: for couples looking for luxury in Aviemore. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
• High-Range Holiday Apartments: for those who prefer their own space in an apartment. ➡ BOOK THIS APARTMENT NOW!

How to get to Aviemore

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 GLASGOW TO AVIEMORE

Aviemore is around a 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Glasgow (approx 142 miles). There is also a train that runs direct from Glasgow to Aviemore which takes roughly the same amount of time. Prices start at around £8. 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 EDINBURGH TO AVIEMORE

Aviemore is around a 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Edinburgh (approx 130 miles). The train takes a bit longer and lasts on average 3.5 hours. Prices are a bit steeper and can cost over £20.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 INVERNESS TO AVIEMORE

Flying direct to Inverness is the quickest way to get to Aviemore. It’s only around 40 minutes by car (approx 30 miles), and there’s a 40-minute train from the centre of town direct to Aviemore too. Aviemore is located in the country of Inverness.

Things to do in Aviemore FAQs

1) is aviemore worth visiting.

Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the Cairngorms National Park, and in the whole of Scotland. Aviemore is also a popular tourist destination all year round. With cold winters perfect for skiing on the Cain Gorm mountain, to mild summers around the lochs, it’s a great place to visit at any age!

I’d highly recommend Aviemore if it’s your first trip to Scotland . It’s a great base and you can easily spend 4-5 days exploring the Cairngorms, even if you’re on a backpacker’s budget. There are also so many things to do in Aviemore in summer, as well as the colder months!

🗺️ When we were travelling around Scotland, we used Take The Slow Road by Martin Dorey to help us decide on our next destination. If you’re looking for more recommendations of Scottish wonders, I also recommend this Scotland guide.

2) What do I need to pack for Aviemore?

Knowing what to pack for Aviemore is weather and season-dependent.  In summer (June-August), pack your light clothes but still bring a jacket. Temperatures will only rise to around 15°C, so some kind of layers are still needed.

Throughout the rest of the year, temperatures are fairly low, with January and February being the coldest, with a 2-3°C average. Being a popular ski destination, brave for the snow and frozen lochs!

If you’re topping up your packing list for Aviemore, I would recommend:

• A lightweight  waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots  (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An  umbrella
• A  waterproof day bag
• A  waterproof phone case  (which can also be used for  wild swimming  when it’s sunnier)
• A  portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro  for waterproof camera footage
• A  waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle  to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A  Dry Robe , as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug  spray , we have midge  repellent wristbands .

3) What supermarkets and restaurants are in Aviemore?

Aviemore has a ‘main’ high street which is full of shops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets. You’ll find a big Tesco for all your food and camp dinner needs, and a Mountain Warehouse , and lots of other adventure shops for all your hiking needs. 

The Happy Haggis is your go-to for fish and chips in Aviemore, and you’ll also find pizzerias, a Subway, Smiffy’s chip shop, Coffee Corner, and the regular coffee stops like Starbucks. Our favourite bar was The Pin Marten Bar and Scran as it has a real ski-adventure feel and atmosphere!

The Old Bridge Inn is great for an authentic British pub experience. 

4) Can you go sledging in Aviemore?

Yes! If you’re heading to Aviemore in winter, Cairn Gorm Mountain is the most popular UK ski destination. The Cairngorm Mountain is close to Aviemore Centre and is a popular ski resort, with activities such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing, and even dog-sledging.

5) Do you need a car in Aviemore?

No, however, it is easier to travel around Aviemore with a car. But if you aren’t in a position to hire a car, there are other ways to get around. There are many bike rental shops such as Aviemore Bikes and In Your Element, which both have budget-friendly prices for day hire.

You can also get around Aviemore by foot (within reason). Depending on the location of your accommodation, Aviemore is easy to explore on foot through the woodlands and the high street. If you’re walking from the main high street to Rothiemurcus forest, it will take around 40 minutes.

You can also travel around Aviemore via public transport. There is a bus, but it can be quite slow and unreliable. Your best options are to walk, cycle, hire a car or grab a taxi.

Need to hire a car in Aviemore? I recommend this company for the cheapest car rental deals all over the world.

6) Is Rothiemurcus forest in Aviemore dog-friendly?

Yes, Rothiemurcus forest is dog-friendly. You will find many people taking their dogs for walks around the Lochs and in the forest.

More things to do in the Cairngorms and the Scottish Highlands

As the Cairngorms is one of the UK ’s largest national parks, the fun doesn’t stop at Aviemore. Although we didn’t have much time to explore a lot of the Cairngorms apart from Aviemore, there’s so much else to do in this beautiful area of Scotland.

If you’re planning a road trip through the Highlands (the NC500 or any other similar route), be sure to check out my detailed itinerary and route planner.

Best Things to Do in Aviemore: In a Nutshell

Well, if this blog post hasn’t convinced you to work Aviemore into your Scotland road trip , I don’t know what will. Aviemore is incredible, and there are so many things to do in there. I know it’s going to be somewhere I return to over and over again, year after year.

And hopefully, now you know what to do in Aviemore when you visit for the first time!

Have you got some other things to add to the best things to do in Aviemore? I’d love to hear! Let me know on Instagram or in the comments below!

Happy travelling!

Other Scotland posts:

• 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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• 1.1 Visitor information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By road
• 3 Get around

Aviemore (Gaelic: An Aghaidh Mhòr ) is a town in the Spey Valley of Highland Scotland. It's the main base for skiing and other outdoor activities in Cairngorms National Park . It's the largest of a straggle of villages including Rothiemurcus and Coylumbridge, also described here, and in 2020 had a population of 3230.

Understand [ edit ]

The River Spey arises in the mountains near Fort Augustus and flows east, then its valley broadens and trends northeast. This more fertile area has been settled since prehistory, as shown by its Bronze Age stone circles. It became the main north-south route through Scotland, as you can follow the Tay / Tummel / Garry valley before crossing the moor to descend into the Spey valley, and in modern times the highway A9 and railway adopted this route. Speyside is higher and colder than the south - Aviemore itself is at 214 m (702 ft) elevation. Spring comes late, snow lingers on the summits, and the crags and birch woods feel Nordic in contrast to the douce banks of Tay. Beyond Aviemore the valley narrows again, to thread through forests towards the Moray coast.

Highland scenery became popular in the 19th century, and Queen Victoria was one of many visitors. However the big lift in tourist numbers came in the 1960s when ski lifts were built on the slopes of Ben Macdui 12 miles east, and a resort village within Aviemore. The ski area was small and unreliable and the resort was a brutalist monstrosity, but together they gave thousands of visitors their start in winter sports. Eventually more congenial buildings replaced the resort, and from 2001 a funicular railway supported the ski area. This suffered a serious breakdown in 2018, and repair was impractical during the covid years, but it re-opened (thanks to a hefty taxpayer bail-out) in 2023.

The ski area remains small, and cannot be extended without unacceptable damage to the Cairngorm mountain habitat. Its snow cover is becoming less reliable as climate change impacts, and it has long been recognised that Aviemore cannot make a living from winter sports alone. There is therefore a broader year-round offering of hill-walking, off-road biking, kayaking and rafting, orienteering, pony-trekking, wildlife-spotting and the like.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Aviemore website
• Aviemore iCentre is the tourist office, 100 yards north of the railway station, open April-Oct Tu-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. Staff are friendly and informative.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Inverness ( INV  IATA ) is the closest airport, with connections across Europe and the UK. Edinburgh ( EDI  IATA ) is a longer drive but has far more flights, and that airport is west of the city so you drive straight out onto M90 then A9 north.

By train [ edit ]

Aviemore is on the main railway from Edinburgh and Glasgow, with trains every hour or two. These take 3 hours via Stirling , Perth , Dunkeld & Birnam , Pitlochry and Kingussie , and continue north to Carrbridge and Inverness .

Reaching Aviemore from England usually involves changing in Edinburgh, but one direct daytime train runs from London Kings Cross via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, taking 7 hr 30 min.

Nightly F-Su the Caledonian Sleeper leaves London Euston around 9PM to reach Aviemore by 7:45AM, continuing to Inverness; return timings are similar.

See below for the heritage Strathspey Railway, which starts here. Other heritage trains sometimes run from the south through Aviemore to join the branch line to Boat of Garten.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses run every hour or so from Edinburgh and Glasgow taking 3 hours via Perth, and continue north to Inverness. The main operators are Citylink , Parks of Hamilton (booked via Citylink) and Megabus . In 2023 a single adult fare is £15-20. The bus stop is outside the Cairngorm Hotel by the railway station.

Travel from England involves changing in Edinburgh, and National Express don't venture this far north.

Change in Inverness for Citylink buses to Portree and Uig on Skye, and to Ullapool, for ferries to the Outer Hebrides.

By road [ edit ]

Aviemore is just off the A9, which runs north to Inverness and Thurso, and south to Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh. It's mostly undivided, with long sweeping blind bends, and impatient traffic building up behind slow drivers; overtaking accidents are common, with cries for full highway dualling renewed after each fatality.

Cyclists may use A9 throughout but will prefer to follow de-trunked loops of the former highway wherever possible. Aviemore is on one such loop, badged B9152. National Cycle Route 7 passes through Aviemore, running from Sunderland in England north to Inverness. That's nice to know but doesn't help over Drumochter Pass, where you have to share A9 (sometimes in poor visibility) with fast motor traffic.

Get around [ edit ]

Walk: Aviemore village straggles but is walkable. Rothiemurcus and Coylumbridge are within walking range (B970 has a sidewalk) but you need wheels to go further up to Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm. See "Do" for nearby walking trails.

Buses hereabouts are run by Stagecoach Highland . Some you might use are:

• Bus 30 from Aviemore via Coylumbridge and Glenmore to Cairngorm ski area: daily, hourly 7AM-5:30PM.
• Bus 39 from Carrbridge via Aviemore and Kingussie to Newtonmore: every two hours M-Sa. A couple continue to Dalwhinnie.
• Bus 37 from Aviemore via Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge to Grantown-on-Spey : every two hours M-Sa with four on Sunday.
• Bus X37 from Inverness via Tomatin, Carrbridge, Dulnain Bridge, Grantown, Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten; five buses M-F and three on Saturday.

Taxi firms in town are Aviemore Taxis (+44 1479 811111), Gerry's (+44 1479 812000), Weirs (+44 1479 810141) and Doc's (+44 7971 736599).

Highland Yaks (+44 7704 987325) specialise in activity transfers, for instance to put kayaks on the river at one point and uplift them at another.

See [ edit ]

• 57.2075 -3.8252 1 Aviemore Stone Circle sits incongruously amidst a housing estate: it's from the Bronze Age so it's about 5000 years old. The cairn within the stone circle has been grassed over for protection. This was a Clava-type annular burial chamber: cairns of this type were used once then sealed, without later burials or re-entry for ceremonies.
• 57.2175 -3.8107 2 Grenish Stone Circle is two miles north in the forest next to the main railway line and is best reached from the path by the Strathspey Railway. It's similar to the Aviemore circle but the ruins of its annular cairn have been left uncovered.
• 57.149 -3.822 3 Loch an Eilein is fringed by a path, a gentle 5-mile (8-km) circuit. In the woods are remains of old lime kilns and logging operations. However the main attraction is views of the ruined 14th-century castle on an islet; it could be reached by causeway until the loch water level was raised in the 18th century. In 1690 it saw the last action in Scotland of the original Jacobites, the forces of the ousted King James II / VII. Fleeing from a double drubbing at Cromdale, they tried to seize the castle but were repulsed by the stout widow who held it. The Hanoverians were hard on their heels so they scarpered, and it would fall to James' son the "Old Pretender" and grandson the "Young Pretender" (Bonnie Prince Charlie) to continue the cause. That was finally vanquished in 1746 at Culloden , to live on only in romanticising songs. The loch is reachable by a trail from Rothiemurchus. Bring a map or download an OpenStreetMap-based app like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz to help you navigate. Turn left just before Lochan Mor (the turn is slightly hard to spot, but if you miss it the other trail will also go to Loch An Eilein). You may see deer on the way, especially if you set off early before the other walkers have scared them away. It takes about an hour to walk to Loch An Eilein from Aviemore, and the loch is also reachable by car if you prefer. The circuit around the loch is popular with dog walkers and mountain bikers.
• Loch Gamhna is 200 yards (190 meters) south of Loch an Eilein and is somehow even more peaceful. You'll probably have it to yourself. Reach it by one of the side trails from Loch an Eilein that say "Path not maintained". In spring and summer, keep an eye out for ducks with ducklings.
• Ord Ban is a 400-m hill on the northwest flank of Loch An Eilein, another quieter (but muddy) trail. Compared to the path around the loch, this trail is much quieter, somewhat more challenging, and less maintained. The vegetation changes dramatically near the top of the hill, and the peak has views of the nearby landscape. If desired, this walk can be done in a loop that goes back to the loch. Wear long trousers because bare legs will attract ticks and midges.
• 57.1626 -3.7127 4 Loch Morlich is a freshwater lake just before the road begins its long climb to Cairngorm. It has a sandy beach and is used for watersports, see below, and there's an easy 4 mile walking trail around it.
• 57.167 -3.6912 5 Cairngorm Reindeer Centre , Glenmore PH22 1QU , ☏ +44 1479 861228 . Daily 10AM-5PM . Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus ) roam free on the mountain tops, and may approach hikers for hand-outs, their great schnozzles searching like sticky hoover attachments. They especially expect to be fed on the hills around this Centre, which has guided walks two or three times a day. You need your own car to drive from the Centre to wherever the herd happens to be grazing. These walks are over rough boggy terrain: wellies or similar footwear is essential, and children should only join May-Dec when conditions are milder. A few reindeer stand in a paddock if you can't manage the walk or the weather's foul. Hill walk adult £22, conc £18.50, child £15 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1572 -3.8578 6 Duke of Gordon's Monument is a tower in the woods commemorating George Gordon (1770-1836), Colonel-in-Chief of the Gordon Highlanders. His children were all illegitimate so the Dukedom died out with him. The tower was erected in 1840, as was his better-known commemorative tower at Elgin .
• 57.1535 -3.912 7 Delfour Stone Circle four miles southwest of town is of similar date and "Clava" design to the Aviemore ring but is a bit of a mess. Farmers have used it as a dumping ground for unwanted stones from the fields, so it's difficult to tell what's original circle or ring-cairn, and what's debris. It's on private land but you see enough from the lane.
• 57.1183 -3.9026 8 Frank Bruce Sculpture Park is in the woods at Feshiebridge eight miles southwest of Aviemore. A free trail takes you past gnarly sculptures, now in decay — it was always the intention to let them rot.

Do [ edit ]

• Strathspey Railway is a 10-mile heritage standard-gauge railway, often steam-hauled, with its south terminus at Aviemore Station Platform 3. The main collection of locomotives and rolling stock is at Boat of Garten, where you can also start your trip, but excursions from Aviemore make a long stop there. The train then chuffs on to Broomhill, where the line ends in the fields, so it reverses. Extension to Grantown is thwarted by the A85, which the council promised to re-align then baulked at the cost. Trains run Apr-Oct W-Su, with three round trips taking 1 hr 45 min. Return fares in 2023 are adult £19.50, conc £17.50, child £9.75, dog £3, meals extra.
• Speyside Way is a hiking and cycling trail alongside the heritage railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Thereafter it follows the old trackbed northeast via Nethy Bridge and Grantown-on-Spey to the coast at Buckie.
• Lairig Ghru is a 19-mile (31-km) route through the Cairngorms from Coylumbridge to Linn of Dee above Braemar. You need transport set up at both ends; the first bus of the day to Coylumbridge is leaving it late to get through the pass before nightfall. It's heavy, boggy going, with snow and ice underfoot in winter. There are no bail-out options if you get cold and weary midway.
• Spey Valley Cinema is within Macdonald Resort Hotel.
• Golf: Spey Valley GC is on Dalfaber Drive next to Macdonald Spey Valley Resort Hotel, who run it. It's 7153 yards, par 72.
• 57.1882 -3.8535 1 Craigellachie is a simple hike direct from Aviemore. The trail starts by Old Bridge Inn and ascends west though birch forest past a couple of lochans up the steep slope.
• Mountain biking: lots of trails through the nearby forests.
• Beach: last thing you'd expect, but the east shore of Loch Morlich has a sandy beach (elevation 300 m), which gets busy on warm summer days. Below the sand is broken glass and occasional military remains from wartime, when this was a training area for Norwegian commandos.
• 57.1645 -3.6767 2 Glenmore Lodge , PH22 1QZ , ☏ +44 1479 861256 . Outdoor training centre above Loch Morlich offering residential courses for adults and youngsters. ( updated Jul 2023 )

• 57.1348 -3.6712 3 Cairngorm Mountain base is the end of the road and bus route from Aviemore, and base station for the mountain railway , which is closed for engineering works as of January 2024. The car park costs £4 per day. The railway is a funicular, with the "up" car counterbalancing the "down" car. An adult return costs £22. Outside ski season, all you can do is ride up to Ptarmigan restaurant at the top station, admire the view and overpriced merchandise, then ride back down. You may not go out onto the hill — to prevent damaging footfall on the Alpine habitat — or bring dogs. Hill walkers aiming for the heights must therefore trudge up the slope from the car park, but are permitted to ride down again.
• Skiing: the funicular is included in ski lift passes, and most skiers start by riding it up to Ptarmigan then branching for the three areas of Coire na Ciste, White Lady or Coire Cas. Day Lodge Poma is a short-cut from the base into Coire na Ciste. When conditions are good it's magic but the season is short and unreliable, with long queues for lifts at weekends or during school holidays.
• Cairngorm summit is at 1245 m (4084 ft), a "Munro" and the sixth highest mountain in Britain. Ascend the rocky hillside to see tinkling brooks, nesting birds, and staggering views of the surrounding mountains (as long as clouds aren't blocking the view). It's only half a mile south of the funicular top station, but walkers must ascend from the base station. The simplest and shortest route is Windy Ridge, straight up alongside the funicular, but it misses the best of the scenery — you might want to come down that way. North Corries is a longer route taking in the tops of corries or cwms at the head of glaciated valleys. Skiers have the easiest ascent as you can park your kit around Ptarmigan at 1080 m then stride out. Of course that takes you off-piste in clumsy ski boots, beyond help from the ski patrol if you had a mishap. On the peak you'll find a large cairn and an automated weather station. If you get to the peak and the view is hidden by clouds, never fear: they may dissipate in a few minutes, and if not, nearby side trails lead to lower vantage points with worthwhile views of their own.
• 57.0706 -3.6668 4 Ben Macdui is the highest of the Cairngorms, at 1309 m (4295 ft). Since 1847 it's been the second highest mountain in Britain, when the Ordnance Survey showed that Ben Nevis pipped it at 1345 m (4411 ft). The trail is 11 miles (17.5 km) and takes 6-8 hours. Start from the base car park swinging west of Windy Ridge; the route is obvious and involves nothing technical, but keep a wary eye on the weather. You return via Cairngorm summit and Windy Ridge. Queen Victoria ascended in 1859 from the east, by pony from Balmoral to Loch Etchachan then hiking the rest. Hiking Ben Macdui may be tricky if you don't have a car, as it will be hard to make it back to the ski centre in time for the last bus back to Aviemore.
• 57.1516 -3.9193 5 G2 Adventure Hub , Alvie Estate PH21 1NE ( 5 miles SW of town ), ☏ +44 1540 651784 . Daily 9AM-5PM . They run various summer and winter outdoor activities, the main attraction on site is their series of zip wires. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• See Cairngorms National Park for other activities further out.
• Highland Games: Aviemore doesn't host its own, see Kingussie for the Newtonmore Games in August.
• Thunder in the Glens is a Harley-Davidson motorbike rally held on the last weekend in August, based in Aviemore but with much gunning of bikes all around Speyside. The next is probably 28-30 Aug 2024, tbc.

Buy [ edit ]

• Tesco opposite the railway station is open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM.
• Aldi is a quarter mile north next to Winking Owl, open 8AM-10PM, Su 9AM-8PM.
• Pharmacy: Boots is in Myrtlefield Shopping Centre north of the station, open M-Sa 9AM-6PM.
• Sports gear and outdoor clothing shops along Grampian Rd are Blacks , Fat Face and Nevisport .
• Waterstones bookshop is in the mall opposite the station, open M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5PM.

Eat [ edit ]

• La Taverna is a trattoria at 1 Grampian Rd, south end of the village at the Coylumbridge Rd junction. It's open Th-M 13:00-21:00.
• 57.1839 -3.8304 1 Old Bridge Inn , 23 Dalfaber Road PH22 1PU , ☏ +44 1479 811137 . Su-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight . Traditional pub in a former gamekeeper's cottage with open fire in the evenings, live music, bar meals and restaurant. Has outdoor seating area facing the river during the summer. See Sleep for their bunkhouse. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1855 -3.83 2 Happy Haggis ( Harkai's ), 45 Grampian Road PH22 1PT , ☏ +44 1479 810430 . Daily noon-9PM . Takeaway serving fish and chips, haggis, burgers (and vegetarian versions of these); good range and quality of food. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Tamanna is an Indian restaurant at 43 Grampian Rd next to Happy Haggis, open daily 4:30-11PM.
• Cairngorm Hotel opposite the station (see Sleep) serves non-residents daily from noon.
• Charcoal within the station block is sort-of Indian comfort food, open daily 1-9PM.
• Mambos is a fast-food sit-in cafe just outside the station, open daily 10AM-1AM.
• Smiffy's serves fish and chips just north of the station, open daily noon-9PM.
• Cheese and Tomatin is a pizzeria at 111 Grampian Rd just south of Skiing Doo. It's open Th-Tu noon-9PM.
• 57.1921 -3.8286 3 Skiing Doo , 9 Grampian Road PH22 1RH , ☏ +44 1479 810392 . Daily noon-8:30PM . Theme bar with grills, burgers and kid's menu. The name's a pun on the Highland dagger sgian-dubh , and the place is decorated with old signs, posters, skis and this 'n that. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.193 -3.8297 4 The Winking Owl , 123 Grampian Road PH22 1RH , ☏ +44 1479 812368 . W Th Su noon-10PM, F Sa noon-1AM . Good bar food in this chalet-style pub in village centre. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Aviemore Kebab and Burger at 118 Grampian Rd is open daily 1-10PM.

Drink [ edit ]

• Aviemore Inn is on the caravan park south end of the village.
• The Vault , Grampian Road PH22 1RH ( just north of station ). F-Sa 10:30PM-3AM . Drouthy night club. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Cairngorm Brewery is on Dalfaber Drive near the Spey Valley Resort and golf course. No tours but they offer tasting sessions.
• Kinrara Distillery makes gin in a former milking shed at Lynwilg Farm a mile south of Aviemore. Tasting session £10.
• Whisky distilleries are further out: Speyside at Kingussie , Tomatin north of Carrbridge , and lots down the Spey valley around Grantown-on-Spey .

Sleep [ edit ]

• Aviemore Holiday Park south end of the village has static caravans and chalets but no tourer or camping pitches.
• 57.1842 -3.8328 1 Aviemore Youth Hostel , 25 Grampian Road PH22 1PR , ☏ +44 1479 810345 . Friendly well-run hostel open all year, with dorms and a few private rooms. Dorm bunk £28, rooms from £50 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.21 -3.8421 2 Oakwood Caravan & Camping Park , Granish PH22 1QD , ☏ +44 1479 258197 . Clean efficient campsite open all year, dog-friendly. Pitch £22, hook-up £27 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Old Bridge Bunkhouse is run by Old Bridge Inn next door, see Eat. Dorm bunks are £25 ppn.
• 57.196 -3.8295 3 Ravenscraig Guest House , 141 Grampian Road PH22 1RP ( On main street ), ☏ +44 1479 810278 , [email protected] . Great reviews for this small comfy B&B, all rooms are ensuite. B&B double £120 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Cairngorm Hotel , 77 Grampian Road PH22 1PE ( Opposite station ), ☏ +44 1479 810233 . Comfy trad hotel with good restaurant. B&B double £140 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1825 -3.8324 4 Premier Inn , Grampian Road PH22 1PX , ☏ +44 871 527 8000 . Reliable budget chain. B&B double £120 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• High Range , Grampian Road PH22 1PT ( opposite Premier Inn ), ☏ +44 1479 810636 . Spacious motel, self-catering lodges and caravan park. Double (room only) £90 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1887 -3.8325 5 Macdonald Aviemore Resort , Highland Resort PH22 1PN , ☏ +44 344 879 9152 . Big boxy mid-range hotel in centre of village. Their activity centre is adjacent. B&B double £170 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Macdonald Highland Hotel is effectively a slightly cheaper extension of Aviemore Resort Hotel.
• 57.1984 -3.8161 6 Macdonald Spey Valley Resort , Dalfaber Drive PH22 1ST , ☏ +44 1479 811244 . Reasonably comfy resort hotel, but in need of refurbishment. B&B double £200 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.168 -3.6943 7 Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel , Glenmore PH22 1QY ( 8 miles east of town on road up Cairngorm ), ☏ +44 1479 861238 . Clean friendly hostel open Feb-Oct. Dorm bunk £24 . ( updated Jul 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of July 2023, Aviemore has 4G from O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from EE and Three.

Go next [ edit ]

• Carrbridge is an alternative base for exploring this side of the Cairngorms.
• Grantown-on-Spey further down the valley is classic whisky-distilling country.
• Inverness is a pleasant Victorian town with lots of accommodation.
• North Coast 500 is a touring itinerary of north Scotland that begins and ends in Inverness.
• Loch Ness north end is near Inverness but is better explored from Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus further south.
• Kingussie is the last large settlement in Spey Valley before A9 climbs south over bleak Drumochter Pass then descends into Perthshire.
• Ben Nevis is Britain's highest mountain at 1345 m (4413 ft). That's only 100 m higher than Cairngorm, but a tougher ascent as you start near sea level at Fort William .

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"One of the Top 20 places to visit in the World" National Geographic Traveller Magazine

The Cairngorms National Park has everything from castles and distilleries to family attractions and outdoor fun…

The UK’s largest National Park, in the Scottish Highlands, offers masses of things to do including watersports, snowsports, wildlife watching, and some incredible high and low level walking and cycling routes.

Whether you want to stay in a boutique hotel or sleep under the stars, the options are endless.

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It is a mecca for outdoors-lovers with all sorts of sporting activities on offer, on the mountain, down in the valley, on the golf course or on your bike. There is something for everyone. The Cairngorms National Park has outdoor activities for all levels of experience, just choose what suits you.

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The Cairngorms National Park encompasses mountains and valleys and within this, many different villages with their own communities.

The largest of the UK’s national parks, located in the heart of Scotland, the Cairngorms is made up of over 4,500sq km of un-spoilt countryside, five of the UK’s six highest mountains, 43 munros, 9 nature reserves, an abundance of majestic wildlife, glistening lochs, fast flowing rivers and huge swathes of forests containing ancient Caledonian Pine trees.

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Scotland Info Guide

A Guide to the Scottish Highlands Islands and Mainland

Guide to Aviemore

Things to do near Aviemore

Aviemore in Scotland is better known for being a skiing holiday resort in the winter when the Cairngorms are blanketed with snow, but in the summer Aviemore is alive with hill walkers and adventure seekers taking advantage of the many activities around the area.

The area is without a doubt one of the best places in Scotland to enjoy many activities from horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, white water rafting and many more. And for the tourist who enjoy a much more relaxing time there is some of the best Lochs, forests and mountains to explore in Scotland. Overall the Cairngorm National Park is one of the best places in Scotland to have a family holiday; we have listed a few places below to appeal to everyone.

Rothiemurchus Estate

A place of stunning natural beauty, hosting one of the largest natural forests in the United Kingdom. Rothiemurchus has a massive range of activities you can take part in, anything on land, water and in the air this great estate has it all. Treezone is one activity the children will love, climbing and swinging from tree to tree in complete safety, a place the children will want to keep coming back to, or try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting or Quad trekking this place has the lot, there is something for everyone and would take far too long to complete the list of things to do at Rothiemurchus, so take a look yourself at the estates website and decide what you are going to be doing when you’re on holiday near Aviemore. 

Highland Wildlife Park

Loch Garten Ospreys

The Loch Garten Ospreys are great to visit especially if you are a Scottish wildlife fan, run by the RSPB this excellent centre is a great educational day out for all the family, located within the Abernethy Forest on the road between Boat of Garten and the Village of Nethy Bridge, not only a great forest location with beautiful Lochs it boasts great facilities to view the Ospreys. Inside the centre you are provided with good quality telescopes and binoculars to view these wonderful birds and television monitors with live footage of the nest. The staff of the centre are very well educated in all aspects of the Ospreys and forest life and there to answer any of your questions. Only open in the Summer months due to the migration of the birds, it gives you a good insight of the life of these great Birds of prey, A website is also available with a webcam of the nest so you can watch the birds breed and follow the early life of the chicks from hatching to fledging a truly lovely thing to follow.

Cairngorm Reindeers

Glenmore Forest Park

Strathspey Steam Railway

If you love Steam Trains then this is a good day out for you, located right in the center of Aviemore, the steam train trip runs from Aviemore to Broomhill via Boat of Garten, the station at Broomhill was used in the TV programme Monarch of the Glen and was the station for the fantasy village of Glenbogle. Running close to the River Spey this 19 mile trip gives you stunning views of the Cairngorm National Park, on the train you can enjoy a nice drink or something to eat from the buffet car offering both a full lunch or wine and dine option. There are plenty of events to enjoy throughout the year including Mothers day specials and of course the Santa Express.

Video of Steam Railway

Want a bit of adventure and get active when on holiday in Aviemore? then you have to visit G2 Outdoor, located in Aviemore G2 Outdoor can provide you with tons of excitement and adventure with activities for all ages, you can do Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, Hill Walking and much more, they provide a full winter and summer programme and keep you safe with a highly experienced team of outdoor instructors. a superb choice for a more active holiday.

Cairngorm Mountain

Skiing in Aviemore

The Cairngorm ski resort is about eight miles from Aviemore, rising above Loch Morlich and the Glenmore forest park, easily accessible from Aviemore with local buses and tour companies offering great deals. You can rent all the Skiing equipment you need from many suppliers in the area and also from the Lodge at the foot of the ski slopes, you can also get tickets for the chairlifts and take the funicular railway to the top of the mountain. You will also find a shop, restaurant and a bar on the Ski slopes.

If there is an abundance of snow particular in the lower areas of the Cairngorms you will find lots to do especially at the Rothiemurchus Estate who provide cross country skiing and lots of other winter activities, where you can ski through lovely snow laden forests and frozen lochs. If you would love to learn about survival, courses are also available at the Glenmore lodge where you can also participate in mountaineering and winter hill walking and much more besides. Other activities in the area include dog sleigh rides through magnificent winter scenery, or if you prefer something a touch more quieter take a visit to see the Reindeer close to Loch Morlich.

Video: Cairngorm & Lurchers Ski Touring

Cairngorm Sled Dogs

Only 3 miles from Aviemore on the road to the Mountain, the Sleddog Centre offers an experience you will never forget, feel the power of the dogs as they pull you through crisp white snow and enjoy spectacular scenery, you don’t even need snow to enjoy this great day out because there are sleds to use with wheels during the summer months, also available is the kennel and Museum tours where you can meet all of the dogs and discover the history of this sport, altogether this is a great experience that you can enjoy all year round. 

Aviemore Segway Treks

Aviemore Segway Treks is based at Dalraddy Holiday Park, in the heart of the Cairngorms, 5 minutes south of Aviemore. They offer exciting and challenging off-road segway treks, a fun day out for friends and families from ages 7 and up.

Cairngorm Brewery

Scotland is famous for its whisky distilleries, but if you are a beer drinker this is the place for you, located in Aviemore the Cairngorm Brewery Company produces famous beers like Cairngorm Gold and Stag, visit the brewery and discover the art of brewing. A winner of many beer awards this is a great place to visit when on holiday in Aviemore, there is an excellent shop at the brewery where you can purchase many gifts, and all of the beers to take home and enjoy, so take a visit and try a delight like a nice bottle of Nessie’s Monster Mash.

Accommodation around Aviemore

There is no shortage of accommodation around Aviemore, and the Cairngorm National Park, with other great towns including Carrbridge, Kincraig, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, Newtonmore and Kingussie all within easy reach of Aviemore and the many activities in the area. All these towns are served by some excellent hotels and self catering cottages, there is also a huge choice of camping and caravan parks all over the national park, as well as self catering lodges and B&B’s available all year round.

Places to Eat and Drink

Aviemore has a great selection of places to eat, from small cafes to large hotels and pubs all offering good quality food and drinks. a few places to try would be the Mountain Cafe Aviemore, The Cairngorm Hotel, The Winking Owl Pub, and the popular Ski-ing Doo Restaurant. You will also find many excellent places to eat in the nearby towns or within the surrounding countryside.

• Accommodation in Aviemore
• Cairngorm National Park
• More info on Aviemore and Strathspey
• Scottish Landscapes Image Gallery
• www.cairngormmountain.org – Cairngorm Mountain
• www.g2outdoor.co.uk – G2 Outdoor
• www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk – Strathspey Steam Railway
• scotland.forestry.gov.uk – Glenmore Forest Park
• www.aviemoresegwaytreks.com – Aviemore Segway Treks
• www.Cairngormbrewery.com – Cairngorm Brewery
• www.sled-dogs.co.uk – Cairngorm sled dogs
• www.Cairngormreindeer.co.uk – Cairngorm Reindeers
• www.rspb.org.uk – Loch Garten Ospreys
• www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk – Highland Wildlife Park
• www.rothiemurchus.net – Rothiemurchus Estate

Note on Images copyright: Aviemore station Phil Sangwell – Rothiemurchus Estate Steven Brown – Cairngorm Railway Walter Baxter – All licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

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5 Days in Aviemore Travel Itinerary

I've been holidaying in Aviemore since I was about five years old. My dad was in the Royal Air Force, and they had a caravan used by service personnel on what is known today as the Aviemore Holiday Park on the west bank of the River Spey.

We had many great holidays in this caravan and enjoyed everything Aviemore had to offer at the time, from Santa Claus Land, the swimming pool and the ice rink to feeding fish at the nearby fish farm. I have great memories of this town amongst the majesty of the Cairngorm Mountains; there was magic in the air.

Today, we still visit Aviemore two or three times per year with my wife and three daughters; we have explored many places in this area and feel qualified to write this travel itinerary on the Aviemore area.

Where is Aviemore?

What's the best way to get to aviemore, explore the shops in aviemore, spey valley shopping centre, scandinavian village, quad bike treks, loch an eilein, eat at the cairngorm hotel, loch morlich, cairngorm reindeer centre, the green loch, cairngorm mountain upper car park, highland wildlife park, highland folk museum, ruthven barracks.

Alvie Forest Food

Aviemore Kart Raceway

Loch garten, additional activities in and around aviemore, faqs on travelling near aviemore, key information on the aviemore travel itinerary.

Aviemore is a town located in the Scottish Highlands within the Cairngorms National Park. It's situated in the Badenoch and Strathspey region of Scotland. Aviemore is renowned for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and as a gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains.

It's easily accessible by road and rail, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Whether for skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months, Aviemore is a year-round destination.

If travelling from the central belt of Scotland, the best way is by bus, car or train.

From Edinburgh, it's easy to get to Aviemore by travelling north to Perth; the A9 motorway directly passes Aviemore. It should take about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Aviemore.

Aviemore Train Station is in the centre of the town. You can catch a train from Edinburgh for around £16.30 per person, which will take about three hours. Check times and prices on the  ScotRail website ; booking long in advance is usually much cheaper.

The cheapest way to get to Aviemore is by  Megabus from Edinburgh . The trip will cost between £8 and £12 per person and take 3-3.5 hours.

If you're coming from the north, following the south A9 from Inverness or A95 from Moray is your best bet.

Day 1 - Arriving in Aviemore

So you're in Aviemore; welcome to one of my favourite places in Scotland. Look at those mountains!

If you arrive in the morning, why not start your day with breakfast at  Cobbs Cafe ? Located on the main shopping street on Grampian Road, Cobbs is my favourite place for breakfast in Aviemore. Go for the full-cooked breakfast!

Directions to Cobbs Cafe .

The high street in Aviemore has much to offer; there are many nice cafes, gift shops and mountain wear shops. Mountain Warehouse often has great deals on hats, scarves and cosy coats; it's also perfect for buying camping gear if you decide to  camp in Aviemore .

A brilliant shop for kids is "Young's Auld Sweetie Shop", packed full of sweet treats from Scotland and worldwide. They also stock rarer sweeties you may have had in the 80s and 90s. My daughter loves buying Takis crisps here, but I can't stand them!

Across from the main high street (Grampian Road), you can find another shopping area containing an ALDI and Home Bargains. These shops are likely the cheapest places to buy food in Aviemore, so stock up here if you are self-catering.

Located just off Grampian Road, behind the Cairngorm Hotel, you can find the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. This building is an all-in-one shopping centre, hotel and cafe. The products here are expensive; for example, the Barbour jackets are hundreds of pounds! Spey Valley Shopping Centre is a great place to kill some time before you can check into your accommodation.

Scandinavian Village  is my favourite place to stay in Aviemore. It's perfect for a 7-night stay and is located centrally, near supermarkets and all the town's best restaurants.

Two accommodation types are available: Villas for 6-8 people and Apartments for 4. Both types have self-catering facilities with a fridge, hob/oven and every kitchen utensil you need.

It's a popular place, so  book in advance via their website .

Day 2 - Outdoor Activities

Aviemore is one of the busiest outdoor hubs in Scotland, so let's do some outdoor activities today! Head south from Aviemore and turn left down the B970; our first destination is the Rothiemurchus Forest.

Treezone is an excellent activity for all the family, as long as you are not terrified of heights! Located just before the Rothiemurchus Centre,  Treezone  offers an aerial adventure course high up in the tall pines.

Two courses are available at Treezone, an easy lower one and a more difficult higher one. It's very safe as you always wear a safety harness, which is attached to a safety wire. Once you have traversed both courses, the final part ends with a zip line to the finish. Spectators can watch from below the course if you don't feel quite brave enough!

Plan for about 1.5 hours at Treezone. Costs when we visited were £33 for adults and £25 for children.

Directions to Treezone .

Continuing our adrenaline-filled day, a  quad bike trek  through the Rothiemurchus Estate is so much fun! Located a short distance from Treezone, just outside the Rothiemurchus Centre, you can find "Rothiemurchus Quad Bike Treks".

The trek begins with kitting you out with safety gear and then a short primer on operating the quad bike while doing a few small laps. After that, the instructor takes you through a quad bike trail, taking in sections of the Rothiemurchus Forest and estate. You will meet  friendly Highland cows  and traverse hills and muddy paths before finally driving directly up a flowing stream to the end of the course.

The trek takes about 1 hour and costs about £57 each... quite expensive, but it's so much fun!

Directions to the Rothirmurchus Centre .

Let's finish the day with a relaxing walk around one of the most beautiful lochs in the area - Loch An Eilein. From the Rothiemurchus Centre, travel south-east on the B970. Look out for  this left turn  to the loch. Stay on this road, following the signs until you arrive at the dedicated car park.

It does cost to park here, fees are taken at the small kiosk, it cost us £4.50 on our last visit.

A short walk takes you to this spectacular beauty spot lined with mixed forest of the ancient Caledonian forest. It's possible to walk the entire perimeter of the loch or just a small section if you wish. A significant point of interest on this loch is the island castle, once a stronghold of the infamous Wolf of Badenoch, responsible for burning most of Forres and Elgin; the grand  Elgin Cathedral  was targeted in particular.

Loch an Eilein  is also a brilliant place to take kayaks; you can really get a close look at the castle as it is not accessible from the shore.

Directions to Loch an Eilein .

After all these outdoor activities, you must have worked up quite a hunger! Consider heading back to Aviemore for an evening meal at the Cairngorm Hotel. They don't take bookings, so head on in, and you will be seated if there is space.

My favourite meals here are the Cairngorm burger and the chicken stuffed with haggis with peppercorn sauce! For starters, try the haggis bonbons!

Day 3 - East of Aviemore

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Aviemore is  Loch Morlich , found some distance to the east by following the B970 out of Aviemore.

This loch is within an utterly breathtaking setting at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains. Unusual for a Scottish loch, its east bank is a long golden beach, ideal for water sports or just relaxing on its soft sands.

It's possible to hire water sports equipment from the nearby hut, which also has a cafe. If you don't fancy getting wet, there are lovely lochside walking trails to explore, a play park or a wee dram at The Pine Marten Bar.

Directions to Loch Morlich .

Believe it or not, the Cairngorms have their own  Reindeer herd  roaming the hills. Reindeer were once a common sight in Scotland around 800 years ago but were hunted to extinction. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is currently the only free-roaming herd in Scotland.

Leaving Loch Morloch, turn right onto the motorway heading east, and pass the Glenmore Visitor Centre until you see  cars parked on either side of the road . You can park here, then walk up to what looks like a house.

You have two options: visit the reindeer who are resident at the centre, or you can opt for a hill trip to see the free-roaming herd.

Paddock visits cost £4.00 for adults and £3.00 for children. The hill trips are more expensive at £22 per adult and £15 per child.

Directions to Cairngorm Reindeer Centre .

Our final destination for the day is the Green Loch (also called  An Lochan Uaine ), unsurprisingly named for its unusual deep green hue caused by the reflection of pine trees and algae in the water.

I would recommend staying in your parking spot at Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and walking via the northeast path to the loch; the parking opportunities are fairly limited. If you're not a strong walker, you might be able to park at Glenmore Lodge, further up the track.

Follow  this track  past the Reindeer Centre to reach the access gate for the walk to the Green Loch.

On foot, you are looking at a 40-minute walk over 1.8 miles, one way, to reach the loch. If you can park at Glenmore Lodge, this will take the walk down to 27 minutes over 1.2 miles.

Directions to the Green Loch .

This might sound like an odd choice of destination, but if you drive up to the snowsports centre car park, you get one of the best views around. Looking back towards Aviemore, you can see Loch Morlich and a vast carpet of forest as far as the eye can see. It's a great way to end your day east of Aviemore.

Directions to Cairngorm Mountain Car Park .

Day 4 - South of Aviemore

Today, we will explore south of Aviemore. Again, leave via Grampian Road heading south, but this time go straight ahead on the roundabout, following the B9152.

It should take you about 20 minutes by car to reach Highland Wildlife Park, one of the best zoos in Scotland. Not only can you see species native to Scotland, but there are also some very rare animals here, including polar bears!

The park is split into two sections: a safari-like drive-through area and a walk-through area with animal enclosures. The area on foot has loads of facilities, including toilets, cafes and gift shops.

You could easily spend a day at Highland Wildlife Park, and you should, as it's fairly expensive to visit at £19 for adults and £14.25 for children. This zoo is highly recommended for your itinerary when visiting Aviemore.

Directions to Highland Wildlife Park .

It's unlikely you will find time to do both Highland Wildlife Park and Highland Folk Museum in one day, but I will add this as an alternative location if you want to squeeze it in or visit another day.

Turn right from Highland Folk Museum back onto the B9152, travel southwest, going through Kingussie and then on to Newtonmore. Look for this left turn to  Highland Folk Museum . There are car parks to the left and right which cost £2 per car. The museum itself is free to visit, but donations are accepted.

Highland Folk Museum  is a large open-air museum with many buildings from Scotland's history, from the 1700s onwards. The park is about 1.5 miles long and contains stone huts with thatched roofs, a school building, post offices, an old sweetie shop and many other attractions. There is also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

The biggest draw is the "Baile Gean - 1700s township", a collection of buildings as they existed in the 1700s. This town was featured in season 1 of the popular TV show Outlander.

Directions to Highland Folk Museum .

A visit to Ruthven Barracks is ideal before or after Highland Wildlife Park or Highland Folk Museum; it is close to both and doesn't take long to visit.

If you're at Highland Folk Museum, travel back towards Aviemore to Kingussie, then take  this right turn  to Ruthven Barracks. Stay on this road; you will cross a single-track bridge over the River Spey. Keep your eyes open over the barracks on your left. There is a  medium-sized car park  just next to the access point for the ruin.

Built upon the site of an ancient castle, Ruthven Barracks was built in 1719 to garrison soldiers and police the area against Jacobite uprisings. It's possible to access the interior of the ruin and the stables at the rear of the structure. There are often friendly Highland cows that roam outside the ruin too.

It doesn't cost anything to visit  Ruthven Barracks , and you can be in and out within half an hour, but it's an interesting place to visit and gives 360° panoramic countryside views.

Directions to Ruthven Barracks .

Hungry after your day of activities? My favourite place to eat near Aviemore is  Alvie Forest Food , and you can go there on your way back to Aviemore. You can find it at the entrance to the Dalraddy Holiday Park on the B9152.

This isn't a restaurant but a food hut serving the holiday park. All the food here is sourced from the local estate; my favourite dish is the brisket-loaded fries!

Directions to Alvie Forest Food .

Day 5 - North of Aviemore

Let's look to the north of Aviemore for today's activities.

Aviemore Kart Raceway  is the place for you if you like racing go-karts. Leaving Aviemore, travelling north on the B9152, not far past Oakwood Caravan Park, you will see a  right turn  with a large sign for the raceway.

The purpose-built track is long and complex, ideal for racing shenanigans with your family. Young children need not feel left out as two-seater tandem carts are available so they can join in the fun too.

Time slots are purchased in 10-minute blocks; ages 8-13 cost £12 and 13+ £14 for each 10-minute block.

Directions to Aviemore Kart Raceway .

After you have claimed pole position racing go-karts, why not relax a little by taking a leisurely walk around  Loch Vaa , one of Aviemore's less advertised lochs?

Turn right back onto the B9152 and connect with the A95 travelling directly ahead (don't turn left to Perth). Continue along the A95 until the road goes below a  railway bridge ; the  next right  is where we stop - Laggantygown Cemetery car park.

Something to keep in mind is if there is a funeral happening and the car park is very busy, it might be better to skip Loch Vaa on this occasion.

Parking at the left side of the car park, climb the small hill to the northeast; from the top, you will see Loch Vaa. Follow the hill northwards until you can connect to the path that will take you around this serene and relaxing location. Note the mound of rocks in the middle of the water; this is the remains of an ancient Crannog.

Directions to Loch Vaa .

I hope you're not bored of lochs yet, as there is another worth visiting north of Aviemore -  Loch Garten  - and it might just be the most beautiful one yet!

Return to the A95 from the Laggantygown Cemetery car park by turning right. Follow the A95 for 6 miles and look for this  right turn  to Boat of Garten.

From Boat of Garten, take  this left , then  left again  following the sign for Loch Garten. Finally, take this  right turn  to reach the loch. You can park for the loch in two places: a small  forested car park  or further on at the  north end  of the Loch.

The photo below was taken on a cool winter morning. Loch Garten is breathtaking; who needs Loch Ness?

Directions to Loch Garten .

A short distance north of Loch Garten is  Castle Roy , which has recently opened to visitors for the first time ever! Either follow the road you're on to Nethy Bridge or retrace your steps back to the B970 and turn right to Nethy Bridge. Pass through the town on the B970; you will see the castle on your left as you leave. Murdo, the Highland cow, will greet you at the car park.

It might not be your most amazing castle design, but the walls are impressively thick, and the views of the Cairngorm Mountains from the castle battlements are spectacular. A handy information board points out all of the mountain features. It's possible to ascend one corner of the castle via a stair, and plenty of picnic tables are onsite.

Directions to Castle Roy .

I couldn't fit everything into five days! So here are some additional suggestions for your trip to Aviemore:

Landmark Forest Adventure Park  - This is a great theme park, especially if you have kids; the only downside is it's very expensive, particularly in the summer. For my family of five, it would cost £169 to visit. If money is no object, then there is so much to do here: huge climbing frames, rock climbing, water slides, roller coasters, a butterfly hut, animatronic dinosaurs, a tree-top trail and my favourite area, the bamboozeleum, which is full of optical illusions. Bring a picnic to save on expensive park food.

Directions to Landmark .

Pony Trekking  - The Rothiemurchus Centre, as mentioned above for quad biking, also offers pony trekking. It costs £20-40 per person and can be booked on the  Rothiemurchus website .

Craigellachie Circular Walk  - This walk starts on the south side of Aviemore and takes you up into the hills on the west side of Aviemore. Initially a forest walk, you will reach the top of the hill and see a panoramic view of Aviemore, the Rothiemurchus Forest and Glenmore Forest Park.

Directions to Craigellachie Walk .

Gorge Walking  - My brother and nephew went  gorge walking with G2 Outdoor , based just south of Aviemore. They loved the mixture of rock scrambling, plunge pools and water slides. Even though the water is freezing in Scotland, you are kitted out with special wet suits, harnesses and helmets: a more adventurous option but lots of fun.

Funicular Railway  - The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is part of the snowsports centre on the Cairngorm Mountain; it's basically a railway carriage that takes you to the upper area of the ski centre. Even if you don't intend to do any snow sports, a trip up the funicular railway can be fun; there's a cafe at the top and spectacular views.  Check their website  before you visit, as it can be out of order regularly.

It's fairly expensive at £22 per adult and £12.50 for children.

The Fun House  - Part of the Coylumbridge Hotel facilities, the  Fun House  is a large indoor soft playframe, ideal for kids 12 or under. The centre also offers arcades, crazy golf and an American diner cafe. You don't need to be staying at the hotel to use it.

£6.50 for children five and over.

Directions to the Fun House .

Strathspey Cinema  - In central Aviemore, within the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, there is a cinema often showing the latest films. I like this cinema because it's huge with plenty of seating. In the holiday season, there is often a pantomime too, ideal for small children.

Ice Skating  - As I mentioned in my intro, Aviemore used to have a fantastic ice rink near the Macdonald Resort. Sadly, it closed in the 1990s, leaving Aviemore without an ice rink for over 20 years. Thankfully, Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust launched a campaign in 2021 to build a new ice rink and successfully opened a marquee-covered facility in October of that year.

The group are raising funds to build a sport-sized iced rink building in Aviemore. It's a little cheaper to book in advance; walk-in prices are £15 per adult, £13 per child and £50 for a family ticket.

The ice rink can be found just off the  Macdonald Resort car park , near their coach parking area.

Wild camping & Wild Swimming  - There's nothing to stop you from wild camping in the Aviemore area. park rangers prefer you to use the designated camping areas though, and fires are banned in most places to protect the forests. Wild swimming can be a fun activity, but the water in Scotland is very cold at all times of year, and people have died from cold water shock from jumping into lochs.

Snowsports in Aviemore

I haven't been skiing or snowboarding at the Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports Centre. Snowsports in Aviemore depend greatly on how much snow has fallen on the hills; sometimes, the season doesn't get going until December and only lasts until April. The end of January is considered the time for the highest chance of snowfall; in particularly warm years, the snowsport window can be very small.

The Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports Centre has a lot to offer the budding skier or snowboarder:

30km of pisted runs

12 surface lifts

Freestyle terrain

On-site equipment rental

Directions to Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports Centre .

Here are some frequently asked questions about travelling in Aviemore.

Is Aviemore Scotland worth visiting?

Yes, Aviemore is one of my top three places to visit in Scotland. Here are a few reasons why it's worth visiting:

Natural Beauty:  Aviemore is set within the Cairngorms National Park, one of the UK's most spectacular and pristine natural areas. The landscapes here range from dense forests and serene lochs to rugged mountain peaks.

Outdoor Activities:  Depending on the season, Aviemore offers a plethora of outdoor activities:

Winter:  It's a hub for winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding.

Summer:  Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and water sports on the lochs are popular.

Wildlife:  The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, for instance, lets visitors meet and learn about Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Birdwatchers can also spot rare species like the osprey.

Cultural and Historical Sites:  The nearby Highland Folk Museum offers insights into Highland life from the 1700s to the 1960s. The Strathspey Steam Railway provides a nostalgic journey on a vintage train.

Family-Friendly:  There are numerous family activities, from treetop adventures at TreeZone Aviemore to fun days at the beach of Loch Morlich.

How do you travel around Aviemore?

Car is the easiest way to travel around Aviemore, but regular buses can be taken from the town centre near the railway station.

If you're an avid cycler, many places can be accessed via some mid-ranged cycle routes; for example, you could cycle from Aviemore to Loch Morlich.

Where is the best place to stay in Aviemore?

Scandinavian Village  on the west side of town is hard to beat for week-long stays. It's the cheapest place to stay for seven nights and is located close to the town centre and two major supermarkets - ALDI and Tesco. The largest accommodation at Scandinavian Village can easily accommodate eight people if two sleep in the lounge, and the kitchen is well stocked with utensils for self-catering. There's even a washer and drier so you can pack light and wash your clothes.

For single nights, the new Premier Inn on the south side of town is hard to beat for value. If you book months in advance, you can stay for around £50 per night.

For weekend stays with a touch more character, consider the  Cairngorm Hotel on Grampian Road , directly opposite Aviemore Train Station. The rooms are better decorated, and the food here is lovely.

Where are the best places to eat in Aviemore?

You are spoilt for choice in Aviemore; there are so many lovely places to eat. Here's my top list of places to eat in and around Aviemore:

Cairngorm Hotel

The Winking Owl

The Balavoulin

Smiffy's Fish & Chips

Cheese and Tomatin

The Old Bridge Inn (Dog friendly)

Most evening restaurants require booking a table in the summer; walk-ins generally don't work. Aviemore is quieter in the winter, so you're more likely to get a table without booking.

Do you need a car in Aviemore?

It depends on what you would like to do. If you want to stay in central Aviemore, a car is unnecessary. You can still access many great restaurants, the cinema, the ice rink, the play parks and the swimming pool without leaving the town's boundaries. It isn't too far to walk to Rothiemurchus, with all that it offers.

If you want to explore the many lochs, forest trails, snow sports or zip lines , a car is a must.

Should I stay in Aviemore or Inverness?

For activities in the Aviemore area, then staying in Aviemore is recommended. You will get the most out of your day without travelling from Inverness; this is vital if you visit in winter to make the most of the available daylight hours.

Are midges a problem in Aviemore?

Generally, we haven't been bothered with midges too much on past visits to Aviemore. Check my  Midge Survival Guide  if you're worried about this annoying biting insect!  Ticks can be a problem  walking in the forest, especially if you have dogs.

Aviemore is a small Scottish town in the Highlands of Scotland.

Aviemore is more tailored towards outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, watersports, and snowsports during winter months.

Scandinavian Village is recommended for week-long stays, and Premier Inn and Cairgorm Hotel for shorter stays.

Aviemore is much quieter in winter but will be very cold with potential snowfall.

Inverness is the nearest city to Aviemore; it takes about 36 minutes to drive there via the A9.

Aviemore has a special magic for me, and I hope this guide will let you experience a little bit of it too! Your wee Scottish adventure can be continued by travelling onwards to  Inverness , northeast to  Moray  or west to  Fort William .

All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.

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The best things to do in Aviemore, Scotland

Updated On 16th April, 2022

Aviemore is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Scotland , it’s even a strong contender for the best places to visit in the UK. If you’re looking for things to do in Aviemore or things to do in Cairngorms National Park , you’re in the right place!

Aviemore is the main town in Cairngorms National Park , the largest of the UK National Parks and home to 4 out of Britain’s 5 highest mountains. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Aviemore is famous for its stunning lochs, walking in the Cairngorm Mountains, as well as skiing and winter sports. Aviemore is one of those destinations that you can explore year-round because of the diversity of the acitvities on offer here; there’s plenty to do in Aviemore in summer, in Aviemore in winter and in Aviemore when it’s raining. 

From hiking or skiing in the Cairngorm Mountains to exploring Loch Morlich, to wild camping and lochside picnics, or walking through the Rothiemurchus Forest or taking the Strathspey Steam Railway, there are so many things to do in Aviemore, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to put on your Scotland bucket list !

From going on challenging day hikes to trying water sports, from wild camping in Scotland under the dark skies to exploring some of the lochs near Aviemore, my time in Scotland has been nothing short of adventurous! In this Aviemore travel guide I am going to share with you the best things to do in Aviemore, the best places to visit in Aviemore, the best places to stay in Aviemore, what to see in Aviemore and my favourite adventures so far. Get your pen and paper ready to create the ultimate Scotland bucket list!

Looking to plan the ultimate  Scotland road trip?  Why not do what I did, and combine your trip to Aviemore with a trip to  Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park ,  Cairngorms National Park , the  Isle of Skye  and the NC500?

Other blog posts you might be interested in…

• Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Cairngorms National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Which UK National Park should you visit next?
• The best places to visit in Scotland
• The best walks and hikes in Scotland
• How to plan your Scotland road trip
• The best things to do on the Isle of Skye
• The best places to visit in the UK
• How to plan your UK road trip

Scotland Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my 4-week adventure.  This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, hikes, viewpoints, beaches and activities
• Lochs and waterfalls to visit
• Road trip tips (campsites, laundrettes, lunch spots)
• My favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner
• Things you must add to your bucket list!
• Travel guide links within each location

The best things to do in Aviemore...

1. go walking in the rothiemurchus forest..

Scotland is home to some stunning areas of nature, and woodland is certainly something that is aplenty in the Cairngorms National Park. The Rothiemurchus Forest is what is left of the Caledonian Forest in the Cairngorms. There are plenty of walking trails here for those of you who are looking to hug a tree and spend a bit of time in the fresh forest air. 

As well as being one of the best places for walking in the Cairngorms, Rothimurchus is home to a wealth of outdoor activities! Whether you want to try pony trekking, quad biking, wildlife watching or river sports such as tubing, rafting or kayaking, some of the best things to do in Aviemore can be found in the Rothiemurchus Forest. 

See all the best walks and hikes in Scotland here. 

2. Go skiing on the Cairngorms Mountains.

Cairngorms National Park is a winter wonderland for those of you who enjoy skiing or other winter sports. The park gives you the opportunity to try loads of snow activities which include skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and even dogsledding.

While you might not think of the UK as a key skiing destination, one of the most popular things to do in Aviemore in winter is to hit the slopes. More people come skiing in Cairngorms National Park than anywhere else in the UK.

The Cairngorms Mountains are one of the best places to go skiing in Scotland and this is one of the must do things in Aviemore! The centre offers ski gear hire and ski lessons if you need it. If you’re an experienced skiier there are also opportunities to go off-piste or go cross-country skiing in the National Park. 

Check out my skiing packing list here.

3. Take the Strathspey Steam Railway.

The Strathspey steam railway has been running in the Scottish Highlands for over 40 years. One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to travel back in time to an era when steam whistles blew, carriage doors slammed shut and there was a familiar click-clack, rhythm of the rails, as the train travels along the track.

Trains depart from Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains. The train takes you past heather-clad moors and woodland travelling parallel with the Speyside way, arriving at Boat of Garten and Broomhill. 

4. Explore the abandoned castle in Loch an Eilein.

Hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus, this beautiful castle is one of the most loved in the UK and one of the best places to visit in Scotland .

Loch an Eilein, the loch of the island, is home to an island castle ruin and surrounded by a beautiful forest and hills, is one of the best places to visit in Aviemore. Expect dramatic views as you want from the car park and then enjoy some of the low level paths, which form part of the Rothiemurchus network of trails and will take you all around the loch. In fact, Loch an Eilein is one of the best places to go walking in Scotland if you’re looking for something more gentle than a mountain hike!

After you’ve explored the area around the loch at your own pace, don’t forget to take a dip in the water and swim out to the castle island if you want. 

5. Go wild camping in Aviemore.

If you love the solitude of a ‘wild camping’ experience and a night under the stars, there are plenty of great places to go wild camping in Aviemore. As part of Scotland’s access legislation, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place.

One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to find a quiet space away from roads and attractions, pitch up a tent, and enjoy being at one with nature. Note that the rules are different if you want to camp with a campervan – you should have permission to park or a permit. Having said that, wild camping with a campervan in Scotland is often tolerated if you stay away from main roads and attractions, and respect the area you are in.  See more about responsible van life here. 

Get the ultimate camping packing checklist here. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to go camping in Aviemore, there are loads of cool Airbnbs overlooking the lochs!  Check out the best airbnbs in the UK here. 

6. Indulge in local produce at The Barn.

The Barn is a dog-friendly, family-friendly cafe and takeaway opposite Rothiemurchus Farm Shop, within easy distance of Aviemore. Their passions include sustainability, ethical farming and low food miles. One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to take a morning or afternoon before or after exploring the Rothiemurchus Estate to enjoy a tasty breakfast or lunch at The Barn. They are open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm.

7. Enjoy lochside fish and chips from The Happy Haggis.

If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in Aviemore, don’t miss out on The Happy Haggis! We got ours to takeaway to enjoy by the loch. The food is not only excellent but also affordable, the fish is sourced sustainably, and they also have a range of veggie options, including veggie haggis! 

8. Go cycling in Aviemore.

If you enjoy cycling, one of the best things to do in Aviemore is to rent a bike and enjoy the cycle paths. Whether you want to cycle along the quiet village roads and stop for a cup of tea, or to enjoy a full day cycling through the countryside, Aviemore offers something for every avid cyclist. Popular places for cycling in Aviemore include round Loch Morlich, through the Rothiemurchus Estate, Glenmore Forest Park or out to Carrbridge or Fort Augustus.

If you want to rent bikes in Aviemore, check out Aviemore Bikes or In Your Element Bike Hire. My top tip would be to book your bike online to reserve it when it’s busy!

9. Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of approximately 150 reindeer found in the Cairngorm Mountains and on the Glenlivet Estate in Scotland. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd have been roaming freely since 1952, and one of the best things to do in Aviemore is to go and say hello! The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is open daily and they run a daily guided Hill trip to go and see the reindeer. The whole trip usually lasts around 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on the reindeer and the weather, and costs £18.50.

10. Enjoy a day hike up Cairngorm Mountain and Ben Macdui.

Why hike one mountain when you can hike two?! Ascend up Cairngorm Mountain and then take the plateau across to Ben Macdui on this 18km day hike. It’s challenging, but one of the best things to do in Aviemore is to take in the views from Ben Macdui, this second highest mountain in Britain. The loop trail is a little scrambly in places and should take about 6 hours, including time to stop for lunch. 

See all my hiking top tips here.  

11. Experience the healing waters of Lochan Uaine.

An Lochan Uaine, the ‘green loch’, is one of the most beautiful lochs in Aviemore. Lochan Uaine is a great spot for relaxing, wild swimming (the waters are said to be healing) and has some of Scotland’s best scenery, including the mountain ‘Angel’s Peak’. The green water in the loch is most probably caused by reflected light from the pine trees that line the lake side, although local legend has it that it is that colour because pixies wash their clothes in it.

12. Get an adrenaline rush from outdoor activities in Aviemore.

One of the top things to do in Aviemore is to make the most of the outdoors and enjoy one of the many outdoors activities in Aviemore. There are many companies that offer active adventures in Cairngorms National Park, and one of the ones based near Aviemore is Craggan Outdoors, who offer low-impact activities as well as more energetic, adrenaline-inducing options! From climbing to gorge walking, kayaking to pony trekking, there are so many fun things to do in Aviemore, you’re spoilt for choice!

Another option for active adventures is taking part in watersports on Loch Morlich! Loch Morlich watersports hosts a stunning beach, renting of equipment of a variety of activities, lessons, and all in the beautiful settings of the Cairngorms and Glenmore Forest. Choose from kayaking, canoeing, sailing or paddle boarding to enjoy the beautiful water.

UK National Parks Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my adventure. You’re welcome.

This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, hikes, viewpoints and activities
• Lochs, lakes and waterfalls to visit
• All my wild camping spots
• Our favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner

What are your favourite things to do in Aviemore?

Where are your favourite places to visit in Aviemore? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

Passionate about adventure and creativity. Currently enjoying the sunshine while teaching English in southern Italy.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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20 Things to Do in Aviemore, Scotland

Aviemore is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Scotland, with both locals and tourists alike. There are so many things to do in Aviemore!

The proximity to the Cairngorms mountain range means it’s the perfect place to go for gorgeous scenery but also lots of adventurous activities.

Aviemore is a year-round destination. In the summer, you can swim in the lochs, cycle and hike, and enjoy the town. In the winter, the nearby Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, and there are plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing and sledging too.

In addition, Aviemore and its surroundings are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Cairngorms National Park provides a natural habitat for various species, including red deer, wildcats (although your chance of seeing one is very slim!), mountain hares, golden eagles, and ospreys.

Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the park’s trails and take part in guided wildlife safaris to spot these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.

How to get to Aviemore

I always recommend a stop in Aviemore to anyone visiting Scotland. Many people have Inverness on their list, and Aviemore is just 40 minutes south of there. If you’re travelling up the A9 you’ll drive straight through it anyhow.

If you’re visiting Loch Ness and heading up towards Inverness, then you can dip south to Aviemore.

At the very least, you can make a pit stop in the town, but I’d highly recommend a scenic 15-minute detour to the Cairngorm Reindeer House and driving on another 10 minutes to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway.

But let’s get to all the things to do in Aviemore!

Things to do in Aviemore

Cairngorm mountain railway.

Aviemore is the closest centre to the Cairngorm Mountains, which feature a unique attraction known as the Cairngorms Mountain Railway.

It is the highest railway in the UK and transports visitors to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Cairngorms National Park.

The funicular is not only a means of transportation but also a popular tourist attraction in its own right.

Note that you can only visit the information centre, shop and cafe at the top, not access the mountain itself. If you wish to do so, there are hiking trails around that you can take instead or as well.

Highland Folk Museum

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage at the Highland Folk Museum, just south of Aviemore in Newtonmore.

This open-air museum showcases historic buildings, traditional crafts, and living history exhibits.

It showcases a collection of historic buildings, including thatched cottages, a schoolhouse, and a working farm. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the social history and cultural heritage of the Highlands through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich is a stunning freshwater lake nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms. It’s a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil surroundings, or simply relax on the sandy beach, soaking up the scenic beauty.

Yes, we mean sandy beach!

Rothiemurchus Estate

Discover the natural wonders of the Rothiemurchus Estate, an expansive estate that encompasses forests, lochs, and the majestic Cairngorms Mountains.

Embark on guided nature walks, spot local wildlife, and learn about the rich biodiversity of the area.

Enjoy activities like fishing, horseback riding, or even quad biking for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Strathspey Steam Railway

Step back in time and experience the nostalgic charm of the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Hop aboard a vintage steam train and journey through the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms.

Enjoy the rhythmic chug of the locomotive as you pass through verdant valleys, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages.

You can also have afternoon tea on the train!

Highland Wildlife Park

Located near Kincraig just south of Aviemore, the Highland Wildlife Park is home to a diverse range of native and exotic animals.

Take a safari-style tour of the park and spot magnificent creatures like Scottish wildcats, European bison, red deer, and even polar bears.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and get up close to these incredible animals.

TreeZone Aviemore

Let your little adventurers test their skills at TreeZone Aviemore, an exhilarating high ropes course set in the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate.

With various levels of difficulty to suit different ages and abilities, kids can swing through the treetops, conquer obstacles, and zip-line their way to fun-filled excitement.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Pay a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where you can encounter a unique herd of reindeer roaming freely in the Cairngorm Mountains.

Often there are Reindeer at the centre itself, or you can join a guided tour and learn about these captivating creatures while walking alongside them in their natural habitat. You may even have the chance to feed and pet them.

Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park

Located within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the newly opened Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park has plenty of trails for all of the family. It features 3.4km of trails, with the longest descent at 1.4km.

There are two conveyor belts that take riders to the lower blue and green zones for easier rides, and more experienced riders can take the climb trail to the upper blue and red routes.

The Aviemore Adventurer Bus service runs from the town to the mountain and has bike racks, so it’s possible to get there by public transport too.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Located in Carrbridge, just a short drive from Aviemore, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park is a thrilling attraction for all ages.

Discover an array of exciting activities, including treetop walks, water slides, a butterfly house, and a wildlife observation area. Unleash your inner adventurer and have a blast exploring the park’s numerous attractions.

Loch an Eilein

Set within the magnificent Rothiemurchus Estate, Loch an Eilein is a true gem of the Cairngorms. Take a leisurely stroll around the loch, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the scenic beauty.

Admire the ruins of a 13th-century island castle that sits majestically in the middle of the loch, creating a captivating scene for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Macdonald Aviemore Resort

The Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities and facilities. Kids can splash around in the indoor pool complex, complete with water slides and a wave machine.

The resort also features a soft play area, outdoor play parks, mini-golf, and a dedicated activity program for children, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Speyside Way

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a section of the Speyside Way, a long-distance trail that spans from Aviemore to Buckie.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through stunning landscapes, passing by tranquil lochs, lush forests, and picturesque villages.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and don’t forget to stop by one of the nearby distilleries to sample some world-famous Speyside whisky.

Highland Wildlife Safari

Join a guided wildlife safari and venture deep into the Cairngorms National Park.

Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, explore hidden corners of the park in search of elusive creatures like golden eagles, red deer, ospreys, and ptarmigans.

Gain insights into the region’s natural history, ecology, and conservation efforts while being surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.

Cairngorm Brewery

Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Cairngorm Brewery, located in Aviemore. Take a tour of the brewery and discover the traditional methods used to create their award-winning craft beers.

Learn about the brewing process, sample a variety of their signature ales, and perhaps find a new favourite to take home as a souvenir.

Aviemore Kart Raceway

Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to Aviemore Kart Raceway. Challenge your friends or family to a thrilling go-kart race around the purpose-built track.

Test your driving skills, feel the rush of speed, and enjoy friendly competition in a safe and controlled environment.

Land Rover Safari

Embark on an exciting Land Rover safari and explore the rugged landscapes of the Cairngorms in style.

With experienced guides at the wheel, venture off-road to discover hidden gems, remote viewpoints, and areas inaccessible to regular vehicles. Learn about the region’s geology, flora, and fauna, and keep your eyes peeled for red deer, mountain hares, and other wildlife.

There are several companies and estates that offer these, including Glenlivet Wildlife, Rothiemurchus, and Atholl Estate.

The Strathspey Steam Railway run steam trains at certain times of year from Aviemore to Boat of Garten to Broomhill. Sometimes including the Flying Scotsman train! You can often enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch on the train.

We highly recommend the experience! You can check which trains are running on which days on their website here .

Spey Valley Cinema

Enjoy a family movie night at the Spey Valley Cinema, located in the heart of Aviemore. Catch the latest releases and relax in comfortable seating while enjoying a bucket of popcorn. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures.

Places to eat in Aviemore

Here are some places to try if you’re stopping in Aviemore for something to eat.

The Old Bridge Inn

This popular gastropub offers a cosy atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. From hearty pub classics to vegetarian and vegan options, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

The Winking Owl

A family-friendly restaurant known for its warm hospitality and delicious food. The menu features a mix of traditional Scottish dishes, international cuisine, and vegetarian options. Don’t miss their mouthwatering homemade desserts.

The Cairngorm Hotel

Located in the heart of Aviemore, this historic hotel offers a welcoming restaurant that serves a range of dishes, including Scottish classics like haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as international favourites.

The Druie Café

Situated in the Rothiemurchus Estate, this quaint café provides a delightful dining experience amidst stunning surroundings. Enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes, along with beautiful views of the surrounding forest.

Cheese and Tomatin

A laid-back atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizzas are on offer at this family-friendly restaurant.

We love staying in Aviemore, and we’ll definitely be making future visits and updating this list!

More ideas for your trip to Scotland:

• North East 250 Scotland Road Trip: Adventure, History, Whisky & More
• 21 of the Best Scottish Islands to Visit
• 15 Best Things to Do in Fort William and Nearby
• 20+ Things to Do in Fort Augustus, The Gateway to Loch Ness
• 45 Things to Do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs
• Harry Potter Locations in Scotland You Should Visit
• 11 Reasons to Visit the Isles of Lewis and Harris, Scotland
• Loch Ossian Hostel – Staying in Remote Scotland

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

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