Aviemore is one of Scotland’s most popular holiday destinations, loved by locals and tourists alike. There are so many things to do in Aviemore!
The proximity to the Cairngorms means it’s the ideal place to enjoy the beautiful scenery and many adventurous activities.
Aviemore is a year-round destination. In summer, you can swim in the lake, bike and hike, and explore the town. In winter, nearby Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise, with plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing and sledding.
In addition, Aviemore and its surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife. The Cairngorms National Park provides a natural habitat for a variety of species including red deer, feral cats (although your chances of seeing them are slim!), mountain hares, golden eagles and osprey.
Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the park’s trails and join a guided wildlife safari to spot these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.
How to Get to Aviemore
I always recommend a stop at Aviemore to anyone visiting Scotland. Many people list Inverness as their destination, and Aviemore is just 40 minutes south of there. If you’re driving along the A9, you’ll drive directly past it anyway.
If you’re visiting Loch Ness and heading to Inverness, head south to Aviemore.
At the very least, you get a short stop in town, but I highly recommend taking a 15 minute detour for the scenery, to the Cairngorms Reindeer Lodge, and then another 10 minutes to the Cairngorms Mountain Railway.
But let’s find out all there is to see in Aviemore!
Aviemore Attractions
Cairngorms Railway
Aviemore is the closest center to the Cairngorms and is home to a unique attraction, the Cairngorms Railway.
It is the highest railway in the UK and transports tourists to the top of the Cairngorms, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Cairngorms National Park.
The cable car 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 center, shops and cafes at the top of the mountain, not the mountain itself. If you wish to do so, you can choose from the surrounding hiking trails, or you can walk.
Highland Folk Museum
Soak up 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 historical exhibits.
It showcases a range of historic buildings including thatched cottages, schoolhouses and farms. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the social history and cultural heritage of the Highlands through interactive exhibits and presentations.
morlich l.
Loch Mollich is a stunning freshwater lake nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms. This is a paradise for water sports lovers.
Take a dip in the crystal clear waters, rent a kayak or paddle board to explore the tranquil surroundings, or just relax on the beach and take in the beautiful scenery.
Yes, we mean sandy beaches!
Rottimox Estate
Explore the natural wonders of Rothiemurchus Estate, an expansive estate that includes forests, lakes and the majestic Cairngorms.
Embark on a guided nature walk to spot local wildlife and learn about the region’s rich biodiversity.
Enjoy fishing, horseback riding, and even quad biking for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Strathpe Steam Railway
Step back in time and experience the nostalgic charm of the Strathspey Steam Railway.
Board a vintage steam train and travel through the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms.
Enjoy the rhythmic chug of locomotives as you drive through verdant valleys, ancient woodlands and picturesque villages.
You can also drink afternoon tea on the train!
Highland Safari
Highland Wildlife Park, near Kincraig, south of Aviemore, is home to a variety of native and exotic animals.
Take a safari-style tour of the park to see magnificent creatures such as Scottish wildcats, bison, red deer and even polar bears.
This is a great opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and get up close and personal with these incredible animals.
Aviemore Tree District
Let your little adventurers test their skills at TreeZone Aviemore, an exciting high ropes course on the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate.
With varying levels of difficulty to suit different ages and abilities, kids can enjoy the fun-filled thrills of treetop swings, overcoming obstacles, and ziplines.
Cairngorms Reindeer Center
Visit the Cairngorms Reindeer Centre, where you can see a unique herd of reindeer roaming the Cairngorms.
There are often reindeer in the center itself, or you can join a guided tour to walk with them in their natural habitat and learn about these fascinating creatures. You might even get a chance to feed and pet them.
Cairngorms Mountain Bike Park
The newly opened Cairngorms Mountain Bike Park is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and has plenty of walks for the whole family. It has 3.4 kilometers of trails and the longest downhill is 1.4 kilometers.
There are two conveyor belts that take riders to the lower blue and green areas for easier riding, and experienced riders can follow the climbing route to the higher blue and red routes.
The Aviemore Adventurer Bus Service runs from the town into the mountains and has bike racks so you can also get there by public transport.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Located in Carrbridge, just a short drive from Aviemore, Landmark Forest Adventure Park is an exciting attraction for all ages.
Discover a range of exciting activities including treetop walks, water slides, butterfly houses and wildlife viewing areas. Unleash your inner adventurer and explore the park’s many attractions.
island lake
Set within the magnificent Rothiemurchus estate, Loch an Eilein is a true gem of the Cairngorms. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake to enjoy the tranquility and the beautiful scenery.
Admire the ruins of the 13th-century island castle sitting majestically in the middle of the lake, creating a fascinating scene for photographers and nature lovers.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities and facilities. Kids can splash around in the indoor pool, complete with water slides and wave machines.
The resort also has a soft play area, an outdoor play park, miniature golf and a dedicated children’s activity program to ensure you’ll never be bored.
Speyside Road
Strap on your hiking boots and hit the Speyside Way, a long walk from Aviemore to Buckie.
Take a leisurely stroll through the stunning landscape, passing tranquil lakes, lush forests and picturesque villages.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and don’t forget to sample some of the world famous Speyside whiskey at a nearby distillery.
Highland Wildlife Adventures
Explore the depths of the Cairngorms National Park on a guided wildlife safari.
With a knowledgeable guide, explore hidden corners of the park and look for elusive creatures such as golden eagles, red deer, osprey, and ptarmigan.
Gain insight into the region’s natural history, ecology, and conservation efforts amid stunning scenery.
Cairngorms Brewery
Beer lovers should not miss a visit to the Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore. Take a tour of the brewery and learn about the traditional methods of brewing award-winning craft beers.
Learn about the brewing process, sample a variety of signature beers, and maybe find a new favorite to take home as a souvenir.
Aviemore Kart Circuit
Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to the Aviemore Kart Circuit. Challenge your friends or family to a thrilling kart race on 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 Adventure and explore the rugged landscape of the Cairngorms in style.
Go on an off-road adventure with an experienced guide and discover hidden gems, remote spots and areas that normal vehicles can’t reach. Learn about the region’s geology, flora and fauna, and keep an eye out for red deer, mountain rabbits, and other wildlife.
There are several companies and estates offering these services including Glenlivet Wildlife, Rothiemurchus and Atholl Estate.
Strathpe Steam Railway
The Strathspey Steam Railway operates steam trains from Aviemore to the Boat of Garten to Broomhill at certain times of the year . Sometimes including the Trapeze train! You can often enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch on the train.
We highly recommend this experience!You can see which trains run on which days on their website.
Spey Valley Cinemas
Enjoy a family movie night at the Spey Valley Cinema in the heart of Aviemore. Watch the latest releases and relax in a comfy seat while enjoying a bucket of popcorn. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventure.
Aviemore restaurants
If you stop in Aviemore for a bite to eat, here are some places to try.
Old Bridge Inn
This popular gastropub has a cozy atmosphere and a varied menu using local produce. From hearty pub classics to vegetarian and vegan options, there’s something to suit every taste.
winking owl
A family friendly restaurant known for its hospitality and good food. The menu includes traditional Scottish dishes, international dishes and vegetarian options. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering homemade desserts.
Cairngorms Hotels
In the heart of Aviemore, this historic hotel has a restaurant serving a variety of dishes, including Scottish classics such as haggis, neeps and tacos, as well as international favourites.
druid cafe
Located on the Rothiemurchus Estate, this quaint café offers a delightful dining experience in charming surroundings. Enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes while admiring the beautiful views of the surrounding forest.
cheese and tomatoes
This family-friendly restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizza.
We loved staying in Aviemore and we will definitely be visiting and updating this list in the future!
More suggestions for a trip to Scotland:
Sonya x
