Aviemore is a tourist destination. Aviemore hosts a variety of events and activities during the winter and summer months. This guide explored the top things to do in Aviemore
This gorgeous Highland town is settled in the Cairngorms National Park.
Aviemore is best known for its great selection of ski locations, secluded lakes, beautiful forests and bike trails. This attracts tourists from all around the world to this amazing Scottish holiday spot.
The resort is well-loved by winter sports enthusiasts because of its proximity to Cairn Gorm Mountain.
The Cairngorms are home to 3 of the 4 most awe-inspiring mountains within the British Isles. The perfect place for trekkers!
When you visit, you can be sure to receive an inviting welcome from its residents. There are a variety of traditional restaurants and pubs to take a break from a day of exploration.
Where is Aviemore?
Aviemore is a popular tourist destination and town on the western end of Cairngorms National Park, 30 miles to the south of Inverness along the A9.
Things to do Things to do Aviemore
Great for travelers, Aviemore is an excellent base for those that are going to in the Cairngorms National Park on a trip to Scotland.
Aviemore is a major tourist attraction where you can find a myriad of comfortable hotels and cozy lodges in the Aviemore region.
However, there’s so many things to do in the area all the way is possible, from concerts to dog rallies!
Whether you are visiting Aviemore in the season of summer or winter, explore the variety of activities available during your stay in Aviemore below.
The Cairngorms National Park
The most popular things to do in Aviemore are located in the Cairngorms National Park.
Endless outdoor fun awaits you on the Cairngorms.
In the UK’s largest National Park you can experience everything including water sports, snow sports, wildlife watching as well as hiking trails and cycling routes.
There are a variety of boutique hotels situated within the park. However, most prefer to sleep under the stars at one of the campsites.
There is Cairngorms National Park’s major tourist attraction is the Cairngorms the mountain range.
A stunning landmark, the Cairn Gorm mountains is a favorite destination for snowboarding and skiing.
In a strange way, the ‘Cairngorms’ were formerly known as “Am Monadh Ruadh’ (The Russet-Coloured Mountain Range). In Victorian times , the region was named after Cairn Gorm, which was the most visited peak located on the Plateau.
The Cairngorms Plateau is the closest we reach to alpine, arctic or tundra conditions in Britain.
Within the Cairngorms is the location of three of the four highest mountains in Scotland and in fact, all of the British Isles; Ben Mac Dui, Braeriach and Carn Toul.
Hillwalking and winter sports are the most popular things to do during the Cairngorms mountains. However, trail cycling mountain biking, and canoeing are all good alternatives for less strenuous walks.
Our Mountain Grange accommodation provides self catering lodges with hot tubs in the Scottish Highlands.
Highland Wildlife Park
The Highland Wildlife Park is 25 minutes away by car.
It’s well worth a visit if want to find cool activities to enjoy in Aviemore.
The trip is well worth the effort as you find rare Scottish wildlife and endangered animals and a spectacular landscape.
People who visit the Wildlife Park can drive around the main reserve and also explore the surrounding areas on the foot.
Kids (and big kids too) have a blast visiting at the Wildlife Park.
Park is home to indigenous species such as that of the Capercaillie as well as the Scottish Wildcat!
The park also has more famous residents like Amur Tiger and Polar Bear. Amur Tiger and Polar Bear.
Glenmore Forest Park
You will find Glenmore Forest Park at the base of the Cairngorm Mountains.
This is among the stunning things to take part in in Aviemore.
The park attracts over 250,000 visitors each year
Many come to take advantage of mountain biking, walking and cross country skiing during winter months,
This enchanting this forest its most famous for its indigenous Caledonian pinewoods.
Loch Morlich which sits next to the woods is a popular destination for guests. This is due to the long beach with a sandy shoreline that was awarded a Rural Beach Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Loch Morlich is the first and only freshwater inland freshwater lake to have received this recognition.
In the park is a secret gem hidden away, that of the Pass of Ryvoan.
The scenic trail is enjoyed by those who are green because it is surrounded by beautiful nature and views of the hills.
This peaceful area within the woodland is a wonderful location for picnicking and relaxing.
Aviemore Sledge Dog Rally
January is one of the most frequent months for tourists to Aviemore. One of the most enjoyable activities to enjoy in Aviemore in January is the local sledge dog rally.
Many huskies travel to the Highlands every year to be part of the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Rally.
Glenmore will be welcoming over 1,000 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 animals pull on sledges.
They can travel as fast as 25 miles per hour on the track , which is located in Loch Morlich and its surrounding areas.
Competitors from all over the world participate in more than 3000 spectators who watch every year.
Breweries and Distilleries
Say ‘slanj” and check out what’s going on in Highlands of Scotland.
It is a rite of passage for people who visit this part of Scotland to take a tour of a local brewery!
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 which allow you to learn more about the art and science behind brewing or distilling. Tomintoul, Balmenach (Caorunn Gin) and Speyside Distillery can also be visited upon request.
With all the options to choose from, we recommend to drink in moderation. Also, children who are younger than 12 are not permitted.
Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival
Another annual event that takes place in this buzzing town , is Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival.
If you enjoy a tipple or two, this is something to do in Aviemore specifically for.
You’ll have plenty of selection as the event organizers will bring the most delicious mix of craft beers and spirits under one roof.
Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival started in the year 2019. People loved it so much that they’ve decided to continue the three-day event each year.
The festival is a fantastic chance for people who live in Aviemore to showcase the area’s top food and drink producers events, venues, and arts and crafts.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
If you’re looking for relaxing time in Aviemore Look at Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
The Cairngorms can exhausting, particularly if you are using up all your energy skiing!
After all that hard work, you should take some time to yourself . Relax and indulge in relaxing with a hot stone massage or a refreshing facial.
It’s the ideal place to spend time with a beloved one. It’s also an excellent option to finish a trip to Aviemore with style.
Landmark Forrest Adventure Park
6 miles (10km) north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge. It’s a must in the list of attractions in Aviemore.
Expect a fun-filled day in Landmark Forest Adventure Park!
Some of the most important attractions are family-friendly roller coasters including wild water coasters The High Ropes Trails, and the Skydive.
The geographical diversity here is also amazing – within the park, you will find caverns, wild animals as well as stunning waterfalls.
Rothiemurchus Forest
Right on the edge of Aviemore and right in the middle of Cairngorms National Park lies The Rothiemurchus Forest.
Another special place to visit on an excursion with the family.
Just next to the forest is the Rothiemurchus Centre that offers activities like fishing segway, quad bikes, fishing excursions, pony rides, paddling, rafting with family members, a safari, and a number of others outdoor adventures.
In the middle of the day, make sure to step to The Druie Cafe to enjoy local tea or a tasty dessert.
Fun House located at Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel
It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in the Coylumbridge Hotel or not, the Fun House is another excellent place to spend the day together with your family.
The Fun House offers activities for children to take part in both to children and adults.
The younger children are in a position to enjoy some fun in the soft-play center and in the games room. As for adults and older youngsters, they’ll have the chance to enjoy golf and bowling.
A stunning location at the Fun House is a 1950s-themed licensed diner that has colorful tables and vinyl seating. There’s even an arcade table!
The Fun House also offers birthday events with a designated party space and menu plans.
Highland Folk Museum
Just to the south in Aviemore is Newtonmore which is home to Newtonmore, home to Highland Folk Museum.
Lying on a mile-long stretch of land that runs for miles, the Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open-air museum.
The key attraction of The main attraction of Highland Folk Museum is the Highland Township. It is the Highland Township features buildings interpreted as early as the 1700s.
You also have another option, the Open Air Section with a range of 19th- mid-20th-century buildings.
Every area has staff dressed as highlanders, reenacting actions from the past century.
On certain days, on certain days, the Highland Folk Museum hosts rope making, weaving, and other highland-related demonstrations.
The majority of the building on the site are constructed here. However, most were moved from other areas of the highlands and rebuilt on site.
Paintballing
The beauty of this scenic, picturesque scenery is amazing. However, you might be searching for something with some excitement to it (assuming you’re not into Skiing or Snowboarding).
There are a few paintballing companies in Aviemore. Take a look!
Boat is part of Garten Golf and Tennis Club
Love golf? If so, then you’ll find several excellent golf courses close to Aviemore!
A 18-hole course at the Boat of the Garten Golf and Tennis Club, one of the most prestigious golf clubs and Courses in Scotland.
Abernethy Golf Club
Another option worth considering is the Abernethy Golf Club situated right next to the Nethy Bridge village.
In 1893, the Abernethy Golf Club is among the most prestigious golf courses in the country.
The club is situated on natural moorland. this golf course offers challenging holes, stunning views, and even a few species of wildlife such as red squirrels or Ospreys.
Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Again situated near Nethy Bridge north of Aviemore, Loch Garten Osprey Centre is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
It was here that Ospreys came back in the 1950s, after being extinct in the UK.
Ospreys can be observed here from March through April until August or September.
Aviemore Town Centre
The best is saved for last
One of the most enjoyable things doing in Aviemore is to visit the town centre itself.
Aviemore Town Centre is pretty busy for a small town. The town has a serious buzz around it.
You should definitely check out the numerous cafes and restaurants that are scattered across Aviemore!
If you’re interested in hiking, hillwalking or other activities, the shops for outdoor activities here offer some of the best bargains in Scotland. I’ve bagged myself a bargain with a pair of good jackets and hillwalking trousers in Aviemore.
The nightlife in Aviemore is surprisingly good. The pubs are usually busy in Winter as there’s snowfall on Cairn Gorm mountain. In summer, Aviemore is a popular destination for stag parties. It is however by no means a loud town, but it is a quaint and quiet one.