Aviemore is a year-round vacation destination. It hosts a wide range of activities and events during the summer and winter months. This guide will help you find the top things to do in Aviemore
This gorgeous Highland town is settled in the Cairngorms National Park.
Aviemore is renowned for its extensive selection of ski destinations, peaceful lochs, enchanting forests and bike trails. This attracts tourists from all over the world to this wonderful Scottish holiday destination.
This resort is popular among winter sports enthusiasts due to its close proximity to Cairn Gorm Mountain.
The Cairngorms are home to 3 of the 4 highest mountain ranges located in the British Isles. The perfect place for trekkers!
When you visit, you can be sure to receive an inviting welcome from its locals. There are a variety of traditional pubs and restaurants to take a break from a day of exploring.
Where is Aviemore?
Aviemore is a resort for tourists and town on the western end of Cairngorms National Park, 30 miles south of Inverness on the A9.
Things to do Things to do Aviemore
Great for travelers, Aviemore is an excellent base for those that are travelling to Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park on an excursion to Scotland.
Aviemore is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of cozy lodges and hotels in this region.
It’s true that there’s plenty to do that you can do everything includes music festival to dog rallies!
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Aviemore during the summer or the winter – explore the variety of activities available in Aviemore below.
Cairngorms National Park Cairngorms National Park
The most popular things to do in Aviemore are located in the Cairngorms National Park.
Unlimited outdoor fun awaits you at the Cairngorms.
In the largest National Park you can experience all of it such as water sports, snow sports, wildlife watching, hiking trails and cycling routes.
There are many boutique hotels in the park but most prefer to sleep under the stars at the various campsites.
The Cairngorms National Park’s major draw for tourists is its Cairngorms mountains.
A picturesque landmark, the Cairn Gorm mountain is a sought-after destination for skiing and snowboarding.
The ‘Cairngorms’ were once referred to as “Am Monadh Ruadh’ (The Russet-Coloured Mountain Range). In Victorian time, the area was named after Cairn Gorm, which was the highest visited mountains located on the Plateau.
The Cairngorms Plateau is the closest thing we could reach to alpine, arctic, tundra and boreal conditions in Britain.
Within the Cairngorms are three of the four highest mountain ranges in Scotland and in fact, in the British Isles; Ben Mac Dui, Braeriach and Carn Toul.
Winter sports and hillwalking are the main activities within the Cairngorms mountains. However, trail cycling mountain biking and canoeing are great alternatives to easy walks.
Highland Wildlife Park
The Highland Wildlife Park is 25 minutes drive away.
It’s well worth a trip if you want to find cool things to do in Aviemore.
It is definitely worth the effort as you be able to observe rare Scottish wildlife and endangered animals in a stunning location.
The visitors to Wildlife Park can drive around the main reserve and stroll around the surrounding areas of the park on walking.
Children (and the big kids, too) have a blast visiting The Wildlife Park.
Park is home to native species, including The Capercaillie and Scottish Wildcat!
There are also some of the park’s most famous inhabitants, such as The Amur Tiger and Polar Bear.
Glenmore Forest Park
You will find Glenmore Forest Park at the at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.
This is one of the stunning things to experience in Aviemore.
The park welcomes more than 250,000 people each year.
Many visit to enjoy hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing in the winter months,
This beautiful forest is most famous for its native Caledonian pinewoods.
Loch Morlich which sits next to the woods attracts many visitors. This is due to its long , sandy beach that was awarded a Rural Beach Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Loch Morlich is the first and only freshwater inland loch to receive this honor.
Within the park is a hidden gem hidden away, the Pass of Ryvoan.
The scenic trail is enjoyed by those with green fingers because it is surrounded by nature and stunning views of the hillside.
This peaceful area of forest makes an excellent location for picnicking and relaxing.
Aviemore Sledge Dog Rally
January is among the most popular months for tourists visiting Aviemore. One of the most exciting things to do in Aviemore in January is to attend the local sledge dog race.
A large number of huskies make their way to the Highlands each year to take part in the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Rally.
For self catering lodges with hot tubs, visit Mountain Grange’s website.
Glenmore will be welcoming over 1000 Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs to its grounds for the rally.
In the rally, teams of between two and eight Sledge dogs pull sledges.
They can travel as fast as 25 miles per hour on the track which is based close to Loch Morlich and its surrounding areas.
Competitors from all over the world join in over 3000 spectators who watch each year.
Breweries and Distilleries
Say “slanj” and see what’s going on in the Highlands of Scotland.
It’s a way of passage for anyone visiting this area of Scotland to take a trip 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 centers where you can get more information about the art of distilling or brewing. Tomintoul, Balmenach (Caorunn Gin) and Speyside Distillery can also be visited on request.
With the variety of options available here, we advise to drink in moderation. Additionally, children less than 12 years old are not allowed.
Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival
Another annual event which occurs in this bustling town , is Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival.
If you like a drink or two, this is something you can explore in Aviemore specifically for.
There will be plenty of choices as the event organizers provide the finest mix of craft beers and spirits in one place.
Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival started in the year. The locals were so impressed that they’ve chosen to hold the three-day celebration each year.
This festival is an excellent occasion for those who reside in Aviemore to show off the best of the region’s producers of food and drinks, venues, arts and crafts.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
If you’re in search of an escape to the spa in Aviemore then look at Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Being at the Cairngorms can be exhausting, especially when you’re putting all of your energy in the mountains!
After all that work, spend some time with yourself – relax and enjoy a hot stone massage, or a refreshing facial.
This is the ideal spot to spend time with a loved one , and is a wonderful ending to a visit to Aviemore with style.
Landmark Forrest Adventure Park
Six miles (10km) north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge. It’s a must when you are looking for activities to take part in Aviemore.
Expect a fun-filled day in Landmark Forest Adventure Park!
One of the main attractions is family-friendly roller coasters including wild water coasters the High Ropes Trails, and the Skydive.
The geographical diversity here is also impressive. Within the park, you’ll discover caverns, wild animals and stunning waterfalls.
Rothiemurchus Forest
Just on the edge of Aviemore and at the heart of Cairngorms National Park is the Rothiemurchus Forest.
This is yet another very unique place to visit during a family trip.
Just next to the woods is the Rothiemurchus Centre that offers activities such as fishing segway, quad bikes, fishing trips, pony trips paddleboarding, family rafting a safari, and a number of different outdoor pursuits.
After a long day, you can walk into The Druie Cafe to enjoy local tea, or a delicious dessert.
Fun House located at Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel
Whether you are staying at Coylumbridge Hotel or not, the Fun House is another excellent location to spend a day in with your family.
The Fun House has activities available in both to children and adults.
Younger children will be having amusement in the soft play centre and games room. For adults as well as older children, they’ll get to enjoy golf and bowling.
The Fun House is a 1950s-themed licensed restaurant with vibrant seats and tables. There’s even the pool table!
The Fun House also offers birthday celebrations with a designated space for parties and menus.
Highland Folk Museum
A bit south from Aviemore is Newtonmore, home to the Highland Folk Museum.
The museum is located on a mile of land located on a mile long stretch of land Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open-air museum.
The main feature of The main attraction of Highland Folk Museum is the Highland Township. The Highland Township features buildings interpreted from the 1700s.
You also have another option, the Open Air Section with a range of 19th- mid-20th-century structures.
Each location has staff members dressed as highlanders, reenacting the activities from the past centuries.
On certain days on specific days, on certain days, the Highland Folk Museum hosts rope weaving, weaving, and other highland life demonstrations.
Some of the site’s buildings are constructed here. But, the majority have been moved from other regions of the highlands, and then rebuilt on site.
Paintballing
Inhaling all this gorgeous picturesque, charming scenery is a delight. It’s possible that you’re seeking something with some excitement to it (assuming you’re not Skiing and Snowboarding).
There are a couple of paintballing companies in Aviemore. Visit them!
Boat is part of Garten Golf and Tennis Club
Love golf? If so, then you’ll find several excellent golf courses close to Aviemore!
The 18-hole Boat of the Garten Golf and Tennis Club, one of the best golf clubs and golf courses of Scotland.
Abernethy Golf Club
Another noteworthy option one of the best is Abernethy Golf Club located just close to Nethy Bridge Village. Nethy Bridge village.
The club was established in 1893. Abernethy Golf Club is among the oldest golf clubs in the nation.
It is built on natural moorland. this golf club offers challenging holes, breathtaking views as well as a few wildlife species such as red squirrels or ospreys.
Loch Garten Osprey Centre
It is located near Nethy Bridge north of Aviemore, Loch Garten Osprey Centre is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon.
It is here that the Ospreys were seen again in the 1950s, after being gone from 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 best activities you can do when visiting Aviemore is to visit the town’s centre.
Aviemore Town Centre is pretty bustling for a small town. There is a huge buzz about it.
Be sure to check out the multitude of cafes and eateries all over Aviemore!
If you’re interested in walking on hills, the outdoor shops in Aviemore have the best prices in Scotland. I’ve scored a great deal on a couple of great jackets and trousers for hillwalking in Aviemore.
There is a lively nightlife scene in Aviemore is surprisingly good. The pubs are reasonably bustling in Winter, with snow falling from Cairn Gorm. In summer Aviemore is a popular destination for stag parties. It is however not a loud city, or a quiet town.