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.
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
