The Tailor-Made Guide to Things to Do at Aviemore in Scotland
- 5 days ago
- 14 min read
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
What are the best things to do at Aviemore in Scotland? Here's the short answer: Aviemore delivers an extraordinary range of experiences for independent travellers — from riding a funicular railway into the sub-arctic plateau of the Cairngorms mountains, to meeting free-ranging reindeer in the hills, cycling through ancient Caledonian pine forest, and uncovering 4,000 years of Highland history at mysterious stone circles. Whether you're an adrenaline-seeker, a wildlife-lover, a history buff or just someone who wants to breathe in some genuinely wild Scottish air, Aviemore's got you covered.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture this: the sharp, resinous scent of Scots pine drifting through cool morning air, the distant crack of a woodpecker echoing through the forest, and the Cairngorms mountains rising dramatically above the treeline — their rounded, ancient summits dusted with snow even well into spring. That's the sensory world you step into the moment you arrive in Aviemore. This isn't some generic Highland backdrop. It's a landscape with texture and character — the creak of a heritage steam train pulling away from the station, the amber glint of a craft ale catching the light, the eerie stillness of a loch reflecting a ruined castle on its island. Aviemore engages all the senses, and that's exactly why it's one of Scotland's most compelling destinations for independent travellers.
Hi, I'm Barry — the travel obsessive behind Tailor-Made Itineraries, with years of first-hand experience travelling independently across the UK and beyond. I know what makes a destination tick. And Aviemore? It's one of those places I keep coming back to. This post is based entirely on my own personal experience of visiting Aviemore and the surrounding area — no press trips, no paid placements, just the honest, practical tips I wish I'd had.
If you've landed on this article searching for things to do in Aviemore Scotland, you're in exactly the right place. I've done the legwork so you don't have to — personally visiting every attraction listed here and giving you my straight-talking assessment of what's worth your time. This is a tip-based guide packed with actionable, first-hand information, and I've also included a section on where to eat and where to stay, so you can plan your whole trip from this one article.
A note before we dive in: Aviemore is the western gateway to the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland — the UK's largest national park, covering over 4,500 square kilometres of dramatic Highland landscape. The park encompasses the sub-arctic Cairngorms plateau, vast ancient forests, glittering lochs, wide river straths and some of the most biodiverse terrain in Britain, home to red squirrels, ospreys, capercaillies and red deer. Aviemore sits right at the edge of this wilderness, making it the ideal base for anyone wanting to explore the full depth of what the Cairngorms has to offer.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if trying any of these things to do at Aviemore in Scotland appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the places to see in Aviemore and in the Cairngorms National Park.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Things to do at Aviemore in Scotland
Aviemore Village
Aviemore is a lively Highland village best known as Scotland’s outdoor adventure capital. Surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest, wide glens and high mountain plateaux, it serves as a natural base for exploring one of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes in the country. Although the area has long been inhabited, Aviemore itself was little more than a scattering of farms until the late 19th century. Its transformation began with the arrival of the railway in 1898. This new accessibility put Aviemore on the map as an early tourism destination, attracting visitors seeking fresh air, sporting estates and Highland scenery.
But here’s the thing:
The village’s biggest change came in the 1960s, when Aviemore was purposefully developed as a modern resort and ski centre. The creation of the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Area turned it into a winter sports hub and brought international attention. During this period, Aviemore gained its distinctive resort feel, with hotels, leisure facilities and infrastructure built to support large numbers of visitors.
In recent decades, the village has evolved again. While skiing remains important, the Aviemore outdoor activities are now a year‑round destination, known for walking, cycling, watersports, wildlife watching and family‑friendly attractions. Its centre is compact and walkable, with outdoor shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants clustered around the main street, while the surrounding forests and lochs are accessible within minutes.
Architecturally, Aviemore is simple rather than traditional, but what it lacks in historic buildings it makes up for in setting and atmosphere. The village feels deeply connected to its landscape, and the outdoors is very much part of daily life here.
The Cairngorm Brewery, Cairngorm Gin Company and Kinrara Distillery
Offering a good snapshot of modern Highland drinks production, these sites are worth a visit for anyone curious about what’s made locally. Cairngorm Brewery has been producing small‑batch beer for years and is known for straightforward, well‑balanced ales. Visit the store or enjoy a pint from their tap room. The Cairngorm Gin Company takes a similarly small‑scale approach, using locally inspired botanicals and traditional methods, giving visitors insight into how gin is crafted in a rural Highland setting. Nearby, Kinrara Distillery represents a newer side of Speyside distilling, combining contemporary design with long‑standing gin traditions. Visit their distillery shop and enquiry about one of their gin tasting experiences. Together, these places aren’t about spectacle or hard selling, but about understanding how local landscape, water and craft shape what’s in the glass – making them a pleasing, low‑key addition to a stay in Aviemore.
Aviemore Kart Raceway
Aviemore Kart Raceway offers outdoor karting on a purpose‑built tarmac track just outside the village. It’s suitable for beginners and more confident drivers alike, with sessions available for adults, families and groups. The open setting and Highland backdrop make it a fun, weather‑dependent activity that adds a bit of adrenaline to the Aviemore activities.
Strathspey Railway
The Strathspey Railway is a heritage steam railway that runs between Aviemore and Broomhill. Travelling in restored vintage carriages, passengers pass through woodland, riverside scenery and open countryside along the River Spey. It’s a relaxing way to experience the landscape and appeals to families, railway enthusiasts and anyone interested in traditional travel.
Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle
The Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle is a small but atmospheric prehistoric site. Dating back thousands of years, it offers a glimpse into early ceremonial landscapes of the Highlands. It’s easy to access and works well as a short, reflective stop rather than a major attraction.
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Things to do near Aviemore
Cairngorm Mountain Railway
The Cairngorm Mountain Railway provides access to the higher slopes of Cairn Gorm without the need for a long ascent on foot. The funicular-style railway climbs from the lower ski area up towards the mountain plateau, offering views across Strathspey and the surrounding Cairngorms mountains when conditions are clear. At the upper station, visitors can spend time learning about the fragile mountain environment through exhibitions, enjoy short walks, or simply take in the scale and openness of the landscape. When you visit the Cairngorms, be aware that the weather can change quickly, the experience often highlights just how exposed and dramatic this upland environment can be.
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre offers guided experiences with Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, which have lived in the Cairngorms since the 1950s.
And it gets better:
Rather than a traditional visitor attraction, visits typically involve a walk into the hills to meet the animals in their natural setting. Along the way, guides explain the history of the herd, how the reindeer are managed, and how they’ve become part of the local ecosystem. The experience is as much about understanding the landscape and climate of the Cairngorms as it is about seeing the animals themselves. For those not wanting to trek into the hills, the centre has a small paddock, where you can see some of the reindeer close at hand. There is also an interesting exhibition to check out.
Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus
Loch an Eilein sits within the Rothiemurchus Estate and is one of the most photographed locations in the area. A well‑maintained circular path makes it accessible for most walkers, passing calm waters, forest and the ruins of a small island castle. It’s well suited to quiet walks, picnics and wildlife spotting.
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Delfour Stone Circle
Delfour Stone Circle is a lesser‑known prehistoric site. Set in open farmland, it offers a peaceful setting and a sense of scale often missing from more visited locations.
Highland Wildlife Park
Highland Wildlife Park, located just south of Aviemore near Kingussie, is set across a large area of open moorland and woodland designed to reflect the natural habitats of the animals it houses and proves to be one of the best family activities in the Cairngorms.
Here’s what makes it really special:
One of its defining features is the self‑driving safari, where visitors use their own vehicle to travel through wide enclosures home to species such as bison and deer, allowing observation at close range without traditional barriers. Beyond the safari, there are extensive walk‑through areas focusing on both native Scottish wildlife and animals from other cold‑climate regions, helping to place the Highlands within a wider global ecosystem.
The park is particularly well known for housing significant and high‑profile species, most notably the polar bears, whose large enclosure is one of the biggest in the UK. Other notable animals include snow leopards, Amur tigers, lynx and Scottish wildcats, with clear interpretation explaining conservation challenges and rewilding efforts. Facilities at the park include cafés, picnic areas, toilets and accessible paths, making it suitable for longer visits and families. Its scale and open setting encourage unhurried exploration, offering both an educational experience and a strong sense of the landscapes these animals depend on.
Ruthven Barracks
Ruthven Barracks stands prominently on a grassy mound overlooking the Spey valley and surrounding hills. Built in the early 18th century following the Jacobite uprisings, the barracks were once a symbol of government control in the Highlands. Today, the roofless walls and elevated position make it one of the most evocative historical sites in the area. Visitors are free to walk among the ruins and appreciate wide, uninterrupted views across the Cairngorm landscape, which help give context to its strategic importance.
Highland Folk Museum
The Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore explores Highland life from the 1700s to the mid‑20th century. Its open‑air layout includes relocated buildings, reconstructed villages and hands‑on exhibits. It’s a calm, informative way to understand everyday life rather than grand historic events.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, near Carrbridge, is a large woodland attraction focused on outdoor play, exploration and learning. Activities are spread throughout the forest and designed to suit a wide range of ages, with a particular emphasis on families. Highlights include treetop walkways, climbing and balance courses, dinosaur-themed areas, adventure trails and interactive features that encourage children to explore the natural environment. Alongside the more energetic activities, there are educational elements explaining forest life, local wildlife, geology and how landscapes in the Highlands are shaped, making it a mix of play and discovery rather than a traditional theme park.
The park’s facilities are well developed to support longer visits. There are cafés and food outlets, picnic areas within the woodland, toilets and baby‑changing facilities, as well as sheltered indoor spaces that are useful in poor weather. Paths are clearly marked and largely well maintained, with accessibility considered in many areas.
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Old Pack Horse Bridge
The Old Pack Horse Bridge at Carrbridge is widely considered one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in Scotland. Built in the early 18th century, it once carried pack horses across the River Dulnain, linking local communities and trade routes. The bridge’s narrow arch and steep humpback shape reflect its original purpose, rather than modern transport needs. Today, it’s best viewed from the riverbanks and surrounding paths, where its age and craftsmanship can be appreciated within the wooded river setting.
Wait – before you go:
Quick Questions Answered
Where is the Cairngorms? The Cairngorms National Park is in the Scottish Highlands, stretching across parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Perthshire, with Aviemore sitting right at its western gateway.
Is there skiing in the Cairngorms? Yes. The Cairngorms are home to several ski centres, including Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee and The Lecht, offering downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow sports when conditions allow.
Is there camping in Aviemore? Absolutely. Aviemore has campsites, caravan parks and plenty of nearby wild camping opportunities, making it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts.
What are the best walks in the Cairngorms? Highlights include Loch an Eilein, the Ryvoan Pass, Cairn Gorm, Ben Macdui and the Rothiemurchus Forest trails – ranging from gentle strolls to challenging mountain hikes, proving that hiking is one of the most rewarding things to do in the Cairngorms.
Is there bike hire in Aviemore? Yes. Aviemore has several bike hire shops offering mountain bikes, e‑bikes and family bikes, with direct access to forest trails and purpose‑built routes.
What wildlife can you see in the Cairngorms National Park? Red squirrels, ospreys, red deer, pine martens, golden eagles, otters, capercaillies and more.
Describe the weather in the Cairngorms: The weather is changeable and can shift quickly. Expect cooler temperatures, higher rainfall than much of Scotland, and colder, windier conditions in the mountains – even in summer.
What is the best time of year to visit Aviemore? Year-round destination; winter for skiing, summer for hiking; spring/autumn for quieter visits.
Does Aviemore have snow every year? Snow is common in winter, especially on higher ground, though snowfall in the town itself varies year to year. The surrounding mountains usually see snow most winters.
Are there great pubs in Aviemore, Scotland? Yes. Aviemore has a lively pub scene with traditional Highland pubs, craft beer spots and cosy bars, many featuring local ales and live music.
Are there any distilleries near Aviemore? There are several nearby, including Glenlivet, Dalwhinnie Distillery and Tomatin Distillery, both within easy driving distance and offering tours and tastings.
Is Aviemore a pretty town? Aviemore is more functional than postcard‑pretty, but it’s surrounded by stunning scenery, forests and mountains which more than make up for it.
Do I need a car in Aviemore? Not necessarily, but it is advisable. Aviemore is well connected by train and bus, and many activities, walks and bike routes start right in town – though a car gives more flexibility.
How many days do you need in Aviemore? 2–3 days minimum; 4–5 days to do the wider Cairngorms National Park justice.
Is Aviemore worth visiting? Yes. Aviemore is one of Scotland’s best outdoor destinations, offering year‑round adventure, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, whisky and easy access to the Cairngorms.
Aviemore Scotland Restaurants
After experiencing all the great things to do in Aviemore Scotland, you’ll need a great meal. Aviemore has a strong and varied food scene for a Highland village, shaped by its popularity with walkers, cyclists and families. Eating options range from casual cafés such as The Barn Café and Asher’s Bakery, which are popular for breakfasts and light lunches, to traditional pubs like The Old Bridge Inn offering classic Highland pub fare. For evening dining, places such as Rowan Tree Country Hotel & Restaurant and The Gallery Restaurant at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort provide more formal settings, while still keeping menus rooted in seasonal Scottish produce. During peak seasons, booking ahead is sensible, particularly for dinner.
During our stays, we have enjoyed lovely meals at The Winking Owl, which stood out for its relaxed atmosphere and carefully prepared dishes. The menu felt thoughtful without being overcomplicated, making it an easy and enjoyable choice after a day exploring the Cairngorms. Their craft beer selection was also a welcome attraction! Alongside spots like this, Aviemore offers everything from quick, informal bites to slower, sit‑down meals, meaning most visitors will find somewhere that suits their pace and plans.
Aviemore Hotels
There is an excellent range of accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, with Aviemore acting as one of the main hubs for visitors. Options include large resort hotels, family‑friendly woodland resorts, traditional guesthouses, modern self‑catering apartments, lodges in the Cairngorms, and well‑equipped cottages in Aviemore and the surrounding glens. Many properties are designed to suit active travellers, families and groups, with easy access to forest walks, mountain trails and year‑round outdoor activities.
Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemore Scotland
We stayed at Coylumbridge Resort Hotel with our family and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Set within extensive woodland just outside Aviemore, the resort feels spacious and relaxed, making it particularly well suited to families. One of its standout features is the range of on‑site activities, including woodland trails, a crazy golf course, leisure facilities and the popular animatronic dinosaur attraction, which proved a big hit and added something a little different to our stay. Dining options and communal spaces mean there’s plenty to do without needing to leave the resort each day, while the surrounding forest provides direct access to easy walks and wildlife spotting.
Recommended Places to Stay in Aviemore
Budget option: Aviemore Youth Hostel
A practical and affordable choice, especially for walkers, cyclists and families travelling on a tighter budget. It offers simple, comfortable accommodation in a convenient location close to woodland and village amenities.
Mid‑range option: Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Situated in the centre of Aviemore, this resort offers a variety of room types and extensive facilities. Its location makes it ideal for visitors who want shops, restaurants and transport links within walking distance.
Luxury option: Dalrachney Lodge
Located a short drive from Aviemore near Carrbridge, Dalrachney Lodge offers a more refined and peaceful stay. Set within private grounds, it combines elegant accommodation with a sense of seclusion, making it well suited to visitors looking for comfort and tranquillity while still being close to the Cairngorms.
Conclusion
Whether you've come to Aviemore to tackle the Cairngorms mountains on foot, to finally tick off some bucket-list Aviemore outdoor activities like skiing or mountain biking, to uncover the area's remarkable prehistoric past, or simply to slow down and breathe in the forest air, one thing's certain: this wee Highland town consistently punches well above its weight. My own visits have left me with a deep affection for the place — for its unpretentious energy, its extraordinary natural setting and its seemingly endless capacity to surprise. The sheer variety of things to do in the Cairngorms means you can visit again and again and still find something new. I hope this guide gives you the confidence to plan your own independent adventure here, and I genuinely believe you'll love every minute of it. If you'd like a tailor-made itinerary built around your specific interests and travel style, do get in touch — I'd love to help you make the most of everything that Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland has to offer.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on Scotland and how to visit this beautiful country, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Have you been to Aviemore or explored the Cairngorms National Park? I'd love to hear about your experience — drop a comment below and share your favourite tips or hidden gems!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if trying any of these things to do at Aviemore in Scotland appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the places to see in Aviemore and in the Cairngorms National Park.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Cairngorms National Park Map
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