Top 10 Things to do in Aviemore, United Kingdom (UK)

Hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus, this beautiful place is one of the most loved in the UK. Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) with its 13th century island castle, was voted Britain's Best Picnic Spot. Step back in time and retrace the steps of the Highland cattle raiders as you enjoy views of the dramatic and mysterious Highland castle and enjoy the exceptional wildlife of this forest particularly the Red Squirrels and Scottish Crossbills. You can enjoy some of the best low level walking in Scotland. Sheltered by ancient pine trees with views of the Mountains, the path around the loch is suitable for motorised wheel chairs, off road buggies and is part of the Rothiemurchus way marked network of paths.

Rothiemurchus welcomes you every day of the year to enjoy and help care for " truly the most beautiful place in my world. A place with so many activities available for old and young but also a place to find complete peace". Be inspired by the scenery of this much loved family run 'duchus', enjoy relaxing or adventurous outdoor activities, share our passion for delicious estate, local produce, craftwork and different gifts and stay on the edge of the ancient forest. Rothiemurchus has been owned, managed and treasured by the Grants of Rothiemurchus for nearly 500 years and is at the forefront of wildlife and cultural conservation, a living place where wildlife and people have thrived together for nearly four thousand years, now one of Scotland’s leading tourist attractions. We are at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, just outside Aviemore, somewhere quite different and special and a much loved jewel of the Highlands of Scotland. Rothiemurchus welcomes you every day of the year. Be inspired by the scenery, enjoy relaxing or adventurous outdoor activities, share our passion for delicious estate produce and caravan or camp on the edge of the ancient forest. At the forefront of nature conservation and one of Scotland’s leading tourist attractions, Rothiemurchus Estate is a much loved community asset. We are at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, just outside Aviemore, somewhere quite different and special – a jewel of the Highlands of Scotland.

Late Winter/ Early Spring Visit Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer in their natural environment. At this time of year all of our reindeer are out and about free-ranging in the Cairngorm Mountains. 11am visits every day, follow a reindeer herder as they lead you up the mountain. Once there, your guide will tell you all about the reindeer and you can walk amongst them, stroking and feeding by hand. The walk takes 20 -40 minutes depending where the reindeer are each day. It takes you across rough and muddy ground so make sure you've got some sturdy footwear and some cosy layers! Full waterproofs are a necessity. The weather can still be unpredictable and as the reindeer are free-ranging at this time of year please give us a wee call on the day of your visit (just after 9am is a good time)to make sure we've found the herd! Spaces are limited so please arrive in good time. We do not have a pre-booking system so places are allocated first come first served basis.

High in the trees at Rothiemurchus, TreeZone is the ultimate Aerial Adventure Course.Zip wires, balance beams, hanging platforms, tightropes, scramble nets, white-knuckle Bridges and gap jumps are set in the ancient Caledonian Pines of the Cairngorm Mountains. TreeZone is an unforgettable activity for adventurers of all ages.

RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre sits amidst the stunning Caledonian pineforest, just a short walk from the shores of beautiful Loch Garten. The centre is open every day from April 1 to the first weekend in September, though the rest of the reserve is open all year round. It opens at 10am till 6.00pm, and last entry is at 5.00pm. There is a viewing area in the centre, with binoculars and telescopes to view the ospreys and other wildlife, plus live hi-definition CCTV pictures to give really good close up views of the birds on the nest. Red squirrels can often be seen on our feeders and a large array of small birds visit too. There are always knowledgeable and friendly staff and volunteers on hand to help you make the most of your visit and presentations on the previous year's osprey season are also given. There are activities and games for children both in the centre and on the walk up from the car park. The Osprey Centre shop stocks binoculars and telescopes, gifts, toys, cards, hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks. There are picnic benches and garden benches outside if the weather allows! Two beautiful woodland walks take you through magnificent pine forest to tranquil Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie - one accessed from the Osprey Centre car park and the other from the nearby Loch Mallachie car park.

Winner of 'The Perfect Family Day Out' but Visit Scotland and The Daily Mail, Landmark Forest Adventure Park also won Mumsnet 'Best Outdoor Playground' award. Where else can you twist and turn through the trees on a family friendly roller-coaster, take the plunge down one of three water coasters and even get the chance to walk through an amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of stunningly beautiful butterflies and exotic flowers!? Be intrigued at the world’s first Bamboozeleum right here in the Cairngorms; you’ll enter a magical gallery of illusions and puzzles to test the sharpest of wits. See infinity rooms, morphing machines, thermal imagery and more that will fascinate the youngest to the wisest of minds. Take an adventure down to the Wonderwood where nothing is as it seems! Here you will find three mind-boggling cabins where the normal rules of physics simply don’t apply. Which one will be your favourite – The Spinning Vortex, Topsy Turvy Room or the Growing-Shrinking Room? For those looking for a real challenge why not take on RopeworX, the first high-ropes course of its kind in the UK. According to scientists you are officially 98% monkey, so now’s your chance to put their theory to the test. Harness up and step up to the plate! For those under 1.5m, the Tarzan Trail offers a great alternative and the Wee Monkey Trail is absolutely ideal for those aged 2-5. Perhaps the mightiest challenge of them all though is Skydive. Skydive is a pure adrenaline experience, just harness up, climb the mast to 50 feet and step off… easy! Just don’t let the nerves get the better of you! The latest addition to the park is the Butterfly house, which is an amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of stunningly beautiful butterflies and exotic flowers. Watch close-up as they hatch, fly and feed on nectar and fruit. Make sure to look out for the recently added Asian Quail, scuttling through the undergrowth! Are you brave enough to follow in the footsteps of the Lost Explorer to the safety of The Amazing Tree Mansion? Bubbling mud pools, dangerous caverns, dangerous creatures and a magic waterfall gateway are just a few of the challenges that will bring your adventurous family lots of laughs and scares on the way. Don’t forget to take in the beauty and tranquillity of the 10,000 year old forest via the Tree Top Trail. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some rare, red squirrels on the way! If you enjoy this walkway, then you’ll love the panoramic views from the top of the Forest Tower. Families have been enjoying Landmark Forest Adventure Park for nearly 50 years and with all these great activities on offer, it’s a must-do for any family in the Cairngorms National Park!

CairnGorm Mountain is a great place to visit at any time of year. Ride the UK's highest funicular to just below the summit of Cairn Gorm, enjoy a walk with a Ranger or on one of the self guided routes. In winter, enjoy great snowsports on 30km of pisted runs suitable for beginners to experts. Lunch at the UK's highest restaurant, shop for gifts or mountain essentials and depart with unforgettable memories of this unique place.