What to do and see in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Scotland: The Best Things to do

Welcome to the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and is one of the country's most special and cared for landscapes with a wide variety of traditional and unique villages and communities.

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.

Steam through the stunning Scottish Highlands in style. Our steam engines take you on a very special trip through the Cairngorms National Park as you travel between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Make your trip extra special with one of our dining on board options: Light Lunch offers soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee; Afternoon Tea has some sandwiches, scones with jam and cream followed by some delicious cakes; or enjoy a 3 course Sunday Lunch or Evening Dining. Why not upgrade to First Class to enjoy a meal in one of our compartments, finely decorated in it's own tartan, with vintage British Rail mirrors and luggage racks inside. Split your trip up with a visit to Boat of Garten to explore some fantastic walk trails or bring your bike on board to explore the great cycle routes in the area. See if you can beat the train back from Broomhill on your bike! Check our website for running days!

Cairngorm Mountain not only offers phenomenal panoramic views at over 2000 feet, we also have a cafe, mountain shop, snowsports in the winter time and in the summer we offer free family activities. There is also the chance to join our ranger every Thursday for a guided walk. Family Free Activities We have 7 geocaches in our ski area to be found, Angus the Yeti is keen to direct you to the lower cas loop (about a kilometer long), pick up Cairngorm Wild Things Quiz & find Torquil the Ptarmigan + more in our mountain garden. Cairngorm Cafe & Cas Bar offer mouth-watering treats at the foot of the mountain whilst taking in the phenomenal views down to Loch Morlich from over 2,000ft. Our cafe also boasts a variety of home-made dishes, daily specials and freshly made cakes and pastries made in our in-house bakery. The Cairngorm Mountain Shop Home to a wide selection of fantastic mountain clothing & accessories,

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.

The hills are turning green, the sun is mostly shining and spring is here to stay! Take a visit to see Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in their natural habitat. May is an exciting time for us reindeer herders as antlers are beginning to grow and it is calving season! From May, Trips go daily at 11am and 2.30pm - follow a reindeer herder as you make your way up to the mountain enclosure & walk amongst reindeer as the herder tells you more about them. Situated in the Centre of the Cairngorms National Park, you will also enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. The walk takes around 20 mins each way & will cross some rough and muddy ground on the mountainside so make sure you’ve got sturdy footwear & nice cosy layers, plus waterproofs! Please make sure you book online via our website (up to 30 days ahead) and arrive in good time for your chosen visit. For those less able, from Easter, you can visit a small group of reindeer in the Paddock & Exhibition at the Centre.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park was recently voted by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 10 Adventure Parks in the UK! 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!? Landmark is also home to Dinosaur Kingdom; Scotland’s Biggest & Best Dinosaur Experience. Come and find out what it’s like to walk amongst your favourite dinosaurs from Jurassic Park as these incredibly realistic giants move and roar all around you. Did we mention that they are seriously huge!? Our diplodocuses are each over 90 feet long – that’s the length of three London buses! 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!