Top Things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Top 10 Free Things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, United Kingdom including Cairngorms National Park, The Bookmark Bookshop, The High St. Merchants, Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch), Kilted Fudge Company Ltd, Highland Folk Museum, Loch an Eilein, Clan Macpherson Museum.
Restaurants in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
1. Cairngorms National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 223 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Ennie123 - Scotland, United Kingdom
The Cairngorms National Park is a truly breathtaking national park that encapsulates the true essence and outstanding beauty of Scotland with the spectaculor Cairngorm mountain range and the surrounding area with the park radius. The national park itself, is in North East Scotland and was established in 2003. It is the second National Park in Scotland. Weather you visit in the winter to take in the snow covered mountains, to do some ski-ing or snowboarding or visit during the other seasons you can see that this park is something truly special and unique. The park has something for everyone. The Scottish highlands will captivate your heart from walking through the many trails, visiting the little towns and villages along the way, taking in the diverse wildlife but most of all you will see that away from the major towns and cities of Scotland, just how beautiful the wilds of Scotland is and how it will take you on a mystical journey from past to present. Maybe I am biased because I am Scottish but there is no disputing the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and that if you can visit, then do so.
2. The Bookmark Bookshop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Tsmmartin - Crossford, United Kingdom
We visited back in February and knew we would be back. My boys went in today and came back out with a selection of books - staff are always really helpful with lots of advice about books which they think you may like -it’s a lovely independent book store
3. The High St. Merchants
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Welcome to the High St. Merchants, we are a small cafe & gallery, located in the capital of Strathspey. We aim to offer you a warm and friendly welcome in a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. We are proud to be working with some of the areas finest artists & craftsmen, sharing their passion with us all. Continually updating our range we will be displaying unique and traditional hand made products found in our community and those close by. Whether it is something special for you or a friend, we are sure you will find it here. We look forward to your visit and sharing a story or two Donna & Colin
Reviewed By 642belindaw - Bristol, United Kingdom
We had a wonderful evening sitting by the log burner eating the crab pasta (house special) surrounded by local artwork. Friendly and helpful service. We picked this place because it seemed the best in town for vegetarians (and vegans), but we were seduced by the sea food in the end!!
4. Glenmore Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By PortPie - Inverurie, United Kingdom
Beautiful area of Scotland, with a fantastic walk up to the green lake. I have never seen anything quite like it, car park at Glenmore is quite small so make sure you get there early. On return went into the cafe for a takeaway coffee and cake, staff very friendly and all COVID measures adhered to. Defiantly be back.
5. Loch Morlich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 593 reviews
Reviewed By andytM4330OL - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We had a great weeks weather in Aviemore and Loch Morlich was visited nearly every day.There is so much to do and the girls enjoyed Paddle boarding,Kayaking and swimming in the Loch.We had a lovely beach BBQ one evening as well several picnics
6. An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Macle0dM - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
What a lovely walk through a woodland trail from the Glenmore visitor centre along the Revoan Pass the the Green Loch. We met some local people who told us that the water colour is because the fairies wash their socks in the water in the evening. Magical place.
7. Kilted Fudge Company Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
We Are A Small Family Run Fudge Producer And Confectionary Company Based In Aviemore Within The Heart Of The Cairngorm National Park. Our Kitchen Shop Is A Hidden Gem, Come Inside And You'll Be Spoilt For Choice With The Variety Of Our Smooth, Deliciously Creamy, Mouth-watering Handmade Cream And Butter Fudge. Our Online Shop Now Has A Large Selection Of Our Flavours, You Won't Be Disappointed
Reviewed By 804suew
Saw this place on an episode of Secret Scotland and decided to pay it a wee visit. We were not disappointed. The fudge is delicious! We tried the salted caramel, honeycomb, vanilla and millionaire shortbread and all were fab. Definitely worth a visit. They sell ice-cream too!
8. Highland Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,183 reviews
Discover how Highland people lived, worked and played at this award-winning museum. Experience life portrayed from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s. Find the difference between a “cruck” and a “croman”, smell the “reek” of a peat fire, relive early school days and life on the farm, or just enjoy a “blether” and reminisce with our friendly staff. Extensive play area, shops, café, and picnic sites throughout grounds. A great family day out for all ages. Free admissionOpen Easter to end of October – 3 to 6 hour visit recommended
Reviewed By mickhilton - Kinloss, United Kingdom
Easy to find, close to the A9. There is plenty of flat, level parking, which is free. Entry is also free, though a donation is requested to help with running costs. You can get a guide book (£5) which contains an excellent map and detailed information on each part of the exhibit. There is a cafe, gift shop and rest rooms right by the entrance/exit. The whole place is wheelchair accessible. The exhibits are very interesting and well laid out, though tall people may have to duck on entering the "black house" and other things unless they like getting a concussion. Folk have grown a little since it was originally built. The food was very good, though I think the gift shop might be a touch pricey for some. Staff throughout are excellent, and even young children will enjoy it. Especially the sweet shop, so take lots of cash for that bit. I took a small party of visually impaired folk from Scottish War Blinded and they all loved it, and were able to access everything. A very good trip out.
9. Loch an Eilein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,348 reviews
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.
Reviewed By njani2017 - Liberec, Czech Republic
I have visited Loch an Eilein duering visit Highland and stay days in Aviemore. And I was been realy exciting. Beautiful romantic walk round Loch an Eilein is in the centrum of the Rothiemurchus Forest with the view of a ruined castle on a little island in the loch. I’ll never forget time spent there.
10. Clan Macpherson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Clan Macpherson House and Museum displays historical items from Clan Macpherson and Scottish history. Open April 1-October 31.
