Things to do in Aviemore

Visit Highland Wildlife Park, located in the stunning Scottish Highlands and just a short drive from Aviemore. This unique park covers an expansive area, offering you the chance to see over 200 species of animals, including both native Scottish wildlife and endangered species from around the world. Begin your day with a visit to 'Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre'. Opened in June 2024, it includes three new buildings, featuring an interactive exhibition, a hilltop den where you can learn about our conservation work and new classrooms to provide space for local communities to engage with the natural world. Next up, drive through the reserve, sighting animals roaming freely in a naturalistic habitat from the comfort of your vehicle. Continue on foot to explore various enclosures, where you can meet Scottish natives like the playful red squirrel and the majestic red deer. Throughout your visit, engage with educational talks and tours that provide deeper insight into the animals' behaviors and the park's conservation efforts. The park also reintroduces visitors to animals that once roamed the Scottish lands, such as wolves and lynx. After your wild adventure, take a break in our picnic spots, let little explorers run wild in the playgrounds, and swing by our new gift shop for the perfect souvenir. Tuck into tasty treats at our brand new café or grab a quick bite from the outdoor food trucks and kiosks. With one of the largest park-based conservation and science programs in the country, we fund, support, and lead research projects locally and globally. Every visitor contributes to this work, and helps to achieve our vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

You depart Inverness and travel through the spellbinding landscapes of Speyside towards Dava Moor for some great views of the Cairngorms National Park. Keep your camera ready to capture the vibrant colour of blooming heather if you’re visiting in the summer and autumn months. Your first destination is the forest village of Carrbridge. Here, you can get some refreshments, breathe in the cool mountain air and wander around the Old Packhorse Bridge. You continue south to the Glenmore Forest Park, where you have free time to explore. Your options include a walk through the woods to Loch Morlich, which is one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular lochs. You can admire a sandy beach and large and ancient pine trees before you make your way back to the mini-coach. If you prefer not to walk, there’s a café and exhibition at the visitor centre. All this walking and fresh air must have worked up your appetite, so you head to Aviemore for lunch. This great day must be finished off with a dram of delicious whisky at Tomatin Distillery*. Savour the aromas of fruit and spice, and feel the passion for community and environment in this little town clustered around the distillery. You leave the remote landscapes behind and start your journey back to Inverness, where you arrive in the early evening. *Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Our small group tour day begins in the morning with a brief tour of Inverness' sights before heading to our first stop: Culloden Battlefield. This poignant site marks the end of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Here, you'll learn about the battlefield's history, walk its grounds, and even explore any family connections you may have to the area (optional extra). Next, we visit the Clava Cairns, the remains of a once larger complex used for housing the dead. This site offers insight into life over 4,000 years ago and Scotland's Bronze Age society. Fans of Outlander may enjoy the prehistoric stone circle that inspired Craigh Na Dun in the series. We then continue to Fort George (optional extra), an imposing fort built after the Battle of Culloden. This massive fortification took over 22 years to construct and is essential for military history enthusiasts. It houses the largest regimental museum outside of Edinburgh and is still an active army base, home to the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. After absorbing the rich history here, we head to the northern coast in Nairn for lunch in this charming seaside town. As we travel through the scenic Cairngorms, we’ll stop at Loch an Eilein for a photo op. This stunning loch features a small island with castle ruins, aptly named “loch of the island” in Gaelic. It’s a perfect photo spot, so keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Our final stop is Aviemore, where you'll have time to explore this beautiful village nestled in the northwest corner of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by mountains and lochs. It’s an ideal place to grab a coffee before we journey back to Inverness to conclude our tour.

Day 1: You leave Edinburgh and head north across the River Forth towards the Highlands. You travel through the beauty of Highland Perthshire and your driver-guide will look for the perfect place to stop this morning. Perhaps it will be Pitlochry, a quintessential Scottish town nestled among the hills. Or maybe you'll stop in at the gorgeous wee village of Dunkeld. We keep things flexible this morning and see what the group is interested in. This wild heart of the Highlands teems with mountains, rivers, lochs, and wildlife hotspots and is a magnet for all nature lovers. We head to Aviemore, a bustling hub for all outdoors activities, where you can try local specialities before you travel to Loch Morlich, which is as unique as it is bonnie. Leave the majestic mountains and step back in time at Clava Cairns near Inverness. These ancient standing stones and ring cairns are as beautiful as they are mysterious and were made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the Outlander books. Then it’s just a short drive to Inverness, where you’re dropped off at your accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the Capital of the Highlands. Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast, you’re picked up from your accommodation and taken into the surrounding countryside. You travel to the mysterious Loch Ness where you have the chance to take a boat trip along the loch and visit dramatic Urquhart Castle. Our journey continues south through the Great Glen past Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, towards Fort William. You stop for lunch along the way before arriving in Glencoe. One look and you'll understand why its one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. There's also a tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years... perhaps your guide will tell you all about it. The return journey continues over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor and into the Lowland scenery around Stirling, before finally reaching our starting point of Edinburgh.

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Take an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scottish whisky, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1: Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Choose to take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3: Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4: Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening. *Important note - the Jacobite Steam Train is seasonal and subject to availability. Please ensure option is selected at time of booking to avoid disappointment.

Prepare for an exhilarating river tubing adventure on the idyllic River Feshie, near Aviemore. During this adventure you'll enjoy plenty of thrills and spills on the river, whilst enjoying some otherwise hidden locations in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. River Wild Adventures brings all the necessary equipment to the river, ensuring that you have a hassle-free experience immersed in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. As a mobile business, we still take the comfort of our customers seriously, so we have ensured that we are able to provide toilet facilities for those who might need them and a private changing experience thanks to our changing robes. Your adventure begins at the designated meeting point, where friendly and experienced instructors will welcome you. They will provide all the equipment needed for your river tubing experience, including specially designed river tubes. These durable, inflatable donut-shaped crafts will keep you afloat as you navigate the exciting rapids of the class 3 River Feshie, offering a thrilling and fun ride. After getting geared up and receiving a safety brief, it's time to hit the water! With the river tubes beneath you, you'll ride the exhilarating currents of the River Feshie, experiencing an adrenaline-fueled view of the stunning nature that surrounds you. As you embark on your tubing journey, be prepared to be captivated by the breath-taking scenery that the Cairngorms National Park has to offer. The River Feshie winds through ancient forests and alongside towering mountains, its crystal-clear waters providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature as you crash down the rapids, exhilarated by the excitement they offer. A photographer will be following you throughout your adventure to make sure that you have (free!) evidence of the fun you've had. At the end of your trip, we'll return to our starting point so that you can get changed back into your dry clothes, enjoying the comfort and privacy that our towel changing robes provide. You return all of your wet items to River Wild Adventures so that you don't have to worry about any of it. Once changed, you'll be offered free hot drinks before making your way home. A link to the photographs will be provided within 24 hours so that you're able to share the adventure you've had with your friends and family.

Embark on a journey on this small group tour to the ancient Clava Cairns stones, one of Scotland’s most well-preserved Bronze Age burial sites, and made famous through the Outlander series. Make your way to the legendary Cawdor Castle, a site rich in history and captivating tales surrounding its origins. Immerse yourself in Cawdor Castle’s charm as you explore its historic halls and wander through its beautifully landscaped gardens. Next, stop to meet the hairy Highland coos, the beloved local celebrities. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ancient Scots Pine Forest, home to Scotland’s rare and majestic native trees which once covered almost the entire country. Pause for lunch in the vibrant town of Aviemore, a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere. Continue with a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, where stunning scenery and the possibility of wildlife sightings await. Finally, round off your day with a visit to Rothiemurchus Farm Shop, a great spot to browse and treat yourself to some tasty local produce.

Embark on a full-day small-group tour of the Scottish Highlands, visiting the Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, and the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ancient Scots Pine Forest and meet Murdo the Coo at Castle Roy. Kicking off your journey at the ancient Clava Cairns stones, one of Scotland’s most well-preserved Bronze Age burial sites, try making your own trip through time like Claire from Outlander. If you failed the time-hop, continue on to legendary Cawdor Castle, a site drowning in history and captivating tales surrounding its origins where you immerse yourself in the castle’s charm as you explore its historic halls and wander through its beautifully landscaped gardens. Next, stop to meet with the fluffiest four-legged locals - the hairy Highland coos. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ancient Scots Pine Forest, home to Scotland’s rare and majestic native trees which once covered most of the land. Then, pause for lunch in the vibrant town of Aviemore, a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere. Continue through the epic landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, where stunning scenery and the possibility of wildlife sightings await. Finally, conclude your day with a visit to Rothiemurchus Farm Shop, where you’ll have the opportunity to treat yourself to a selection of delightful local treats.

Day 1 Your tour will begin as you depart the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh and travel into the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. There you can stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles, before you venture through the shadows of the great and gorgeous Grampian Mountains and stop for lunch in the charming town of Aviemore. After you’ve satisfied your taste buds, you drive out to Rogie Falls and take a short walk out to see this lovely sight. Next up is Corrieshalloch Gorge, a lesser-known Scottish sight, but it’s sure to be one that you’ll also love. Then you’re off to Ullapool for a short visit before you jump on the ferry to Stornoway, where you will be spending the night. Day 2 After breakfast, set off for the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Hold onto your hats as it's one of the windiest spots in the UK. Explore the island with your driver-guide, passing through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. Beach enthusiasts will enjoy a walk at Port of Ness, while history lovers can visit Arnol Blackhouse* to experience traditional farming life. After lunch in Stornoway, explore the west side of Lewis to Uig Bay before returning to Stornoway for the night. Don't miss trying Scotland's delicious black pudding while in this port town. Day 3 On your third day, it will be time to enter the region of Harris. Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and is home to one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring the breathtaking landscapes, enjoy lunch. Depending on the weather, a beach picnic might be on the agenda, so don't forget your sunglasses. Return to Stornoway in the late afternoon Day 4 First up today is a visit to the Calanais Stone Circle*, so prepare yourselves for the possibility of time travel. This prehistoric sight still mystifies archeologists today. Continue your exploration with Dun Carloway Broch – these unique ruins sit atop a mound of rock on the Isle of Lewis. Following lunch in Stornoway, you’ll jump back on the ferry to the mainland. We head straight for Inverness, our final overnight stop. Day 5 This morning, we leave Inverness, tracing Loch Ness's shores, cameras ready for a glimpse of Nessie. Then to Tomintoul, Highland's highest village, nestled in Cairngorm National Park, exemplifying planned village architecture. Continuing to Royal Deeside, following River Dee from mountains to Aberdeenshire coast. Relax over lunch in Braemar, Cairngorms National Park's heart, a remote village cherished by the British Royal Family. Surrounded by majestic mountains, peat-coloured rivers, and dark forests, it's a Highland retreat. Heading south, we cross Scotland’s highest mountain pass, traversing Highland Perthshire before reaching Scone Palace, home to Scotland’s legendary Stone of Destiny. From here it’s a short journey back to Edinburgh.

Tick off a Scottish bucket-list experience as you journey to the legendary Loch Ness in search of its most famous resident—Nessie, the enigmatic Loch Ness monster. While we’ve nicknamed her to make her seem friendlier, let’s not forget—if she’s real, she might be mightier than we mere mortals! But is she real? That’s for you to decide. Your adventure begins in the charming town of Aviemore. From there, we’ll travel north, crossing Highland rivers and rugged mountain landscapes. As we descend into the Great Glen, a breathtaking rift valley millions of years old, the dramatic scenery will prepare you for your first glimpse of Loch Ness from the tiny hamlet of Dores. Next, we’ll head to the Dochgarroch Locks on the historic Caledonian Canal. Here, you’ll embark on a one-hour cruise that takes you through Loch Dochfour and onto the vast, mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Arriving in style at the iconic Urquhart Castle, you’ll have an hour to explore this spectacular ruined stronghold perched on the loch’s edge, offering unbeatable views and endless photo opportunities. After reuniting with your Driver-Guide at the Visitor Centre, we’ll take a scenic detour to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Enjoy a brief riverside stop for refreshments before heading back into the Cairngorms National Park, returning to Aviemore in the late afternoon. This unforgettable journey combines history, stunning landscapes, and a touch of mystery—perfect for anyone seeking the essence of Scotland. *Please note that we will operate a different itinerary during the winter months due to changes in timetables. During winter the tour will be: Dores for views of Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit for lunch, drive to Urquhart Castle for a 1-hour visit, then a 30-minute cruise before returning to Aviemore via Inverness. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.