From outdoor adventures and steam railways to craft workshops and theme parks – there is plenty more to see and do in the Cairngorms and beyond.
G2 Outdoors
Based near Aviemore, G2 provides outdoor activities such as white water rafting, canyoning, zip trek and ski mountaineering for families, individuals, stag and hen parties, and corporate groups. Professional instructors who are passionate about the outdoors deliver a quality experience every time.
Aviemore Ice Rink
Centrally located within the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, the ice rink offers fun for all ages. Housed within a large marquee with an alpine theme, with bob-skates for little ones and Penguin and Polar Bear skating aids available.
Cairngorm Mountain
Eight miles south-east of Aviemore, the CairnGorm Mountain Railway is a funicular railway running two kilometres through the ski area, climbing 460 metres to the Ptarmigan top station. The Cairngorm plateau, mostly above 4,000ft, is one of the most rare and fragile environments in Scotland.
Rothiemurchus Estate
The estate has a 50km footpath network, tours and amazing activities in beautiful surroundings. Their shops sell wild venison, Highland beef and Rainbow Trout, as well as Scottish craftwork and gifts. Activities include clay pigeon shooting, fishing, mountain biking, 4x4 off-road driving, quad biking and pony trekking.
Strathspey Steam Railway
Relive the sights and sounds of the steam age aboard the Strathspey Railway. Join the train at the beautifully restored Aviemore Station, the largest on the Highland Railway system outside Inverness. A wonderful experience for all ages.
Landmark Forest Theme Park
Scotland’s favourite heritage park featuring a wild water coaster, giant adventure playground, treetop trail, steam-powered sawmill, Microworld exhibition, mini cars, remote-controlled trucks, fun maze, shop, restaurant and snack bar.
Loch-an-Eilein Pottery
A rural craft workshop two miles south of Aviemore making hand-thrown pottery. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings you can ‘throw your own’ – book ahead during July and August.
Speyside Horn and Craft Shop
A small family-run centre for traditional horn craft near Loch Alvie, producing handmade pieces from bone, stag’s antler, cow’s horn and ram’s horn. Using methods practised for centuries, the range of over 100 items includes egg spoons, lace bobbins, sghian dubhs and walking sticks.
Auchgourish Gardens and Arboretum
Scotland’s Millennium Garden is the most northerly Botanic Garden in the British Isles, covering some 10 acres. Visitors can see an extensive range of very hardy trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs grown from seed collected from around the Northern Hemisphere. The gardens also contain a small herd of rare White Highland Cattle.
Speyside Heather Centre
A multi-award winning visitor attraction with more than 300 varieties of heather growing in an idyllic Scottish setting in the heart of Speyside. The centre and proprietors have appeared frequently on BBC, ITV and Channel 4 television programmes.
The Castle Trail
Step back in time through the last millennium of Scotland’s heritage and experience Scottish castles at their best on Scotland’s only Castle Trail. A selection of thirteen unique castles ranging from the fairy-tale magic of Craigievar to the rugged splendour of Kildrummy Castle ruins.
Ardverikie Estate
Known as “Glenbogle” from the BBC Television series ‘Monarch of the Glen’, filmed in the Badenoch area including locations in Laggan, Newtonmore, Kingussie and Kincraig. The movie ‘Mrs. Brown’ starring Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly was also filmed on the estate.