The top twenty holiday activities in and around Aviemore and The Cairngorms National Park
The top twenty activities that the Great North Lodges Team love to enjoy around the Cairngorms National Park, we hope this helps you plan your holiday. Book now to escape to a Great North Lodge and enjoy these twenty things to do on your holiday.
1. Reindeer
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free ranging herd of reindeer and they are very tame and friendly. The hill trips are a must and you get to feed them by hand but do not worry they won’t bite. If the hill trip is a bit too much for you the paddock and shop will let you see these amazing animals up close and allow you to make a donation to help care for the herd.
2. Highland Wildlife Park
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) own Edinburgh Zoo and The Highland Wildlife Park. RZSS is a charity which supports wildlife and is aiming to reverse the decline of at least 50 species before 2023. The Highland Wildlife Park runs daily talks and you get a chance to get up close to many animals as well as drive through the reserve with European Bison, Bukhara, Red Deer, Elk, Przewalski’s Horse and Vicuna. There are many animals not to be missed at the Park including the Amur Tigers, the Snow Leopards, the Scottish Wildcat, the Polar Bears, the Japanese Macaques, the Northern Lynx and the Wolverine.
3. Landmark Forest Adventure Park
As well as having amazing mountains and views we also have one of the UK’s top Adventure Parks where you can ride on one of three raft rides, try a sky dive, explore the stunning butterfly house or take a stroll through the tree top trail. Don’t forget there are dinosaurs in the woods too!
4. Watersports
In the summer we have a lot of water to cool you down and one of the main highlights this summer has been the Jungle Float at Loch Inch. A floating water park where you can slide, high dive and trampoline into the Loch.
If you would like to try some paddle boarding, river tubing, canyoning, gorge walking or white water rafting then Full on Adventure at Rothiemurchus is the place to go and we have the occasional special offer we run with Full on Adventure so keep an eye on your email and our socials.
5. Zipline
The Great North Lodges team recently tried the twenty one fantastic zip wires through the forests of Alvie Gorge and we can highly recommend this adventure. With night time zip adventures running through the winter this is something you will never forget doing!
6. Karting
Aviemore Kart Raceway is an outdoor track where families and groups are welcome and keep an eye out for The Great North Lodges banner as you speed past it! Children from 3 are welcome and there are small Karts especially for them
7. Falconry
The Falconry display at Rothiemurchus is an amazing experience for all the family, the Great North Lodges team were lucky to be invited to see it and it’s funny, informative and you get to see these amazing birds up close and personal. The flying display across the audience is spectacular!
8. Ice Skating
Located in the Macdonald Aviemore Resort the Aviemore Ice Rink offers plenty of fun for all ages and the good news is it’s covered so the rain, wind or snow wont stop you enjoying the ice rink. There are always lots of things on at the rink so best to check the times when you can go.
9. Clay Pigeon Shooting
The Great North Lodges team had a fun day out trying their hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting thanks to the Alvie Estate. Their brand new clay pigeon shooting ground has targets to suit all levels of ability and fantastic experienced instructors to help you get that clay! Book through the main Alvie Estate Office on 01540 651255.
10. Archery
The Great North Lodges team were welcomed by Cairngorm Archery to try their hand at Archery recently and the girls won! They are based at Dalraddy Holiday Park on the Alvie Estate and their experienced instructors will make the experience fun but competitive!!
11. Pony Trekking
There are the choice of two very good stables to choose from one is the Strathspey Highland Ponies at Rothiemurchus where you can explore the beautiful Rothiemurchus estate by horse back on a Highland Pony
or you can try Alvie Stables where they have a wide range of ponies and horses for all abilities with excellent hacking and trekking through miles of beautiful countryside.
For more information or to book please call Ingrid directly on 07831 495397.
12. TreeZone
TreeZone at Rothiemurchus takes about an hour if you’re brave enough to explore the heights of the forests of Rothiemurchus! There are balance beams, Tarzan Swings and a zipwire and it is right next door to our Old Minister’s House if you want to stay nearby.
13. Quad Biking
The Great North Lodges team had the amazing experience of trying quad biking recently and it is an experience worth trying we can recommend Cairngorm Quad Treks, but be warned you might get wet! It’s a lovely way to experience the stunning Alvie Estate and they are based at Dalraddy Park. They also have junior quad bikes available.
14. Tennis
There are three all-weather courts and one covered court at Rothiemurchus & Aviemore Tennis Club which have recently been upgraded to a polymeric surface. The courts are open to visitors and can be booked and paid online
There are also newly refurbished courts at Newtonmore
15. Escape Room
If you want to do something inside with friends and family then try this out, they have three escape rooms to challenge your brain power and compete for the fastest time. You get an hour to complete the puzzle and get free, it’s a fun way to spend an hour especially if it’s raining.
16. Hairy Coo Safari
The Great North Lodges team have enjoyed a Hairy Coo Safari and if you’re a fan of Highland Cows then this is a must do activity. You can choose to go by trailer or not but we would recommend the tractor driven trailer experience to get up and close with the coos.
17. Paintball
Set in the pine forest on Alvie and Dalraddy Estates Clan Warfare offer exciting paintball scenarios and challenges for anyone over the age of 14 including capture the flag and storm the fort.
18. Wild Swimming
We have many lochs and we know many guests that visit us regularly enjoy a dip in our beautiful lochs. There are also a lot of health benefits associated with wild swimming and it is growing in popularity. Visit Cairngorms has put together a guide to Wild Swimming
19. Dolphin watching
We have dolphins and whales in the waters around Scotland, just over an hour from Aviemore you can visit the Scottish Dolphin Centre which is a great day out. You could spot a bottlenose dolphin of the Moray Firth and enjoy a walk where the River Spey meets the sea.
20. Yoga in the Highlands
How about of Yoga with Abby a yoga teacher and massage therapist
There is so much more to do and we have separate blogs on walking, cycling, skiing, whisky, castles, fishing , Golf and bird watching.
