Top 20 Things to Do This Summer in the Cairngorms National Park (2026 Guide)
Planning a summer escape to the Cairngorms National Park? You’re in for something special. From wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions and relaxing experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your Highland holiday.
Here’s our updated guide to the top 20 things to do this summer in the Cairngorms.
1. Meet the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
No trip is complete without visiting the UK’s only free-ranging herd at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
Join a guided hill walk to meet and hand-feed these gentle animals, or visit the paddock if you prefer something more accessible.
2. Explore Highland Wildlife Park
Get up close to incredible species at Highland Wildlife Park, run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Drive through the reserve and spot animals like polar bears, snow leopards, Amur tigers, and Scottish wildcats.
3. Discover Landmark Forest Adventure Park
A must for families, Landmark Forest Adventure Park offers rides, nature trails, a butterfly house, and even life-sized dinosaurs hidden in the woods.
4. Dive into Watersports at Loch Insh
Head to Loch Insh for paddleboarding, kayaking, or the popular floating water park. For more adrenaline, try rafting, canyoning, or gorge walking with Full On Adventure.
5. Soar Through the Trees on a Zipline
Experience the thrill of ziplining over Alvie Gorge with G2 Outdoor, one of the most exciting ways to see the forest from above.
6. Race at Aviemore Kart Raceway
Perfect for families and groups, Aviemore Kart Raceway offers outdoor karting fun for all ages, including younger drivers.
7. Experience Falconry at Rothiemurchus
Watch birds of prey in action at Rothiemurchus Estate. These engaging displays are both educational and unforgettable.
8. Take a Ride on the Strathspey Railway
Step back in time with a journey on the Strathspey Railway. This charming steam train winds through beautiful Highland countryside, offering stunning views along the way.
You might even recognise it as it’s featured in the hit TV show The Traitors! With vintage carriages and a relaxed pace, it’s a fantastic way to soak up the scenery and enjoy a unique day out for all ages.
9. Try Clay Pigeon Shooting
Test your aim at Alvie Estate, where expert instructors cater to beginners and experienced shooters alike.
10. Learn Archery Skills
Channel your inner Robin Hood with Cairngorm Archery. Great fun for families and groups.
11. Go Pony Trekking in the Highlands
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. Tackle TreeZone Aerial Adventure
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. Go Quad Biking
Get muddy and explore rugged terrain with Cairngorm Quad Treks. Expect thrills and spectacular scenery.
14. Play Tennis with a View
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
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. Go on a Hairy Coo Safari
Meet Scotland’s iconic Highland cows up close at Rothiemurchus Estate. The tractor trailer tour is highly recommended!
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. Try Wild Swimming
Take a refreshing dip in one of the Cairngorms’ many lochs and rivers. Wild swimming continues to grow in popularity, and for good reason.
19. Highland Games in the Cairngorms
Attending a Highland Games event is a must if you’re visiting the Cairngorms National Park during the summer months. With around ten gatherings taking place across the region, there are plenty of opportunities to experience this iconic Scottish tradition. Each event showcases a lively mix of heritage and spectacle, from traditional dancing and classic contests like caber tossing and tug of war, to stirring music and impressive marches from clans who travel from all over the world.
20. Take the Funicular Railway up Cairngorm Mountain
For breathtaking panoramic views, hop on the Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway and glide effortlessly up the mountain.
At the top, you’ll find the UK’s highest restaurant, where you can soak in truly magical views across the Cairngorms. It’s a fantastic option for all ages and abilities, no hiking required and a perfect way to experience the scale and beauty of the Highlands from above.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline-filled adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters, or simply looking to relax and take in the scenery, the Cairngorms offers something for everyone. From mountain views and forest trails to lochs, castles, and local experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. We have separate blogs on walking, cycling, skiing, whisky, castles, fishing , Golf and bird watching.
