Cairngorms Visitor Attractions
Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie
Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park.
Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area by foot.
The Highland Wildlife Park was opened in 1972 and is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Dalwhinnie Distillery
An opportunity to sample the 'Gentle Spirit' of the glen at one of the highest distilleries in the land, Dalwhinnie is a wonderfully full-bodied, smooth and warming malt whisky.
Situated high in the Grampian mountains, near the geographical centre of Scotland, Dalwhinnie has for centuries been a meeting place, principally for the cattle drovers travelling down to the markets at Crieff and Falkirk in the south. It is probable that there an illicit still at Dalwhinnie, to meet their needs, as the journey was long and arduous, and required frequent resting periods. Today you can tour the distillery, taste the whisky and browse the visitor centre shop.
Braemar Castle
Fairytale castle set amidst the magnificent splendour of the Cairngorms. on Royal Deeside. An impressive turreted fortress built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar with star shaped defensive curtain wall, barrel vaulted ceilings and a scary underground prison. Used by Hanovarian troops after Culloden, it was later transformed by the Farquharsons of Invercauld into a home of unusual charm. The Castle is now run by the community of Braemar and is open to the public at weekends from 1100 to 1600 until the end of October.
Strathspey Steam Railway
Whether you remember the days of steam from yesteryear, or your era is "Thomas the Tank", or you simply want a relaxing day in the Highlands, come and enjoy a train journey with a difference in spectacular Strathspey.
The round trip from Aviemore through Boat of Garten to Broomhill takes approximately 1˝ hours, or you can shorten your trip by going part of the way. Whilst you travel through the spectacular scenery of Strathspey sit back and relax - teas, coffees, snacks and a full bar service are available on many trains (except on Saturdays).
Landmark Forest Theme Park Carrbridge
Forest Theme Park in Carrbridge with attractions for all the family.
Attractions include the Water Coaster, Skyedive, RopeWorx high wire challenge course. Tree-top Red Squirrel trail explores the Forest, or why not climb the tallest timber tower in the country? Microworld exhibition on the bugs and beasties, and Adventure Land play areas. Restaurant and gift shop on site.
Cairngorm Brewery Aviemore
The Cairngorm Brewery Company, established in 2001, is situated in the village of Aviemore within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland. We brew traditional ales with a fresh new edge, by using well established brewing methods, the finest malted and roast barley, hops and crystal clear mountain water.
Free daily Tours at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm Monday to Friday. Groups and individuals are very welcome. Pre-booking is advised.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery Balmoral
Royal Lochnagar distillery is situated on the south side of the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions and craftmanship produce one of Scotland's most exclusive whiskies. A visit to Royal Lochnagar is a timeless experience. You can see the distillers tending to the traditional mashtun and gleaming copper stills. At the tour end your complimentary dram will confirm that Royal Lochnagar is a malt whisky worthy of the "Royal" prefix to its name.
The Distillery Visitor Centre was refurbished in 1998 to incorporate a shop which stocks a large range of single malt whiskies.
Speyside Heather Centre near Dulnain Bridge
The Speyside Heather Visitor and Garden Centre is an award winning 4-star visitor attraction. The Centre welcomes coaches and has access for all with wheelchairs available. There's lots to see, with the Unique Heather Story Exhibition, Wildlife Viewing Stations, Art Gallery, Display Garden and Garden Centre, Gift Shop and Heather Trail amongst much more.
Reindeer Centre Glenmore, near Aviemore
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain's only herd of reindeer, found free ranging in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These extremely tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. There is a daily visit to the reindeer, weather permitting, departing from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre at 11.00 am. There is an additional visit at 2.30 pm during the Summer months, and a third visit at 3.30 pm during July and August. Under the supervision of our trained guides, our visitors can feed and stroke the reindeer. They are not camera shy, so you'll be able to take some memorable snaps. Reindeer can also be visited in paddocks at the information centre. Telephone 01479 861228
Corgarff Castle near Cock Bridge, Strathdon
This impressive castle consists of a medieval tower house built in the 16th century surrounded by a massive star-shaped 18th century perimeter wall. Set in the middle of nowhere on the side of a heather moor, the setting adds much to the atmosphere of this remote castle. It was initially used as the fortified home of the Forbeses of Corgaff and witness to the bloody slaughter of 27 including many children as part of a local feud. Later it was turned into a soldiers barracks and used as the base to hunt down Jacobite sympathisers and whisky smugglers.
Photo by Spottiewattie17
Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie
This massive infantry barracks was built in 1719 in response to the first Jacobite rebellion. It was burnt down by Prince Charles Edward Stuart's army in 1746. Today the impressive ruins stand high above Insh Marshes and make a good outing from Kingussie only 1km away.
Grantown-on-Spey Museum
The true value of a museum is to give an awareness of our roots, enabling us to understand where we are now. Without memory and a sense of belonging, our lives have no meaning. For Grantown, this memory begins in 1765. Grantown Museum tells the story of the town’s beginnings and is a source of great pride to the people of Grantown. The museum was awarded ‘Commended’ in the Scottish Museum of the Year Awards 1999. Temporary exhibitions are also a regular feature.