It's time to discover why the Highlands is the perfect place for a brilliant family holiday in Scotland. Make memories as you explore the western Cairngorms, and enjoy days out to Inverness and Moray Speyside. There are plenty of things to do should there be wet weather days, and awesome places to visit which are as educational as they are fun.
Explore the area south of Aviemore today and discover two brilliant attractions, the Highland Wildlife Park and the Highland Folk Museum. In addition, you can make time for a stop at the ruins of Ruthven Barracks and uncover fascinating Jacobite history. You'll pass through Kingussie and Newtonmore, two villages whose
From Scottish wildcats to snow leopards, and from red squirrels to red pandas, you'll find an incredible mix of endangered species from all over the globe, as well as native species at the Highland Wildlife Park. It's home to wolves, lynx, beavers and wild horses; animals which at one time roamed Scotland's lands. Enjoy a safari experience as you drive round the main reserve. As you explore the rest of the park on foot, you might come face-to-face with an Amur tiger, see mighty polar bears, and watch Japanese macaques - also known as snow monkeys - during feeding times.
Let your imagination take you back to the time of the Jacobites as you enter Ruthven Barracks, located on a hilltop overlooking Kingussie. Now a ruin, Fort Ruthven was built by George II's forces in the early 1700s in response to the failed uprisings of 1715. In 1745, the barracks were defended by government soldiers when it was attacked by the Jacobites, but a year later, the soldiers were forced to surrender when a larger force of Jacobites carried out an assault. After the Battle of Culloden, 3,000 Jacobites rallied at the barracks only to find that Bonnie Prince Charlie had declared that the Jacobite cause was over.
See what life was like for the people of the Highlands from the 1700s up until the 1960s at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.
In Outlander the museum's replica 18th century Highland crofts are shown when Claire joins Dougal and his followers on their task to collect rent from the clan's tenants.
In the morning, visit the family-friendly RSPB Loch Garten, located only a few miles north of Aviemore. Then make your way to the pretty village of Carrbridge where you'll find countless hours of family fun. With so much to do, it's easy to spend a good part of a day at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, but you could also take some time to see Carrbridge and spot the famous Packhorse Bridge, or follow one of the village's gentle woodland walks.
Budding naturalists will love RSPB Loch Garten. This reserve is home to breeding ospreys in the warmer months, whilst the capercaillie, Scotland's largest grouse and a rare species, can be seen displaying in spring. There are plenty of trails to follow with fantastic self-guided activities, such as quizzes and bark rubbing, as well as great things to do in the nature centre. The wide paths and short trails make it suitable for both walks and cycles with the kids.
Visitors of all ages will love RSPB Loch Garten. This reserve is home to breeding ospreys in the warmer months, whilst the rare capercaillie, Scotland's largest grouse, can be spotted in spring. There are plenty of trails to follow with fantastic self-guided activities, as well as great things to do in the nature centre. The wide paths and short trails make it suitable for family-friendly walks and cycles.
Take a short walk through the woodlands of Carrbridge. There are three waymarked trails to choose from, the longest of which takes just over an hour. The woodlands are home to wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for the likes of timid red squirrels, as well as charming wooden carvings of forest creatures - Carrbridge is known for its annual
Afterwards, you could stop at the
More wild encounters! You'll get up close with the UK's only free-ranging herd of reindeer, and even have a go at feeding them - you'll find that reindeer are not only for Christmas time! If you've got time, squeeze in a visit to the Fun House for a round of adventure golf or for some play time in Cyril the Squirrel's treehouse soft play.
Get up close and make new friends! This herd of reindeer are pretty much left to their own devices, grazing on the sides of the Cairngorm mountains. Daily hill trips depart to visit the reindeer at 11am and, in the summer months, at 2.30pm, where you'll follow an experienced herder up the mountainside. Alternatively, you can see them at the paddocks and exhibition at Glenmore. The gentle deer can be hand-fed. Just wait until you feel their velvety-soft noses!
10 minutes from the centre of Aviemore in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, you'll find Loch Morlich Watersports. The centre offers equipment hire, lessons, activity days and a range of courses. Take part in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more.
For a change of scene, why not have a day out in the Highland city of Inverness? It's just a 45 minute car or train journey from Aviemore. In and around the city there's a great range of both indoor and outdoor attractions, with plenty to do whatever the weather, including a fantastic swimming pool and
On the River Ness lies the pretty Ness Islands, connected to the river banks by footbridges. The series of paths and bridges are great for a gentle walk, with pathways suitable for pushchairs. From Whin Park, you could also take the charming
This centrally located family-friendly museum is free to visit. With lots of fascinating objects from the past and hands-on activities for kids, you can learn about the people of the Highlands, from the Picts to the Jacobites, and Gaelic cultures. Try on an 18th-century-style Highland dress, or play the Roman-era board game, Merels. In the summer holidays, there are also often special, fun-filled activities for children.
The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.
St Columba is said to have worked miracles here in the sixth century.
A trip to the Cairngorms would not be complete without trying at least one brilliant adventure activity in the great outdoors, whether it's an adrenaline-inducing experience or a gentle slow adventure! From mountain biking to white-water rafting, there's a huge choice of things to do and places to try activities - here are just some ideas to get you started.
A great freshwater loch complete with a fantastic sandy beach, Loch Morlich is the perfect watersports destination. Families can learn to sail, windsurf, kayak or canoe with lessons provided by
On this spectacular Highland estate you can enjoy quad bike rides, clay target shooting, an aerial assault course, fishing, pony trekking, Segway trips, archery, hired bikes, and more. You can also get up close with Highland cows on a 'Hairy Coo Safari' and try fun river activities too, including river tubing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, gorge walking and gorge swimming. You can also canoe on Loch An Eilein, a place voted the UK's best picnic spot.
Loch Insh is a fantastic watersports destination. Get to grips with fun paddlesports such as kayaking, open canoeing, paddleboarding and rowing. Plus, there's windsurfing, raft building, sailing lessons and pedalo hire. Should you fancy exploring nearby forest trails, mountain bikes are available for hire, including electric bikes.
Located not far from Grantown-on-Spey, this activity provider operates a number of activities from their Speyside location and are able to accommodate groups of all ages and sizes. Brush up your wilderness survival skills as you try bushcraft or toss a caber as you experience a mini Highland games. Activities on land also include climbing and abseiling, mountain biking, pony trekking, mini quads, zip wire and high ropes. Practice your aim and try the fun golf-inspired activities of disc golf, or foot golf. You can also get on the water and try gorge walking, white-water rafting or canoeing.
Did you know that from Aviemore you can be at the coast in less than an hour? Have a day of touring the area east of Inverness along the Moray Firth and enjoy playing by the sea, exploring castles and more. You might even be lucky enough to see a dolphin or porpoise on a boat trip, or seals by the shoreline. It's in this part of Scotland you'll find some of the country's best beaches at places such as Nairn, Findhorn, Hopeman and Lossiemouth, so be sure to pack a towel and a beach ball!
Just an hour's drive from the Cairngorms National Park, Nairn is a relaxing and friendly seaside resort in the Scottish Highlands, blessed with three beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and two championship golf courses.
Brodie Castle is the ancient seat of Clan Brodie. Shakespeare seemed to really love the idea of Highland castles - Brodie Castle also has literary connections to the playwright's work and is said to be near the hill known as "Macbeth's Hillock" where Macbeth is said to have encountered the Weird Sisters. Inside, it is filled with countless antiques and lavish furnishings - you might be quite tempted to move in!
The charming fishing village of Findhorn has a lovely long beach, and seals can often be seen basking where the River Findhorn meets the sea. The village is best-known for the Findhorn Foundation, an eco-friendly, spiritual community. Have refreshments at the
This medieval stronghold is a great place for the whole family, especially kids. Entry to the ruin is free, and it's a fantastic location for kids to let their imaginations run riot as they pretend to be fierce kings and warriors from a bygone era.
Fancy a relaxed day without too much driving, enjoying the best of country life? Spend some time taking in the surroundings from the comfort of the carriage of a historic steam engine. You could then head south of Aviemore for some splendid forest walks (and perhaps a picnic).
Choo choo! Hop on board the Strathspey Railway for a steam train adventure. Whether your kids are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, or want to imagine that they are travelling with Harry, Ron and Hermione to Hogwarts, they are bound to be enchanted by a chance to ride the railroad tracks in a vintage locomotive. Trips run from Aviemore to Broomhill via Boat of Garten, with a return trip taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can experience dining on board, and on some days there are special themed events.
About 8 miles south of Aviemore lies Feshiebridge, an area of forest which makes up part of the Glenmore Forest Park. There are some lovely trails which follow the grassy banks of the River Feshie, perfect for stretching your legs and getting some fresh air. One of the walks you can follow is the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail, a gentle path lined with wooden carvings that explore Scottish culture. There are picnic benches too, should you want to enjoy an al fresco packed lunch watching the rushing waters of the River Feshie.