Over 610 Lodges | Established 2018
Over 610 Lodges | Est. 2018
If you’re looking for a lodge holiday that allows you to swap busy city streets for forests, mountain views and fresh air, Aviemore is hard to beat. Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is a popular Scottish destination that’s surrounded by stunning scenery, whilst also offering an impressive choice of outdoor activities, whatever the season. It’s easy to see the appeal.
Winter brings snow sports on Cairngorm Mountain, whereas summer is ideal for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and exploring the lochs and forests. But, you don't have to be super adventurous to enjoy Aviemore. There are scenic railway journeys, sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions, cosy cafés and lots of places to simply sit and admire the landscape.
Choosing a luxury lodge in Aviemore gives you a comfortable base for making the most of the Cairngorms. After a day on the mountain or exploring the forest, you can return to your own space, put your feet up and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Aviemore is a popular outdoor destination in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by the mountains, forests and lochs of the Cairngorms National Park. The village itself has a good selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, but that’s not what makes Aviemore stand out.
The landscape surrounding Aviemore is dominated by an ancient pine forest, dramatic mountains and open countryside. Rothiemurchus is just outside the village, and Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park are only a short drive away. The area is ideal if you’re a fan of walking and cycling, and there are routes for every ability, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging mountain adventures.
Aviemore is also a destination that has something to offer at every time of the year, and lodge holidays in Aviemore aren’t tied to one particular season.
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Cairngorm Mountain is one of the main attractions in the Aviemore area and it’s a must for anyone who wants to experience the Highlands at altitude. In winter, it’s one of Scotland’s top ski destinations, whilst in other seasons the mountain provides stunning views, walking routes and sightseeing. Even if you’re not a skier, it’s worth heading up the mountain just to enjoy the landscape.
Loch Morlich is one of the most beautiful spots near Aviemore, with a sandy beach that’s backed by woodland, and the Cairngorm mountains rising behind it. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon without needing much of a plan. You can walk around the loch, enjoy the beach or find somewhere to sit and enjoy the view. The loch is also a popular spot for watersports during the warmer months.
Hidden within Rothiemurchus Forest, Loch an Eilein is a popular walk in the area. The loch is surrounded by ancient woodland and has the remains of an island castle sitting in the middle of the water. It’s a worthwhile place to visit if you want to experience the Cairngorms without taking on a strenuous mountain route.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more relaxed, climb aboard the Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore. The heritage railway travels through the Cairngorms landscape, treating you to the old fashioned way to see the scenery. It’s good for families, but it’s something a lot of adults will enjoy too.
Rothiemurchus is a brilliant choice if your idea of a holiday involves doing and being active, rather than sitting and relaxing. Depending on the season, you can try canoeing, paddleboarding, cycling, pony trekking, fishing, archery, quad biking and high ropes. There are also ranger experiences, which are a good way to learn more about the wildlife and landscape.
Aviemore is home to Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd, which lives on Cairngorm Mountain. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre gives you the chance to learn about these unusual animals and meet them out on the mountain.
Just outside Aviemore in Carrbridge, you’ll find Landmark Forest Adventure Park, which is packed with rides, play areas and attractions. It’s a good option when you’re travelling with children and want a day that involves lots of action. The park is set within woodland and there’s something for all ages.
Highland Wildlife Park, which you will find near Kincraig, is home to a wide variety of animals. Its setting in the Cairngorms makes the experience feel rather different from a traditional zoo. It’s also a good option for a fun family day out, especially if you want to have a break from walking.
Aviemore is a fantastic destination for cycling, with forest tracks, dedicated routes and quiet roads providing lots of ways to explore the area on two wheels. For example, the Old Logging Way connects Aviemore with Glenmore and provides a scenic route towards Loch Morlich. The good news is you don’t have to be an experienced mountain biker, as there are routes to suit different cycling abilities.
The Cairngorms are home to an abundance of wildlife, and spending time looking for it can be just as rewarding as ticking off the area’s bigger attractions. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, deer and a variety of birdlife as you explore the forests, mountains and lochs.
Aviemore is surrounded by villages and attractions that are well worth exploring during your stay.
Rothiemurchus is an estate just outside Aviemore, and it’s set amongst ancient pine forest and Highland scenery. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures, with walking, cycling, wildlife watching, fishing, watersports and ranger experiences all available.
Boat of Garten is a small Highland village surrounded by beautiful scenery, and it’s worth visiting if you’re keen to explore beyond Aviemore. It’s also on the route of the Strathspey Railway, making it easy to combine with a heritage steam train journey.
Around 10 miles north of Aviemore is Carrbridge, which is best known for its historic stone bridge and its proximity to Landmark Forest Adventure Park. It’s a great option for families and it’s close enough to Aviemore for an easy day trip.
Head south from Aviemore and you’ll reach Kingussie, a small Highland town with an interesting history and access to some beautiful surrounding countryside. It’s also close to the Highland Wildlife Park, making it a popular stop for families.
Fancy exploring further afield? Take a look at our full guide to Lodges in Scotland.
Aviemore is a destination where you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, so having somewhere comfortable to return to at the end of the day is a big part of the appeal. A holiday lodge in Aviemore gives you more space and privacy than a standard hotel room, as well as giving you somewhere to properly relax between adventures. After a day skiing, hiking or cycling, it’s hard to beat the feeling that comes from getting back to a warm, comfortable lodge.
For couples, luxury lodges with hot tubs in Aviemore are an especially relaxing choice. You can spend the day exploring the Cairngorms, before settling into the hot tub in the evening and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, even stargazing if that’s what you’re into.
Families can also benefit from lodges in Aviemore, as having more room to spread out is a luxury, particularly if you’re staying for a full week. There’s even pet-friendly lodges in Aviemore, so you can bring your four-legged friend and let them roam the enormous amount of countryside that’s on your doorstep.
Aviemore really is a destination that has something to offer in every season, but what you do during your luxury lodge holiday will depend heavily on when you visit.
Staying in Aviemore itself is convenient if you want easy access to shops, restaurants, cafés and transport links. Areas around Rothiemurchus, Glenmore and Loch Morlich might be better if you want to be surrounded by woodland and countryside.
Yes, you can find pet-friendly lodges in Aviemore. With lots of forests, trails and countryside on the doorstep, the Cairngorms are particularly well suited to dog-friendly holidays. Be sure to check the individual lodge's pet policy before booking, as rules can vary.
Yes, you can. There are luxury lodges with hot tubs in Aviemore, and they’re a popular choice for couples, families and groups who want a little extra relaxation and luxury during their Highland holiday.
Aviemore has a huge range of family attractions and activities, from the Strathspey Steam Railway and Cairngorm Reindeer Centre to Landmark Forest Adventure Park and Highland Wildlife Park. There are also plenty of outdoor activities for children and teenagers of all ages.
Aviemore is best known as a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park and for its outdoor activities. It's popular for skiing, walking, cycling, wildlife watching and exploring the surrounding forests, lochs and mountains.
A long weekend is enough to experience some of the main attractions and enjoy a couple of walks, but a week is ideal if you want to explore the wider area. You'll have no trouble filling a longer lodge holiday in Aviemore, without feeling as though you're repeating the same itinerary.
To discover even more stunning destinations across the UK, take a look at our full collection of lodge holidays in the UK.
Aviemore is relatively easy to reach for a Scottish Highland destination as it's located just off the A9. You also have the option of travelling to Aviemore by train, thanks to Aviemore train station being on the Highland Main Line. This line has services connecting Aviemore with Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are also services from London, making Aviemore one of the more accessible destinations in the Highlands, which is ideal if you'd rather leave the car at home.
Once you're there, having a car can be useful if you want to visit places such as Loch Morlich, Cairngorm Mountain, Kingussie and Carrbridge. However, the village itself is relatively easy to explore on foot or cycling.
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