Activities & Attractions


Loch Garten Nature Centre

Loch Garten is famous for being the ancestral home to the UK’s ospreys - but it’s so much more! Surrounded by the largest remnant of ancient Caledonian pine forest, in the shadow of towering Cairngorm mountains, there is something for all the family at the Loch Garten Nature Centre.

You can get close to iconic Highland wildlife here – ospreys (of course!), red squirrels, crested tits, crossbills, bugs, lizards, dragonflies and loads more...not to mention the wonderful Scots pines and the other species which make up the rich Caledonian pineforest.

Get connected to nature by bug hunting, dissecting owl pellets, emptying our moth trap, filling our bird feeders, building an osprey nest, checking out our camera-traps or simply watching the ospreys, small birds and red squirrels.

Grab a coffee and sandwich and sit on the decking, watching the birds and red squirrels come to our feeders.

Our visitor centre is fully-staffed with enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff and volunteers and we’re waiting to make your visit a memorable one, for all the family.

Regular illustrated talks are given and in addition to views out onto the osprey nest, close-up hi-def images of all the nest activity are streamed live to the centre.

The Loch Garten Nature Centre shop stocks gifts, books, bird and wildlife-care, binoculars, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and ice-creams..


Opening Times

March 1 to October 31 10am - 5.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm)


Awards & Accreditations

Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Logo

Features & Facilities

  • Accessible Parking/Drop Off Point
  • Car Park
  • Cards Accepted
  • Children Welcome
  • Ground Floor Rooms
  • Groups Welcome
  • Level Access
  • Outside Seating
  • VisitScotland Graded
  • WiFi

Accessibility Guide

View Guide

How to find us

We're next to Loch Garten, just near to the villages of Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten. From these villages and from the A9, follow brown tourist signs to 'RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre'.

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