Whether you’re seeking shade or shelter from the ‘4 seasons in one day’ which is possible in the Cairngorms, there are a myriad of marvellous indoor attractions…
There’s no getting away from it; one of the reasons the Cairngorms is such a lush, colourful landscape is due to the varied climate, which can include rain, sleet, sunshine and snow. Even on the same day! Braving the elements makes coming back to your cosy accommodation extra joyful but, similarly, the Park is brimming with brilliant indoor activities too.
Aviemore
Walks on Cairngorm Mountain
Explore Cairngorm Mountain with a guided walk by one of our experienced guides. Experience an incredible half day walk to
Grantown on Spey
Katie White Yoga
As a wellbeing facilitator in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, I guide transformative experiences that blend movement, mindfulness,
Aviemore
Mountain Shop – Cairngorm Mountain
Visit Cairngorm Mountain for some sightseeing and pop into The Mountain Shop for some retail therapy. Located at ground level the
Aviemore
Shopping at Rothiemurchus
Are you are looking for a special gift or cards, or just something to make someone smile? We have a
Kingussie
Bothy Bikes
Bike shop specialising in mountain bikes, adventure touring and e-bikes. Electric Mountain Bike Hire and Cycle Repairs Family run business,
Aviemore
Outdoor Discovery – Groups
Outdoor Discovery offer a wide range of activities aimed at groups, the activities will offer your group the chance to
Kingussie
Caberfeidh Horizons – Charity Shop
Charity Shop selling quality second-hand clothing, bags/handbags, shoes, jewellery, gifts, children’s toys, games and more.
Aviemore
Dalraddy Holiday Park Shop
Explore our convenient on-site shop, your one-stop destination for emergency supplies and essential items during your Highland getaway. Discover an
Nethy Bridge
Loch Garten Osprey Centre Shop
The Loch Garten Osprey Centre shop stocks gifts, books, bird and wildlife-care, binoculars, telescopes, hot drinks, sandwiches, snacks and ice-creams.
Kingussie
Caberfeidh Horizons – Community Hub
Charity Shop selling quality second-hand Bric-a-Brac, furniture, clothing/shoes, soft furnishings and more. Changing Space/facilities also available along with a public toilet.
Aviemore
Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park
Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park is a newly purpose built activity opened in 2023 located a short drive from Aviemore at
Braemar
Braemar Highland Games Centre
The Braemar Highland Games Centre explores a living tradition, the Highland games, focusing on the world-famous Braemar Gathering and its
Aviemore
Glenmore Shop
Glenmore Shop stocks everything you could possibly need for a weekend away by the beach or in the snow. Also
Grantown on Spey
The Bothy Bakery
Mountain Cafe Aviemore has changed! We have gone mobile and have adapted to the impact of Covid-19 by reinventing ourselves
Braemar
Stagecoach North Scotland
Stagecoach North Scotland offer a range of bus services around the Speyside, Aviemore and Deeside areas.
Braemar
Mar Lodge
Historic Country Lodge fantastic for groups, functions, weddings and corporate entertaining.
Aviemore
Pro Fish Services – Fishmonger
Family run Fishmonger providing Aviemore and the Highlands fine quality fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Our staff have a
Carrbridge
Landmark Shop
Whether you are on holiday or simply enjoying a day trip from your own home, this treasure trove is well
Kingussie
Fused and Light/ Chapel House Arts
Chapel House Arts, 100 High Street, Kingussie is one of the areas newest galleries. We show a selection of fine
Ballater
H M Sheridan
At H M Sheridan beef is purchased from local farms and matured for twenty one days, giving it superb flavour.
Aviemore
Santalba Kilts
About Santalba Kilts Santalba Kilts was born in Aviemore, nestled in the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms. What began as a personal
Braemar
The Horn Shop
Selling selection of items made from stag antler and cow horn. Everythingfrom cheese knives to drinking horns to chandeliers. Come
Kingussie
Caberfeidh Horizons – Book Shop
Charity Shop selling quality second-hand books, CDs, DVDs and LPs. Tourist Information within.
Grantown on Spey
C.Nicol Bags
Inspired by the beauty found in the understated, our collections of leather handbags are made to last a lifetime and
Ballater
Bike Station Ballater
Bike Hire, Bike Guiding and generally outdoor advice on what is on outdoors around Ballater. Trail info, events,
Grantown on Spey
Spey Bank Studio
The Spey Bank Studio is an art gallery and shop in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey. Run by popular Cairngorms artist Angus
Kingussie
The Cheese Neuk
Selection of Artisan & Farmhouse Cheese, chutney, condiments, fresh bread & baking.
Grantown on Spey
The Bookmark
The Bookmark is a small, independent bookshop located on the high street of Grantown-on-Spey.
Aviemore
Spey Valley Cinema
Macdonald Aviemore Resort features an on-site 650 capacity Sony 4K cinema featuring all the latest releases for everyone to enjoy.
Tomintoul
The Whisky Castle & Highland Market
Enjoy our 18 seater cafe offering tea, coffee and cakes and a huge selection of Scottish gifts, clothing and unique
Aviemore
Foot Forte Podiatry
Foot Forte Podiatry – Expert Foot Care in the Cairngorms At Foot Forte Podiatry, we specialise in diagnosing and treating a
Ballater
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is the perfect place to discover how Scotch Whisky is made. Watch as our team
Aviemore
Cairngorm Brewery
Cairngorm Brewery was founded in 2001 based in Aviemore at the north end of the village. Now a 20 barrel
Dulnain Bridge
Speyside Centre
The Speyside Centre is a family run Visitor Centre where visitors can enjoy the following ; A Restaurant
Aviemore
Kinrara Distillery
Kinrara Distillery is a Scottish craft gin producer set within the adventurous landscape of The Cairngorms, just outside the town
Aviemore
Aviemore Bikes eBike Hire
Discover the magnificent trails that the Cairngorm National Park has to offer by electric bike a whole lot quicker. Connecting
Aviemore
Aviemore Ice Rink
Aviemore Ice Rink Centrally located within the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore Ice Rink offers plenty of fun for guests of all
Ballindalloch
Spirit & Spice with Ghillie Basan
Our philosophy is simple “When hospitality comes from the heart it is the most natural gift you can give”. Join us
Aviemore
Aviemore Ski School
Snowsports School for all ages, with hire and equipment open daily during the wintertime.
Aviemore
Aviemore Escape Rooms
Looking for something different to do in Aviemore? Aviemore Escape Rooms offers unique and fun challenges for friends or family. We
Aviemore
Aviemore Bikes
Aviemore Bikes (known to most as Mikes Bikes Aviemore) was established over 14 years ago, we are a family run
Ballater
Cyclehighlands Bike Hire, Guiding and Shop
Specialist bike shop with rental and guiding. Great for local trailmaps, outdoor clothing, gifts.
Aviemore
Aviemore Community & Leisure Centre
We have much to offer here at the Aviemore Community and Leisure Centre. To see our upcoming fitness classes and
Tomintoul
Tomintoul Distillery
Established in 1965, Tomintoul Distillery is located near to the village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of
Aviemore
Cairngorm Mountain – Tubing Slides
The Mountain Tubing Slides are great fun for families and one of our most popular things to do at Cairngorm
Braemar
Braemar Castle
17th Century Castle with an interesting history. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as his Highland hunting lodge. Burned in
Aviemore
Cairngorm Brewery
Cairngorm Brewery was founded in 2001 based in Aviemore at the north end of the village. Now a 20 barrel
Aviemore
Walkers Shortbread
Relive those special moments of Walker’s Shortbread with the ones you love. Walker’s makes it easy with a wide assortment
Braemar
Braemar Chocolate Shop
We hand make luxury chocolates in our tiny shop at the heart of the National Park, inspired by the beautiful landscapes
Tarland
The Butterworth Gallery
The Butterworth Gallery is a Scottish fine art online gallery in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Showcasing a wide range of Scottish original
Braemar
The Highlander
Highland Emporium in the centre of Braemar. Large selection of jewellery including Celtic Designs, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Heather Gems.
Braemar
Lamont Sporrans
Ours is a family run business situated in Braemar, Royal Deeside. Our kilts, trews, plaids, jackets, sashes etc are
Dulnain Bridge
Food @ Speyside Centre
Within the rugged and fertile lands of the Cairngorms National Park, we are lucky enough to be in the heart
Aviemore
Funicular Railway – Cairngorm Mountain
The Cairngorm mountain railway unique to Scotland is now fully open. The railway takes customers up a scenic journey to
Aviemore
Macdonald Aviemore Resort – Activities
We have a wide range of activities at Macdonald Aviemore Resort for all our guests. You’ll find lots to keep
Aviemore
Tiso Aviemore Outdoor Experience
Tiso Aviemore Outdoor Experience – Now Open! Aviemore’s one-stop-shop for Outdoor clothing, footwear, camping, cycling, skiing, watersports & climbing
Ballater
Cambus O'May Cheese Company Ltd
Artisan producer of traditional hand-made cheese using original Scottish farmhouse recipes.
Dulnain Bridge
Food @ Speyside Centre
Within the rugged and fertile lands of the Cairngorms National Park, we are lucky enough to be in the heart
Dulnain Bridge
Gifts @ Speyside Centre
Within our bright and open new gift section we have specially selected items from scarves to sculptures, cards to confectionary
Newtonmore
The Wild Flour Cafe
The Wild Flour Cafe on Main Street in Newtonmore is a gem of a place offering a selection of
Aviemore
Rothiemurchus Farm Shop
Rothiemurchus Farm Shop – we love food and are passionate about sustainability, ethical farming and low food miles. Superb quality,
Aviemore
Spey Valley Shopping
Situated in the heart of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, Spey Valley Shopping is a luxury department store set
FAQs
- Is there much to do in the rain in the Cairngorms?
-
Yes! If you don’t fancy gearing-up and getting out into the elements, there is a whole wealth of activities waiting for you inside, such as castles, distilleries, steam trains, soft play, painting ceramics, art galleries, musems and shops – and that’s just for starters!
- What are the best family activities to do indoors?
-
If you’re looking for several activities under one roof on a rainy day, then heading for Macdonald Aviemore Resort is a good option because it has a cinema, swimming pool, soft play and games room. It also runs a kids entertainment programme during school holidays. However many of the attractions – such as Landmark Forest Adventure Park and the Highland Folk Museum – are geared up for kids and have substantial indoor areas.
- What is the most popular indoor activity in the Cairngorms for adults?
-
One of the most popular indoor activities for those over 18 visiting the Cairngorms is visiting one of the Park’s many acclaimed distilleries, which are dotted all over the area and include whisky, gin and ale producers.
Looking for inspiration? Take a look at these articles…
Connect with us
Join our Mailing List
Sign up to get notified of the latest deals, news and all the latest information direct to your inbox.