THE HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK

A great day out for the family.  Main attractions include Victoria, Arktos and Walker the polar bears, Japanese macaque, snow leapords, red pandas and many more.

The Park is in Kingussie, and is approx. 15 miles from Boat of Garten, around 26 mins in the car.

LANDMARK FOREST ADVENTURE PARK

Landmark is approx. 4.5 miles from Boat of Garten, just a 10 minte drive from the house. 

There is something for the whole family at Landmark, from the Wild Water-coaster and the Skydive challenge to nature walks and Butterfly world.  They really do cater for all ages here.  The kids will enjoy the attractions and the various play equipment on site.  There are cafes and plenty outdoor seating for picnics. If you are staying for a week or more, you might find that when purchasing tickets, a week pass is better value that a day pass, if you intend to make return trips.  We used to buy a week or season pass, which meant we could spend a whole day there, but could also pop in and out when the children were little and loved to play on the equipment at Ant Farm for an hour or so. 

THE MACDONALD RESORT

The MacDonald Resort in Aviemore has a few things to offer including: Cinema, Soft Play, Leisure Pool (quite expensive but the flumes and wave machine are great fun.  Also has a steam room and sauna for the grown ups), Shopping, Spa and Beauty and Gym

SKIING

The lecht is approx. 27 miles from the house, a 40 minute drive. 

http://www.lecht.co.uk

Cairngorm Mountain is approx. 14 miles from the house, a 25 minute drive.

http://www.cairngormmountain.org

The Cairngorm Mountain can get very busy and have limited access during these busy periods.  To avoid disappointment, keep a close eye on their facebook page and website.  You might need to get there early to guarantee skiing!

You can hire all equipment and book lessons at the Mountain, but to avoid queues at busy times, there are a few hire shops around Aviemore where equipment can be hired and passes can be bought in advance:

http://www.aviemoreski.co.uk

AVIEMORE KART RACEWAY

The Go Kart track is situated just outside Aviemore, just a quick 10 minute drive from the house, or a 30 minute cycle along the speyside way.  “Arrive and Drive” sessions are available most days, but best to check

their web page or facebook page to see when block bookings are on.  This is brilliant fun for all ages, and has to be the Go Kart track with the best views around.

CAIRNGORM REINDEER CENTRE

This has been a favourite for our children over the years!  You can visit the shop and the paddock to see one or two reindeer close up, but we would thoroughly recommend the hill trip.  This involves a short guided walk, albeit a wee climb, to reach the hillside where the reindeer are roaming free.  You can get up really close, hand feed the reindeer and learn about these fascinating beasts. Weather suitable clothing is essential, especially sturdy footwear.   

PURPOSE BUILT MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Glenlivet

http://www.glenlivetestate.co.uk

Approx. 18 miles, 25 minute drive

Laggan Wolf Tracks

http://www.lagganforest.com/bike-tracks.asp

Approx. 62 miles, 1hr 20 min drive

Both trails are great fun, offering a variety of difficulty levels, bike hire and cafés .  Glenlivet has a nice little pump track around the café which is great fun for younger children.

RSPB OSPREY CENTRE

Boat of Garton is known as The Osprey Village, because of the nesting habits of these extraordinary birds in the nearby Loch Garten.  The RSPB centre is just a few miles from the house, approx. 10 minutes in the car.  The rangers are on hand to answer questions and offer fascinating facts, and telescopes are situated in perfect positions for the best views of the ospreys and their nests.  Check the website for the best time of year to catch views of these magnificent birds at the centre, as they migrate to Africa over the winter!

LOCH MORLICH WATERSPORTS

Check the Website for lessons available in sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking.  All equipment and wetsuits etc available to hire.

Or enjoy the beach, with buckets and spades, hats and scarves, sunscreen or thermals, depending on the weather!

We have been on the beach, caked in factor 50, enjoying 28 degrees, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.  Only in Scotland.  This spot is very popular, and and can be busy over the summer. 

STRATHSPEY RAILWAY AND STEAM TRAIN

Running from Aviemore to Broomhill, through Boat of Garten, the Strathspey steam train journey is a delightful adventure.  You can enjoy coffee and shortbread, afternoon tea, lunch or dinner on the train. You can even upgrade to a first class carriage for a special occasion.  See the website for different booking options. 

SLEDDOG CENTRE

This is the only daily working sleddog centre in the UK, and one of only 5 in Europe.  A visit involves a 15/20 minute walk through the woods.  Guests can enjoy a tour of the kennels with  hands on experience with some of the dogs.  A must for dog lovers!  If you are feeling brave, you can take a treck or safari during a session where the dogs are in training for one of many European events.

ZIPTRECK

For the adrenaline junkies!  Zip-line your way back and forth across a gully in this spectacular zip park.  14 zip lines over a 2km course, with your final flight speeding up to 40mph, over  550m long stretch.  Really well organized, with great staff.  Booking ahead is ESSENTIAL.  The zip park is very popular, and is often fully booked, especially during holiday periods.  If it is up your street, contact the website in advance to avoid disappointment. 

GOLF

There are several golf courses in the area, from award winning 18 hole courses such as Boat of Garten, to small 9 hole, honesty box courses like Nethy Bridge.  The Nethy Bridge course is a lovely walk, ideal for young golfers or learners.

THE HILTON COYLUMBRIDGE

The Coylumbrige Hotel has a swimming pool with a small chute, which is cheaper that the Macdonald Resort pool.  The Funhouse is handy for rainy days, especially for younger children who might enjoy adventure golf, bowling or a swing around in the soft play centre. 

https://www.funhouseaviemore.com

The hotel restaurant is popular and it offers a large lounge for coffees and relaxing.

INVERNESS

Inverness is approx. 40 mins from the house.  We have found lots to do in Inverness over the years. 

•Swimming at The Aquadome is great fun!  The building hosts a large leisure pool plus a competition pool.  The leisure pool has a large wave pool, river with jets and geysers, 3 flume rides and an outdoor (thistle shaped) pool, family-sized spa bath and toddler pool.  The flumes are brilliant fun for the whole family.

•Shopping in Inverness is a pleasure. The Eastgate shopping centre has a range of high street shops and the atmosphere is leisurely and relaxed.  There is also the Old Town which has shops and restaurants. 

•Cinema – there is a large VUE cinema in Inverness, showing all the up to date movies.

•10 Pin Bowling – at Inverness Roller Bowl is good fun on a rainy day.  There are also pool tables and air-hockey games.

•Skate Park – behind the Aquadome, there is a large purpose built skate park, for budding skate dudes, which includes Nessie the pump track for BMXers.

•Culloden Visitor Centre – An interesting visit, with plenty to see outside and in.  Handy for children learning about