Still wondering what to do in Aviemore? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Aviemore and book your hotel today!
Aviemore, a bustling town in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is Scotland's premier outdoor adventure destination. The town is famous for its stunning mountain backdrop, with easy access to Cairngorm Mountain for winter sports and summer hiking. Aviemore is perfectly positioned for exploring the vast, ancient Caledonian pine forests and lochs of the Highlands.
You can discover the unique freshwater beach at Loch Morlich, take a nostalgic trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway, or visit the UK’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Aviemore offers a friendly, energetic base for experiencing the dramatic landscape, wildlife, and natural beauty of the Highlands.
The best hotel locations in Aviemore offer a choice between the convenient, lively town centre and a quieter base closer to the mountains and forests.
The Town Centre is the most practical location for first-time visitors. Staying here places you close to the main shops, restaurants, and amenities, as well as the train station. This area offers a wide range of hotels, traditional Highland inns, and budget-friendly accommodation, ensuring a convenient base for exploring.
For those who prioritise the outdoor experience, the hotels and lodges on the fringes of the town, particularly heading towards Cairngorm Mountain and Loch Morlich, are highly recommended. These areas offer stunning scenery, peaceful surroundings, and immediate access to walking, cycling, and wildlife-spotting trails.
For those seeking tranquility and a secluded retreat, look at accommodation options in the smaller villages just outside Aviemore, such as Carrbridge or Boat of Garten, which offer a more traditional Highland experience with charming guesthouses and easy road access to the park.
Aviemore is served by Aviemore train station, which offers excellent direct rail links to major UK cities. The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport (INV), with connecting train or bus services into Aviemore. The town centre is walkable, and a local bus network connects to the Cairngorm Mountain Resort and other key spots within the National Park.
To find the most competitive hotel rates in Aviemore, you must avoid the dual peak seasons of summer (main holidays) and the winter ski season (December to March). Prices surge during both these times.
For the best value, plan your visit during the late spring or autumn months, particularly April, May, or November. A unique factor to watch out for is that many smaller hotels and guesthouses on the outskirts of the town offer competitive mid-week stays to attract visitors outside of the weekend crowds. Furthermore, any major events, such as winter sporting championships or large outdoor gatherings in the National Park, will cause temporary price spikes, so checking the local event calendar is a wise money-saving move.