Scotland has an ancient and fascinating history with its own distinctive culture, factors that make it an exhilarating holiday destination. With so much to discover, this small country attracts tourists in their droves keen to explore its dramatic landscape, snow covered mountains, beautiful lochs and intriguing cities. Whenever you choose to visit Scotland there are a wide range of entertainment and activities available and the choice of places to stay, including self catering accommodation, means you can bring the family.

Situated between Perth and Inverness are the charming areas of Aviemore and Cairngorm, their location in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland provide them with spectacular views. With the extensive variety of activities and attractions offered in the area, they have become a trendy destination for tourists and residents to spend some time.

Reasonably simple to get to by road and coach, the rail network extends to Aviemore from Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh and there is a direct link from London. If you dont have a lot of time to spend then the local airport is Inverness.

Aviemore and the surrounding area have a lot to offer and winter sports are one of the main attractions for many visitors. The Cairngorm Mountains offer a range of snowboarding, sledging and skiing opportunities. The ski-lift will take you to the top of the mountain and slopes have been designed for beginners or skilled skiers. The restaurant at the top of the mountain is a great place to stay awhile and admire the scenery. The mountain is mainly covered in snow from December until April or May.

Aviemore offers the ideal destination for a weekend away with a loved one, to spend some time with friends, or as a treat for the family as there are lots of activities and attractions to keep everyone happy.

If visiting CairnGorm Mountain, there is a small train that runs you up to the top, an impressive 1097m above sea level it is a safe manner tin which to reach the summit and an ideal way to experience the effects of altitude. Ensure you visit the mountain exhibition and wild garden and the self guided trails are fascinating places for exploring. For younger children the substitute is to take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway. It makes a round trip from Aviemore, passing through Boat of Garten to Broomhill and takes just over an hour. Sit back and see the stunning Cairngorm Mountains pass by whilst experiencing the pleasure of riding a steam engine.

Not far from Aviemore is Rothiemurchus, a Highland estate and fascinating place for all ages, there are various wildlife to see such as Pine Martens, Badgers and Red and Roe Deer as well as many species of birds, amongst them Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tawny Owls and Woodcocks. There are heaps of activities on offer in the estate many of them geared towards families and children. The Rothiemurchus Ranger will show you around the trail and teach you about the local wildlife and countryside. Rafting is specially arranged so families can join in too, with calm waters and expert guides on the rafts, and you can even visit the farm and meet the Highland Cows and Red Deer Stags.

There is a broad variety of accommodation on offer in Aviemore and the nearby area, whatever your taste, bed and breakfast, guest houses, hotels and resorts are all an option or experience a log cabin or holiday cottage Aviemore. Self catering is a good option for those with families as it provides a lot more space. A 2 or 3 bedroom lodge or cottage can effortlessly contain a family and with all the mod cons and comforts of home can keep everyone happy.

Whatever type of holiday you are preparing for, a quiet weekend break, a week full of activities and entertainment, or a family holiday, you are sure to find it in Aviemore and the Scottish Highlands. Check online for a choice of lodgings, including self catering accommodation in Aviemore.