Why the Cairngorms is a winter wonderland for all ages

If you think a winter trip to the Cairngorms is only for winter sports enthusiasts, think again.

The Cairngorms is well known as an outdoor pursuits’ paradise, with skiing, hill walking and adrenaline-fuelled activities on the cards, but there is another less energetic side to the UK’s largest National Park which makes it the perfect winter travel destination.

We've got six things to do this winter in the Cairngorms which are suitable for everyone.

1. Cairngorms Dark Sky Park

Glenlivet in the snow in the Cairngorms — Image credit: GettyImages/BRIAN SMITH

Visit one of three Dark Sky Discovery Sites around Tomintoul and Glenlivet, at Tomintoul Field of Hope, The Carrachs and Blairfindy Moor. There you can gaze up to the heavens to view celestial bodies. There’s also the tantalising prospect of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

Dark Sky events take place throughout the year and are held by the Cairngorms Astronomy Group. The Cairngorms provide the ideal spot for stargazing with the newly built timber viewing stockade enhancing your view of the night sky.

2. Strathspey Railway

Locomotive train at Strathspey Railway — Image credit: GettyImages/13threephotography

Step aboard one of the historic trains and travel back in time, to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age of steam travel on the Strathspey Railway.

Passengers travelling have a choice of standard carriages or first-class compartments. Light lunch and afternoon ‘Steam’ tea are served in both. There’s a fully stocked bar on the trains and two observation carriages (at either end of the train). The Officers' Saloon caters for private groups whilst the Coronation Observation carriage features large windows which provide panoramic views of stunning Strathspey countryside.

3. Twi-Lights at Landmark

Landmark Forest lit up for Twi-Lights — Image credit: Rupert Shanks

Illuminate the dark winter nights by taking in this awe inspiring light show experience at the award-winning Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge near Inverness. The 'Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS' experience allows visitors to follow a one-kilometre pinewood forest woodland trail, and be immersed in the enchanting glow of over 50,000 lights and effects.

Special features include a UV light tunnel and a 'Red Squirrel Trail', a treetop journey that takes visitors eight meters up into the forest canopy with stunning views of the illuminated woodland below.

Twi-LIGHTS is open on weekends (Friday-Sunday) from 23rd November until 19th February 2025.

4. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Reindeer in the Cairngorms on a snowy day — Image credit: GettyImages/Richard Paksi

Visit Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer which freely roam over 10,000 acres of the Cairngorm National Park.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre provides an experience for all abilities: the less able can enjoy an up-close experience with Paddocks Visits, exhibition and shop while the hill trips are only for the most hardy.

Pre booking is essential.

5. Dalwhinnie Distillery

Dalwhinnie Distillery in the Cairngorms on a sunny day — Image credit: GettyImages/Wirestock

Dalwhinnie Distillery stands in the Cairngorm National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands in the village of the same name. From this must-visit location comes the liquid known as the gentle spirit.

With a range of unmissable experiences available, be sure to book a tour and take a peek at the ins and outs of the working distillery to discover the essence of this unique location and its iconic malt.

Explore the flavours of Dalwhinnie and discover your perfect serve, whether you’re a whisky dram loyalist, innovative cocktail enthusiast, or aficionado of alcohol-free thirst quenchers.

6. Visit Balmoral

Balmoral Castle | Shutterstock — Image credit: Shutterstock

Balmoral is famous as the favoured relaxation spot for the Royal Family. It's here that they retreat to the gardens, honeymoon and where the Monarch receives the Prime Minister for their weekly meetings when he's on holiday. It's been an alfresco getaway for the Royal Family since 1852 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought the estate as they liked it so much.

Balmoral really is the king of the castles with a remarkable history.

If you're visiting the Cairngorms towards the end of winter you can visit the grounds (from January 24th 2025) on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (check opening times here).

From April to August, more of the estate opens up, including the ballroom.