When planning a trip to Cairngorms National Park, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is where to stay. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities, the park attracts visitors from all over the world. Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay, allowing you to make the most of your time in this stunning Scottish national park.
Get ultimate traveler plannerOverview of the Best Places to Stay in Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cozy B&Bs and self-catering cottages to luxury hotels and camping sites. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly base, or an adventure hub, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Cairngorms National Park, highlighting the top towns, villages, and areas to consider, as well as some of the best individual accommodations and their unique features.
From Aviemore to Braemar: Exploring the Best Areas to Stay
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the top areas to stay in Cairngorms National Park, including Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Braemar, and more. We’ll also highlight some of the best individual accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury retreats, and provide tips on what to look for when booking your stay.
Best Places to Stay in Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park is a stunning destination in the heart of Scotland, offering breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities. When planning a trip to this beautiful park, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. With a variety of options to choose from, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to stay in Cairngorms National Park.
Aviemore
Aviemore is a popular destination in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs and self-catering apartments, Aviemore has something for everyone.
- Macdonald Aviemore Hotel: This 4-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, a leisure club, and a range of dining options.
- The Aviemore Inn: This traditional inn offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Aviemore Youth Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel offers dorms and private rooms, as well as a self-catering kitchen and lounge area.
Grantown-on-Spey
Grantown-on-Spey is a charming town located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options. From luxury B&Bs to self-catering cottages, Grantown-on-Spey is a great base for exploring the park. (See Also: Tulum Mexico Best Places To Stay)
- The Grant Arms Hotel: This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Rossmount Guest House: This 4-star B&B offers luxurious rooms, a breakfast room, and a lounge area.
- Spey Valley Cottages: These self-catering cottages offer comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Boat of Garten
Boat of Garten is a picturesque village located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, Boat of Garten is a great base for exploring the park.
- The Boat Hotel: This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Boat of Garten Holiday Park: This holiday park offers self-catering caravans, a swimming pool, and a range of outdoor activities.
- The Old Kirk: This self-catering apartment offers comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Braemar
Braemar is a charming village located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to self-catering cottages, Braemar is a great base for exploring the park.
- The Fife Arms Hotel: This 4-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Braemar Lodge Hotel: This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Braemar Cottages: These self-catering cottages offer comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Newtonmore
Newtonmore is a charming village located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, Newtonmore is a great base for exploring the park.
- The Newtonmore Hotel: This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum: This unique accommodation offers self-catering apartments, a museum, and a range of outdoor activities.
- Clunebeg Lodges: These self-catering lodges offer comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Carrbridge
Carrbridge is a charming village located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to self-catering cottages, Carrbridge is a great base for exploring the park.
- The Carrbridge Hotel: This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Carrbridge Cottages: These self-catering cottages offer comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Landmark Forest Adventure Park: This unique accommodation offers self-catering lodges, a theme park, and a range of outdoor activities.
Kingussie
Kingussie is a charming town located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, offering a range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, Kingussie is a great base for exploring the park.
- The Kingsmills Hotel: This 4-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- The Cross at Kingussie: This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar with a cozy atmosphere.
- Kingussie Cottages: These self-catering cottages offer comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Things to Consider When Choosing Accommodation
When choosing accommodation in Cairngorms National Park, there are several things to consider: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In France With Family)
- Location: Consider the location of your accommodation in relation to the park’s attractions and activities.
- Budget: Determine your budget and choose accommodation that fits within it.
- Amenities: Consider the amenities you need, such as Wi-Fi, parking, and laundry facilities.
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the quality of the accommodation.
Summary
In conclusion, Cairngorms National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to self-catering cottages, there’s something for everyone. When choosing accommodation, consider the location, budget, amenities, and reviews to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this beautiful park.
| Town/Village | Accommodation Options |
|---|---|
| Aviemore | Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, The Aviemore Inn, Aviemore Youth Hostel |
| Grantown-on-Spey | The Grant Arms Hotel, Rossmount Guest House, Spey Valley Cottages |
| Boat of Garten | The Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten Holiday Park, The Old Kirk |
| Braemar | The Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar Lodge Hotel, Braemar Cottages |
| Newtonmore | The Newtonmore Hotel, Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, Clunebeg Lodges |
| Carrbridge | The Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge Cottages, Landmark Forest Adventure Park |
| Kingussie | The Kingsmills Hotel, The Cross at Kingussie, Kingussie Cottages |
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Cairngorms National Park. Remember to consider the location, budget, amenities, and reviews when choosing accommodation to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Stay in Cairngorms National Park
What are the most popular towns to stay in Cairngorms National Park?
Avonmore, Grantown-on-Spey, and Boat of Garten are some of the most popular towns to stay in Cairngorms National Park. These towns offer a range of accommodations, from cozy B&Bs to luxury hotels, and are close to many of the park’s attractions and outdoor activities.
Are there any eco-friendly accommodations available in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are several eco-friendly accommodations available in Cairngorms National Park. Many of the park’s hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages have implemented sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting environmentally friendly activities. Look for accommodations with green certifications, such as the Green Tourism Award, to ensure you’re staying at an eco-friendly location.
Can I stay in a remote location in Cairngorms National Park?
If you’re looking for a more secluded stay, there are several remote locations in Cairngorms National Park that offer accommodations. Consider staying in a rural cottage or lodge, or even a bothy, which is a simple mountain hut that’s perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Keep in mind that some of these locations may not have access to amenities like Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal, so be sure to plan ahead. (See Also: Best Places To Stay Near Old Faithful)
Are there any pet-friendly accommodations in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, many accommodations in Cairngorms National Park are pet-friendly, including hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages. However, it’s always best to check with the accommodation provider beforehand to confirm their pet policy and any restrictions that may apply. Some accommodations may also have specific rooms or areas designated for pets, so be sure to ask about these when booking.
What are the best times to visit Cairngorms National Park?
The best times to visit Cairngorms National Park depend on your preferences. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long days perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to see the changing leaves and enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and fishing. Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, while spring (March to May) is a great time to see the park’s wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities like walking and birdwatching.
