Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Aviemore - Image 1
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Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

4.7
·2k reviews·Glenmore, United Kingdom

Meet Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd! Join guided walks in the Cairngorms to feed and learn about these magical creatures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning hill tours

Best chance to see herd

CrowdMedium
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Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Aviemore - Image 1

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Best Time

Morning hill tours

Best chance to see herd

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Meet Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd! Join guided walks in the Cairngorms to feed and learn about these magical creatures.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"An amazing experience seeing the reindeer up close and feeding them. Well worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear the Right Footwear

Sturdy walking boots or wellies are a must for hill tours; trainers are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:

🍎 Bring Snacks for Feeding

You can feed the reindeer! Bring lichen or special food provided by the centre. :apple:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet the Free-Ranging Reindeer Herd

Meet the Free-Ranging Reindeer Herd

Cairngorm Mountains

Walk amongst Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd, feed them, and learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable guides.

Scenic Hill Walk

Scenic Hill Walk

Glenmore Forest

Enjoy a beautiful, moderate hike through stunning Highland scenery to reach the reindeer's natural habitat.

The Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine)

The Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine)

Glenmore Forest

Discover this enchanting, vividly turquoise loch nestled deep within the forest, a magical spot for a peaceful walk.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Reindeer Encounter in Advance

Hill tours to meet the free-ranging reindeer herd are popular and often book up. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you get to experience this unique wildlife encounter in the Cairngorms.

Dress for the Scottish Highlands

The Cairngorms weather can change rapidly. Wear sturdy walking boots or wellies (trainers are not allowed on hill tours) and dress in layers. Waterproofs are essential, even on a sunny day, as you'll be outdoors with the semi-wild herd.

Best Times

When
Morning hill tours
Why
Best chance to see herd
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon paddock visits
Why
More relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Green Loch #scotlandexplore #visitscotland #Scotland #ForestWalks #scotlandhiddengem #scottishoutdoors
@chrislawlor
74.6K likes • 1.1M views

👟 Wear the Right Footwear

Sturdy walking boots or wellies are a must for hill tours; trainers are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:

🍎 Bring Snacks for Feeding

You can feed the reindeer! Bring lichen or special food provided by the centre. :apple:

Sharing my tips so you're not one of the two people who fell in 💩 during my Cairngorms Reindeer Hilltop Tour! 🦌 #reindeer #cairngorms #Scotland
@hiyascotland
32.7K likes • 473.8K views
Visiting the only free ranging reindeer 🦌🦌herd in the UK. It just happens to be in the Cairngorm Mountains 🏔 in the Highlands of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 perfect terrain for these beautiful beasts. If you can’t get to visit them on the mountain or at the centre why not adopt one🥕? Got to look after them for Santa’s 🎅 Scottish leg of deliveries 📦 ❄️ • • • • #santa #santaclaus #winter #christmastree #xmas ...
cathsinvernesstours
138 likes • 2K views

📸 Capture the Magic

Plenty of photo opportunities with the reindeer and stunning Highland scenery. :camerawithflash:

☔ Be Prepared for Rain

Scottish weather is unpredictable; pack waterproofs even on sunny days. :umbrella:

Have you visited Scotlands only Reindeer herd? 📍 Cairngorm Reindeer Centre If you’re staying in Aviemore or the highlands then the trek up to the Reindeers is a must! 🦌 Be sure to pack your walking boots or wellies, no trainers allowed 🥾 The best part is feeding time 😍 #visitscotland #cairngorms #scotland #reindeer #thingstodoindecember #explorescotland #scotlandatchristmas #scotlandtravel ...
lovefromleona
93 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear the Right Footwear

Sturdy walking boots or wellies are a must for hill tours; trainers are not permitted. :athletic_shoe:

🍎 Bring Snacks for Feeding

You can feed the reindeer! Bring lichen or special food provided by the centre. :apple:

📸 Capture the Magic

Plenty of photo opportunities with the reindeer and stunning Highland scenery. :camerawithflash:

☔ Be Prepared for Rain

Scottish weather is unpredictable; pack waterproofs even on sunny days. :umbrella:

📅 Book Hill Tours Ahead

Popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book online to guarantee your spot. :ticket:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre for its unique and memorable experience. The opportunity to walk amongst and feed the semi-wild reindeer herd is a major highlight, complemented by the beautiful Highland scenery and the informative, friendly guides. While the walk can be uphill, most agree it's well worth the effort for the close encounters and the chance to learn about these fascinating animals.

"Simply amazing. The hike wasn’t that long or hard, and the scenery was stunning. We got to be up close and personal with a ton of reindeer. My whole group enjoyed feeding them and taking a TON of pictures. Kate and Lottie were informative and answered all of the questions we had about the reindeer. I definitely recommend booking a hill tour hike in advance for your group. It’s an absolute must for a trip through the Cairngorms!"

Kirstin Christmas

"We had a fantastic few hours with the herd, such a brilliant experience. The three herders we had were so informative and answered all of our questions without hesitation. The walk to the herd was fantastic in itself, beautiful scenery, and the 30 second shower of rain we had made the most glorious rainbow. Worth every penny"

Vicky Dunbar

"We had a wonderful morning with the reindeer. The check-in process was quick and easy and the walk up to the reindeer was through some beautiful scenery. We got to spend a good amount of time right in with the herd while learning all about them and having the opportunity to hand feed them too. Our guides were great too. Both informative and friendly. Definitely worth a visit if in the area."

Eden Coward

What People Like

Up-close reindeer encounters
Informative and friendly guides
Beautiful Highland scenery

What People Dislike

Uphill walk can be tiring
Trainers not allowed on tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is located in Glenmore, within Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore. You can drive to the centre, and there's parking available. For hill tours, you'll typically start from a designated car park after checking in at the centre. TikTok+1

Yes, it's well-signposted from Aviemore and the surrounding roads. Follow signs for Glenmore and the Cairngorm Ski Centre. TikTok

While a car offers the most flexibility, public transport can get you to Aviemore, from where local taxis or pre-booked transport might be an option. However, reaching the centre and starting points for tours is easiest with your own vehicle. TikTok

The nearest major town is Aviemore, which is accessible by train and bus. From Aviemore, you can hire a car or arrange local transport to reach the Reindeer Centre. TikTok+1

While the guided hill tours are the primary way to see the free-ranging herd, the centre also has paddocks where some reindeer are kept, offering a more accessible viewing option. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Prices vary for different experiences. Hill tours typically cost around £22 per adult, with concessions available. Paddock visits might have a separate or included fee. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. TikTok

Yes, booking your hill tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as they are very popular and can sell out. InstagramReddit

The centre's opening hours and tour times can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and operating hours. Instagram

Yes, you can opt for a guided hill trip to see the free-ranging herd in their natural habitat, or visit the paddocks at the centre for a closer look at some of the reindeer. Instagram

A hill tour ticket typically includes a guided walk to meet and feed the semi-wild reindeer herd, along with educational information from the guides. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The walk is described as moderate, mostly uphill, and takes about 30-45 minutes. The terrain is generally good, but sturdy footwear is essential. The scenery along the way is beautiful. TikTokReddit+1

While you can feed the reindeer, direct touching is generally discouraged to maintain their semi-wild nature and for visitor safety. However, you can get very close. Instagram

Wear sturdy walking boots or wellies, as trainers are not allowed on the hill tours. Dress in layers and bring waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly in the Highlands. Instagram

The entire experience, including check-in, the walk, time with the herd, and the return, typically lasts a few hours. Reddit

The centre usually has facilities like a visitor centre, gift shop, and restrooms. Check their website for specific amenities. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The combination of majestic reindeer, stunning Highland landscapes, and potentially dramatic weather makes it a photographer's dream. TikTokReddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. The interaction with the reindeer while feeding them also provides fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife areas to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check with the centre directly or adhere to local regulations. TikTok

Expect close-ups of the reindeer, wide shots of the herd in their natural environment, and scenic views of the Cairngorms. TikTokReddit

Be patient, as the reindeer are semi-wild. Focus on capturing their expressions and interactions. The guides can also offer insights into the best viewing spots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is a fantastic destination for families. The opportunity to see and feed reindeer is incredibly exciting for children, and the guided walks are usually manageable for younger legs. TikTokInstagram The centre often has a visitor area where children can see some reindeer up close, even if they don't go on the full hill tour. Remember to pack snacks for feeding and dress everyone in appropriate, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. The nearby Green Loch also offers a lovely, easy walk for a combined family day out. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers

Solo travellers will find the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre a rewarding experience. The guided hill tours offer a chance to connect with nature and wildlife in a safe and informative way. You'll be part of a group, but there's ample opportunity to appreciate the scenery and interact with the reindeer at your own pace. TikTok The walks are well-marked, and the guides are friendly and engaging, making it easy to strike up conversations. It's a great way to experience the Scottish Highlands and its unique fauna.

📸 Nature Photographers

For photographers, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre offers a wealth of opportunities. Capturing the semi-wild reindeer in their natural mountain environment, especially during feeding times, can yield stunning shots. TikTokReddit The dramatic landscapes of the Cairngorms provide a breathtaking backdrop. Be prepared for changing light conditions and dress warmly, as you'll be spending time outdoors. Patience is key to getting those perfect wildlife photos. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd: A Unique Wildlife Encounter

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is a truly special attraction, being the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the UK. Managed by the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, these semi-wild animals roam across the vast Cairngorm Mountains. Visitors have the unique opportunity to join guided hill tours to meet and feed the reindeer in their natural habitat. This experience offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of these fascinating creatures, far removed from typical zoo encounters. TikTokInstagram+1

The guides at the centre are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insights into the reindeer's behaviour, their role in the ecosystem, and the history of reindeer in Scotland. The walks themselves are often described as beautiful, taking you through scenic Highland landscapes. It's an experience that combines wildlife observation with an enjoyable outdoor adventure, making it a highlight for many visitors to the Cairngorms. TikTokReddit+1

It's important to remember that these are semi-wild animals. While they are accustomed to human presence on tours and are often very friendly, they are not pets. Visitors are encouraged to follow the guides' instructions carefully to ensure both the safety of the reindeer and the visitors. The centre also offers opportunities to 'adopt' a reindeer, contributing to their care and conservation. Instagram+1

Exploring the Enchanting Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine)

Nestled within the Glenmore Forest, not far from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, lies An Lochan Uaine, more commonly known as the Green Loch. This picturesque spot gets its name from the unusually vivid, deep turquoise colour of its waters, which is said to be caused by the algae that grows there. The loch is a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape. TikTok+2

The walk to the Green Loch is generally easy and accessible, often starting from the Glenmore Visitor Centre or Allt Mor Car Park. It's a relatively flat woodland path, making it suitable for most abilities and a lovely stroll for families. The surrounding forest adds to the magical atmosphere, with ancient trees and a sense of seclusion. TikTok+1

While the loch is beautiful to behold, some visitors also mention it as a potential spot for wild swimming, particularly for those who enjoy a bracing dip in cold waters. The vibrant colour and serene setting make the Green Loch a must-visit for anyone exploring the Cairngorms National Park, offering a different kind of natural beauty compared to the reindeer encounters. TikTok+1