Christmas in the Cairngorms/ Aviemore

[chicaguapa]

I wasn't sure whether to put this in Christmas or Skiing, so feel free to move if necessary.

We have been talking about going away for next Christmas. DD(11) has requested reindeer and DS(8) would like to do some skiing. So the Cairngorms seems to tick the boxes as it's cheaper than going abroad and we can drive and take all the presents with us. Obviously we can't guarantee the snow, but the Christmas Eve parade sounds fab and there seems to be a fair bit to do without the skiing, with the snow being a bonus if there is some.

I haven't really thought beyond that. We usually stay in self catering places as DD is a fussy eater, but I think a hotel would offer entertainment and a big tree etc.

Can anyone recommend places to stay, tips etc? Thanks.

[chocoluvva]

The MacDonald hotel complex is nice and the hilton at coylumbridge is very geared up for families - very good, soft play with Cyril the Squirrel making hourly appearances, evening 'entertainment' swimming etc.

[chicaguapa]

Thanks. I've had a look at them.

Not sure how I feel about staying in a hotel now. DH thinks we'll be opening our presents in our hotel room.

Will have to do a bit more research into lodges.

[chocoluvva]

The hilton at coylumbridge does chalets if that's any help.

[bekind]

Can't give any specific recomms for places to stay but think it sounds like a great idea. I have used a website called Wilderness Cottages so have a look at them as they are Scottish based.

[chicaguapa]

Thanks. Will have a look.

The more research I do, the more I think it's a good idea. The Christmas eve parade looks lovely and DC want to go to loch Ness. We are going to go self-catering so looking for a nice cottage somewhere.

[Caerlaverock]

If you get snow it would be amazing!

[seb1]

How about here Nethybridge the cottages here are lovely Aultmore House

[chicaguapa]

Do you know the Aultmore cottages Seb? I've come across them and they do look lovely. There aren't many photos though and they're not even booked for this Christmas so I was a bit . Can't find any reviews either.

[seb1]

Photos here cottages are lovely dishwasher, washerdrier, free wifi, sky (basic), roll top bath, downstairs wc, comfy beds. stunning grounds. We have stayed there and they are lovely. Very private, the estate is owned by Bob Dylan.

[seb1]

If you click on the house pictures you see internal pictures, they are located next to the huge (stunning) mansion.

[chicaguapa]

Sounds great seb. Thanks. I had emailed them yesterday and they will put a tree up and decorations so sounds like it could be perfect for us. Only £500 for the week too, compared to £1,000 in Aviemore. Glad to have a recommendation from someone who's stayed there too.

[seb1]

Not sure if it will be open at that time of year but if you contact Abernethy Trust they have a pool and you can pay (weeks membership and admission) to use and you could walk from Aultmore. Will add some other stuff later on what else you can do in the area HTH.

[badguider]

this wee hotel in carrbridge is great: www.dalrachney.co.uk/ it's got a really nice sitting room with open fires and an on-site restraunt. I don't know if they do a christmas deal but it's very lovely and the owners are so friendly (we go there most years for just one night to get two days skiing in and they always remember us).

[badguider]

is the abernethy trust not dry?
we stayed in their place in dumfries and galloway and weren't allowed to bring any alcohol onto the premises.

[seb1]

Badguider we only swim at the Abernethy Trust so not sure if it is dry.

[seb1]

Other things to do Santa Steam train, Polar Bears and Wolves etc, Cairngorm Mountain,Dog Sledding plus stargazing is amazing due to less light pollution

[chicaguapa]

You're selling it well. I am pretty set on the Aultmore Cottages then.

Bob Dylan eh?

[seb1]

There is a Tesco in Aviemore about 15mins drive away and there is a spar and butchers in the village. As you can tell we have be in the area quite a bit, DCs are 8 & 12 and we have been going since oldest was 6 months (not to Aultmore though only once there)

[chicaguapa]

DC are 11 & 8 (will be 12 & 9 when we go) so similar ages to yours. Thanks for the links. I'm compiling a list of sites in my favourites.

[seb1]

Just to put you in the mood