Situated in the wild Highlands, Kingussie in Scotland is a lively town within the Cairngorms National Park. It’s a breath of fresh air amidst stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery, made better still by the many things to do in Kingussie.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Kingussie. Not only is it the capital of Badenoch in the Highlands, but its proximity to the River Spey and Cairngorm mountains makes hiking, climbing, and fishing all available. There’s even a railway station!
Things to do in Kingussie
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do here in Kingussie and its surrounding area. One day could have you navigating the bountiful nature of the Cairngorms by foot, bicycle, or even pony trekking, while another will have you relaxing as you play golf at a serene and scenic location.
Beautiful hotels and other accommodation choices will leave you well-rested and keen for another day in Kingussie, while the village has plentiful attractions like art galleries and museums.
Before packing your bags to retreat to this paradise, see our guide for the top things to do in Kingussie.
Ruthven Barracks
Easily spotted from Kingussie, Ruthven Castle & Barracks is a fascinating site nearby.
The Ruthven Barracks are a short trip down B970 by car, fitting easily into a day of activities. The fortress was built in the early 1700s to rebuke a growing Jacobite rebellion.
These impressive fortress ruins are yours to explore and will bring you back to the ages of Jacobites and legendary battles.
Highland Wildlife Park
Home to bears, wolves, deer, and even tigers, the Highland Wildlife Park has it all!
The Highland Wildlife Park is one of the nearby places to Kingussie, just a few miles east, that you need to see. It’s the perfect adventure to visit with your kids and treat them to spectacular wildlife.
Highland Horse Fun
Highland Horse Fun has been providing excellent pony trekking tours since 1952!
This family business has taken the experience of navigating the Highlands to another level. You’ll be surprised how much ground you can cover from atop a pony or horse. Grab their company number to book a session, or check out their website!
Loch Gynack
Just over a mile northwest of Kingussie, Loch Gynack is a small loch that offers peace and tranquillity with spectacular sites.
It’s not uncommon to see anglers at Loch Gynack enjoying the location for its excellent catches and calm atmosphere. It’s highly recommended that you reach Loch Gynack by walking, with plenty of stunning sights along the way.
The Iona Gallery
In the heart of this quaint small town, on the corner of Spey Street, you will find the iconic Iona Gallery.
There’s no better place to peruse the outstanding collection of local artistry than The Iona Gallery, with gorgeous depictions of Scotland, Kingussie, and the Cairngorms National Park.
We highly recommend you check out their website to see their complete collection; you may find yourself taking a piece home with you!
Loch Insh
Located near the Highland Wildlife Park, Loch Insh is a picturesque loch that is home to a staggering variety of birdlife. Bird-watchers with their binoculars will be delighted – as it’s easy to lose track of an afternoon admiring the diverse array of avians by the loch.
The outdoor centre also includes more activities than we can mention. Still, highlights include water-skiing, river trips, fishing, and plenty of ashore activities if you don’t want to enter the loch’s waters.
Creag Bheag
This walk through the Highlands is a favourite of many and takes you from Kingussie deep in the Cairngorm grounds.
Along the way, keep your eye out for red squirrels and deer that make their home in the verdant paradise around you.
Cairngorms National Park
You can’t speak about Kingussie without mentioning the incredible Cairngorms around it.
If you’re looking for adventure, this massive national park will ensure you have many options. Hiking, climbing, wild camping, and more are evergreen attractions at the Cairngorms, with even more hidden gems to uncover as you explore.
Kingussie Golf Club
Golfers may be surprised that legends Old Tom Morris and Harry Vardon designed the 18 holes at Kingussie Golf Club.
This treat of a golf course offers players a chance to tee off and experience a course designed by two trendsetters of the sport. You won’t get an opportunity like this anywhere else, so set aside time to visit this club.
Highland Folk Museum
Step back in time as you move from house to house and discover the fascinating history of the Highlands and Inverness-shire.
This open-air museum is a great way to understand how towns like Kingussie slowly formed in Scotland, with a particular focus on what daily life would’ve been like.
Wildcat Centre
Also, in Newtonmore, the Wildcat Centre is your starting point for a treasure hunt!
There are over 132 painted cats you can search for along the way, all unique in some way or another. Best of all, find 50, and you’ll receive a prize to remember your visit by.
Other Things To Do in Highlands
- Things to do in Arisaig
- Things to do in Aviemore
- Things to do in Beauly
- Things to do in Brora
- Things to do in Caithness
- Things to do in Carrbridge
- Things to do in Drumnadrochit
- Things to do in Fort Augustus
- Things to do in Fort William
- Things to do in Gairloch
- Things to do in Invergordon
- Things to do in Inverness
- Things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh
- Things to do in Lochinver
- Things to do in Loch Ness
- Things to do in Nairn
- Things to do in Newtonmore
- Things to do in Strathpeffer
- Things to do in Thurso
- Things to do in Ullapool
- Things to do in Wick
