The towns and villages dotting the Cairngorms National Park offer the holiday maker a great selection of pubs, bars and clubs, from Blair Atholl, north to the nightlife hub in Aviemore, over to Grantown-on-Spey, Ballater and beyond. The list below details some of the 'best of the best' pubs, bar and nightclubs in the Cairngorms National Park. For more formal places to wine and dine, check out our Cairngorms Fine, Wine and Dine information page.
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Highland Bothy Bar at the Blair Atholl Arms Hotel is in a lovely setting near Blair Atholl Castle. The authentic highland charm, personality and character of this grand hotel make it really special. The Highland Bothy Bar has helpful friendly staff and offers a reasonable range of bar snacks and food. |
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The Struan Inn at Struan is a rare Scottish gem, a charming, authentically traditional and rustic Highland village inn-style hotel. Built around 1863 when the main Edinburgh to Glasgow Railway line was constructed, for the Struan Railway Station Master's home. When the sun is shining this is a great place to have a few cold beers or ciders, then take a short walk to the river. |
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Inn at Dalwhinnie...When you enter this place you feel as if you should be in a cool city establishment. This is probably the mellowest and highest pub in Cairngorms National Park, with a funky playlist that flows throughout the day and great food, it offers something for everyone. They also do a number of club nights, The Dalwhinnie Sessions, throughout the year. |
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The Monadhliath Hotel, pronounced 'Monalia' is the place for a weekend drink and game of pool when in Laggan. There is always a friendly face and the food is tasty, dogs are also welcome. They have a great outdoor area with tables, perfect after a hard day's mountain biking at the Wolf Trax mountain bike centre located a few miles down the road. There is often something going on in the village hall on weekends. |
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The Braeriach, know as the Brae by the locals is situated on Newtonmore main street. This bar is always lively at weekends and is very popular with the younger crowd. There is often live music or karaoke and the pool / games room through the back is great when busy. There is always a great friendly atmosphere and is well worth a visit any time of day. It also allows dogs. |
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The Spey Bar, one of Kingussie's favourite meeting-places, sets the tone of informal comfort for locals and visitors. Convivial company in very pleasant surroundings, fine beers and wines - and of course the vast array of Malt Whiskies all add to the enjoyment of the moment. The Bar is also popular for informal bar-Lunches and suppers. |
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The Suie bar is on the main street of Kincraig is warm and friendly. They often have live music and there is always an opponent available for a game of pool. There is a large open fore and a nice outside area for the warmer days. Well behaved dogs are welcome. |
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Cafe Mambo Aviemore is the place to hang out, open till 1.00am it is very popular with the younger crowd at the weekends. Weekends there is always live music or Dj sets and great selection of cocktails and shots are on offer. There are two American style pool tables and video games on the second floor. Wifi and food is available all day. |
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The Vault Night Club on the main street in Aviemore is the place for all types of music, from dance, techno to cheesy pop. It is an underground club and can get very hot and busy. It's open Thursday and Weekends from 22.30pm - 3.00am, there is no entry after 11.45pm. It does attract a younger crowd and can get full yearly by 11,00pm, go early to avoid disappointment. |
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The Wood Shed Bar, located in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge. It is a large beautiful traditional log cabin where you can chill on the decking or in front of the massive open fire. It has all the activities and entertainment your kids will need, from climbing and skateboard ramps in the outdoor centre located below the decking. You can just sit on the balcony drinking and occasionally watching...perfect. |
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The Old Bridge Inn located next to the Spey bridge in Aviemore. Recently under a new younger management, the decor, menu, bar list and programme of events have been given a shot in the arm. With weekly live music, top quality food and a bar list to satisfy the keenest bar-fly, you will love this place. You must drop in if you love good food, beers and live music. |
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The Winking Owl' prides itself on being the oldest traditional pub in Aviemore serving locally produced Real Ales from the Cairngorm Brewery. They also have a great new nightclub open at weekends The Two Hoots Club, that meet the needs of the slighter older clubbing crowed. It has the latest lighting and sound system. The best live bands can be heard monthly open till 3.00am. |
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The Cairn Hotel Carrbridge. This friendly bar is popular with locals and tourists alike. An ideal place to wind down after an active day in Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park. They are listed in the CAMRA Good Beer guide 2010 and the CAMRA Aviemore & Cairngorms Pub of the Year 2010. They also have a pool table, live music at the weekend and are pet friendly. |
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Just off the High Street in Grantown-On-Spey, The Craig Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a quiet pint. Set in the Cairngorm National Park they are busy with locals and visitors. So whether it's a drink or one of their connoisseur pies you will always be greeted with a warm welcome. They also have a pool room with a juke box. |
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At Glen Avon Tomintoul, you can enjoy a glass of Scotland's finest whisky or traditional real ale in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the lounge bar. Sit by the bar and exchange stories with some of the local characters, play pool or relax quietly by the log fire. This is one of the friendless pubs in Glenlivet and well worth a visit. |
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The Malt Room at Braemar lodge boasts one of the largest collection of malt whiskies in the area. Friendly staff are on hand to share their expertise and assist you with your selection. There is nothing quite like the warmth of a log fire after a day exploring one of the many scenic mountain walks nearby. If you love whisky you'll love the Malt Rooms. |
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The Alexandra Hotel and Public Bar is a popular place for both locals and visitors alike located in the centre of Ballater village. Bar also servers some great bar meals are also boasts a wide selection of local single malt whiskies served in comfortable surroundings. |
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The Spittal of Glenshee is the site of one of the oldest inns in the U.K. The hospitality that has been practised here for over a thousand years is still the same today. Be you King or villain - come in peace. The log fire, good food and friendly welcome await you. Dogs are welcome. |