Strathspey Railway

The Strathspey Railway is a beautifully preserved heritage steam line that takes you back to the golden age of rail travel. Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the main station is in Aviemore, Inverness-shire, using the postcode PH22 1PY.

What to Expect and Enjoy

This charming railway offers a relaxing and nostalgic trip through the pine forests and heather-covered hills of the Highlands. It is run by passionate volunteers who keep the beautifully restored steam engines and heritage stations looking spectacular.

• Vintage Stations: Starting at Aviemore, the train travels to Boat of Garten and finishes at Broomhill. The stations are perfectly restored with old-fashioned signs, luggage trolleys, and ticket offices.
• Cairngorm Views: As you clickety-clack along the tracks, you get stunning views of the River Spey and the dramatic Cairngorm mountain range in the distance.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out the window as you pass through the countryside; it is common to spot deer in the fields or birds of prey soaring above the trees.
• Dining Trains: You can upgrade your trip to enjoy traditional afternoon teas, Sunday lunches, or even evening dining experiences in a beautifully restored first-class carriage.

Best For and Time Spent

This attraction is perfect for families with young children, grandparents, couples, and rail enthusiasts who want a peaceful, nostalgic afternoon out.

• Duration: A standard round trip takes about 1.5 hours. If you decide to hop off at one of the stations to explore the local village paths and catch a later train back, you can turn it into a 3-hour outing.
• Tone: Cosy, relaxed, and very friendly. The volunteers love to chat about the history of the trains and make families feel incredibly welcome.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

• Parking: Aviemore station has free parking for railway passengers, making it very easy to access.
• Food & Drink: There is a small coffee shop at the station, and light refreshments are available on board. For a full meal, Aviemore village is packed with great family eateries and cafes right outside the platform.
• Savings: Family tickets are available and offer a much better rate than buying individual tickets. Children under a certain age often ride for a very low price or free depending on the seasonal offer.
• Season: The main operating season runs from April to October. They also run incredibly popular festive themed trains in December, which require booking well in advance.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

Because the train starts in Aviemore, you are in the perfect spot to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where you can meet Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd. If you want more nature, the Osprey Centre Loch Garten is located just minutes away from the Boat of Garten station stop. For an active day out, you can head straight up the road to the Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway for high-altitude mountain views.