Aviemore - Scotland February half term

[Luna456]

We would like to do a trip in February half term but it looks like Europe is not an option as DD1 is still waiting for second vaccine.

Does anyone know if Scotland will be a good place to go in February? thinking of Aviemore. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[ElephantOfRisk]

Aviemore is great but in February you could have anything in terms of weather. You might not get there because of snow or might get stuck there because of snow, or there might be none at all.

It's impossible to predict with any certainty. It will be cold though!

[Sussexmidwife]

I absolutely love Aviemore but whether it is good for you really depends how you like to spend your time. How old are your children?

[Tay17]

I’d also rate Aviemore in February but agree that you should expect anything weather wise. We’ve been specifically for the mountains/ snow and obviously the weather can be so unpredictable so we’ve had years where we’ve not been able to do that for a few days which can be disappointing. Aviemore itself is lovely though and we’ve enjoyed mountain biking there. I think it would depend on your children’s ages as to how much there would be to do but I’m sure you’d have a lovely time.

[Chatwin]

Does anyone know if Scotland will be a good place to go in February?

Good for what? Depends on ages of DC and interests. Aviemore is a great year round resort, and likely there will be snow in February. Loads of outdoor activities available, walking, ski-ing etc.

Also Highland Wildlife Park, Reindeer Centre, go karting, steam train, Landmark (if open?), Inverness is not far away if you want cinema/bowling/shops/swimming etc - great flumes at the Inverness pool.

[Luna456]

Thank you. Kids are 14 and 11 so it sounds like a good option; but what if we can't get there because of snow? We will be flying from London.

Apologies, don't know much about that part of the UK so have no clue where to stay, what to do, etc but it sounds like there are good activities to do if we are lucky with the weather and don't get stuck indoor. I was reading the Wanderlust magazine and there lots of information about Scotland and one part mentioned Aviemore that's how I got the idea.

[emmathedilemma]

Fly to Inverness if you can, hire a car and I'd suggest staying here:
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/aviemore

[HeadToToesNo]

Are you naturally outdoorsy people? Do you have decent cold weather clothes? Will you go out for an activity in the rain?
If yes to these, then you'll be fine. If no, then probably not the best trip for you.
You'll need to fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow and then rent a car, alternatively you can get the train but Aviemore has a lot more to offer if you have a car and can travel the area independently.

[Luna456]

Thanks. We are outdoorsy and have decent winter clothes.

I will check if we can fly to Inverness or perhaps take the sleeper train.

[purplecardigan]

I spent every February half term of my childhood in Aviemore. I can never remember getting stuck or having any issues getting there and we had snow most years. I only have fond memories of winter loch walks, husky dog rides, go-karting and obviously lots of skiing. The lecht isn't far as I believe the cairngorm fur ocular is still out of action?

As a side note I went to Aviemore for the first time in summer last year and it was stunning. Highly recommend seeing it in both seasons!

[gingercat02]

There is very little snow in the Cairngorms currently only the lower slopes using the cannons. DH is from Inverness so I know the area quite well. The weather can be brutal in February

[gingercat02]

Sorry just realised you weren't asking about skiing! I'm a bit obsessed atm
Look here //www.visitcairngorms.com for non skiing activities

[BookBanter]

Children 12 and over can now book vaccines (might just be Scotland though) which is great as it means more freedom for travelling abroad this year.

Aviemore is lovely. We travelled around a bit and walked with reindeer, visited Landmark theme park and Highland zoo. I'm sure there's a Go Ape or something around too.

[emmathedilemma]

You'll need to fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow
You can fly to Inverness from Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton which is much closer.

[BookBanter]

@BookBanter

Children 12 and over can now book vaccines (might just be Scotland though) which is great as it means more freedom for travelling abroad this year.

Aviemore is lovely. We travelled around a bit and walked with reindeer, visited Landmark theme park and Highland zoo. I'm sure there's a Go Ape or something around too.

*Second vaccines, I mean.

Unless rules for travelling change 'fully vaccinated' to 3rd vaccines that is!

[Luna456]

Thank you. We would like to ski if there is snow but happy to do other things if there isn't.

I can't book the vaccine until March for DD1 as she only had the first in December.

The comment about the weather can be brutal in February is putting me off a bit.

[emmathedilemma]

I've been to the Highlands in February and if you're well equipped and prepared for it, I don't think the weather should put you off. I've had gorgeous cold sunny days with snow on the ground, been skiing, had wet & windy days where we've sucked it up for a couple of hours fresh air and then headed back to a real fire and afternoon of board games.....if you stay somewhere like the Aviemore resort then there's a pool, skating, cinema etc.

[notacooldad]

I used too e going to Aviemore with my kids when they were little to ski. However in recent years asking has been very hit and miss. We lost days to high winds and weve list days due to lack of snow. We started taking mountain bikes and walking boots so we had alternative activities.

[notacooldad]

Sorry I assumed skiing as well as that what I associate Aviemore with!
Theres plenty of walks.
I wouldn't go to Aviemore for a pool, skating and cinema as that is an everyday activity you can normally do in your own hometown.

[Tay17]

I’d second flying to Inverness and hiring a car, so easy to do.
We flew Easyjet from Luton.

Weather wise I guess it’s like here really in that there’s no guarantees what it would be like but I wouldn’t let it put me off going.

We used Airbnb two years running and stayed just outside Aviemore.