Summer is a very popular time to visit Grantown-on-Spey. There are all sorts of things to do, minus the snow and hopefully plus a bit of warmth and sunshine! Wildlife and plant life are abundant and of course the days are longer allowing more time for outdoor adventures.
Here we’ve gathered just a few of our favourite things to do here in summer. Why not pop over to our Discover Grantown Facebook or Instagram page to share yours?
Grantown Museum
Open 1 April to 31 October, weekdays 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesdays), weekends 11am to 3pm.
This experiential museum is run by Dan and his team, who do a fantastic job of preserving and showcasing local history and heritage, as well and providing a tourist information service through the visitor centre, and a gallery shop. Well worth a good look around, and if you fancy a bit of ‘adult dressing up’, then why not pre-book a costume experience with Suzi at the museum? Spend an hour or so trying on exquisite, handmade replica costumes and have your photograph taken – if you’ve always wanted to ‘be’ Claire or Jamie from Outlander, this is your chance!
Messing about on the river
The River Spey
Take a walk along a lovely stretch of open track down by the River Spey, a popular spot for birdwatching and salmon fishing, particularly in summer. If you’re tempted, why not take a dip? A good spot for a swim is the wee sandy beach accessed by foot or bike by following Kylintra Burn down to the river (there’s an underpass under the A95), or by car at the parking sign just off the A95 between the two roundabouts on the south edge of the town. For a more committed watery excursion, join a River Spey Canoe Trip with local provider Craggan Outdoors. Or for a self-propelled river adventure, get in touch with Tiso in Aviemore about equipment hire and Highland Yaks for transport and logistics.
Secret Strathspey
Guided walks with Marcus – regular weekly walks or get in touch to arrange a bespoke outing.
Be transported to the past with tales of clan feuds, infamous cattle thieves, legendary monsters and more by joining a guided walk with Marcus of Secret Strathspey. A former secondary school History and Religious Education teacher from Sussex, England, Marcus moved to Grantown-on-Spey with his family and has fallen in love with the stories and legends of the Strathspey area. He’s passionate about sharing them with both locals and visitors on his popular, friendly and knowledgeable guided history and folklore walks.
Grantown Show
Heathfield Park, Grantown-on-Spey – second Thursday in August every year (11 August 2022)
The Strathspey Farmers’ Club, which was established in 1787, holds the Grantown Show every year on the second Thursday of August. There is great excitement building for its return in 2022, the first show since before the Covid pandemic began in spring 2020. With livestock competitions, domestic marquee, trade stands, food & drink, kids’ side shows and much, much more, it really is an event for everyone!
Ice cream!The Candy Coo, Chaplin’s, Co-op or Scotmid
It’s not really a summer day out without ice cream, is it?! For a good selection of ice lollies and branded ice creams, check out the freezers in our Co-op and Scotmid on The Square. Chaplin’s Coffee House and Ice Cream Parlour is an institution on our High Street, serving delicious Rizza’s of Huntly ice cream and other desserts. Grab a cone to go, or sit in and enjoy an ice cream sundae – mine’s a Knickerbocker Glory please! Across the road you’ll find The Candy Coo, our favourite sweetie shop. It stocks luxury Stew ‘n’ Drew’s ice cream, which comes in a truly amazing range of flavours. There’s also award-winning Portsoy ice cream and sorbet. Vegan, dairy free and gluten free are all catered for here. Lorna often has larger take-home tubs available too. Yum!
For more things to do in Grantown-on-Spey visit the Days Out Page.
