Boat of Garten is a charming village in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by a beautiful landscape of forests, rivers and mountains. The area has a number of attractions, including the Osprey Centre, Loch Garten Nature Reserve, Boat of Garten Golf Club and a few small shops. The village is a perfect place for a romantic first date, with lots of chances for outdoor activities, as well as a variety of places to explore, dine and drink together.
1. Places for a walk on a first date
Boat of Garten has a range of walking trails that provide stunning views of the area’s natural beauty. Some of these trails wind through the Loch Garten Nature Reserve, where you’ll find the only osprey breeding centre in the UK. Here you can take a stroll, enjoy the views and watch the ospreys soaring in the sky. Another great walking route takes you along the River Spey, past the majestic Strathspey Steam Railway. The route takes around an hour and winds through the beautiful countryside of Boat of Garten.
2. Places for a coffee date in Boat of Garten
For a more relaxed date, why not grab a coffee in one of Boat of Garten’s cafes? The Terrace Café serves hot drinks, cakes and light snacks, with a seating area out the back that overlooks the impressive Strathspey Steam Railway. The Speyside Coffee Shop is another great spot for a coffee date, with a cute, cosy garden to sit in and a selection of hot drinks and snacks to choose from.
3. Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
For couples looking for something a little more cultural, there are a few galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit in Boat of Garten. The Speyside Wildlife and Nature Centre houses a large range of wildlife, along with information on the local wildlife and conservation efforts. At the Strathspey Steam Railway, you can experience a journey back in time and see the railway’s locomotives, carriages and track. Plus, there’s the Boat of Garten Golf Museum, where you can explore the history of the game and see some original equipment and memorabilia.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date To in Boat of Garten
If you’re looking for some live music and entertainment for your date, Boat of Garten has plenty to offer. The Boat of Garten ceilidh, held bi-monthly, is a great evening of traditional music, dancing and fun. The Boat of Garten Music Club, which hosts live music every Friday night, is a great spot to see some local talent. The Speyside Summer Sessions is another popular event, running throughout the summer with a range of live acts, DJs and open-air cinema.
5. Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
When it’s time for a drink or bite to eat, Boat of Garten has plenty of great pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from. The Boat of Garten Hotel has a cosy bar and a sophisticated restaurant, with menus ranging from classic pub food to more upmarket dishes. The Boat Inn is another popular spot, with a great selection of beers and ales and an outdoor decking area to enjoy the views. The Spey Inn is a popular spot for drinks, with a great range of craft beers and wines and an outdoor seating area for warm summer evenings.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Boat of Garten
If you’re looking for something a bit different, you could try one of the many outdoor activities in Boat of Garten. A few miles away, you can find the Aviemore Activity Centre, a great spot for mountain biking, sailing, white-water rafting, and more. If you’re feeling brave, the Highland Wildcat Experience, just a few miles away, is an adventure park with zip lines, climbing walls and obstacle courses. If fishing is more your thing, then you can head to nearby Loch Ruthven, which is a great spot for fly fishing and trout fishing.
