Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
The Oystercatcher is a small seafood restaurant with themed décor and an intimate and quiet ambiance. Its speciality is locally caught shellfish, served to traditional recipes in its own unique style.
Abstract - 22.6 Miles (36.2 KM)
This award winning restaurant was the first to introduce a chef's table, situated in the kitchen, where parties of four or six can enjoy the stunning 'tasting' menu, while watching the head chef and team at work! The chic piano bar boasts a huge list of malt whiskies.
Fun Days Out
A world renowned attraction home to the Old shop museum and speciality shops. There are also culinary demonstrations and tastings, a children's adventure playground and family terrace.
Hear about the history of Major James Grant, his impact on whisky and sample of some of the famous Glen Grant for yourself, before taking a a stroll through the beautiful grounds to see the plunging waterfall.
Forres Highland Games take place annually in Grant Park and usually take place around the first Saturday in July, regardless of the weather. They incorporate a range of traditional highland games together with many other attractions making for a great day out for all. Anyone can get involved in the fun and activities, just fill in an application form and you could be competing and being cheered on by the supportive and encouraging crowds who gather to watch. It is a popular event and draws large crowds who come to enjoy the colourful, energetic and cheerful occasion. In addition to cheering on at the games that include, Tug O' War, Heavy events, Athletics, Highland dancing, Grass Cycling and a road race, you can watch the bands perform, enjoy some delicious local food and treats and shop on the many craft and local stalls found here. Be prepared for for all weathers and you will have a fabulous day and see some fantastic athletes, maybe witness a new record being set, and see and hear amazing performers, highly recommended.
No visit to Speyside would be complete without a trip to the Speyside Cooperage, the only cooperage in Britain with a Visitor Centre. Here you can watch coopers make and repair the barrels for the whisky industry. There's also a gift shop and tearoom.
Situated in the heart of Speyside and the Malt Whisky Trail, the Spey Valley Smokehouse explores the fascinating history of Scottish Salmon, not only produces the finest smoked salmon but also offers visitors the opportunity to see the process in action.
A wonderful aquarium on the stunning Aberdeenshire coast. Marvel at the Moray Firth marine life and get up close and personal with some of the hundreds of invertebrates and fish who live there. A great way to delve into their underwater world and learn about the rich local ecosystem without taking a chilly dip in the North Sea!
Beach
Dornoch Beach - 29 Miles (46.4 KM)
Located on the Dornoch Firth, and awarded for its status as a clean bathing beach, Dornoch's long expanse of golden sands reach from Dornoch point, past Embo Beach to the mouth of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for some local wildlife in the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Biking & Hiking
Amateur and professional mountain bikers alike will love these cycle routes. There a 3 independent sites covering 18 miles (30 km), which can be coordinated in whichever way you desire. The most athletic will love all 3 sites from Fochabers to Craigellachie.
Golf & Sports
Kinloss Country Club is located in Forres, it is a friendly and welcoming club and extends a true Scottish reception to all players. It was originally a nine hole course but has been extended to eighteen holes and represents an American style of play, with varying courses on each side of the clubhouse. It has evolved into a fine course that offers a good standard of golf and the course caters to all level of golfer, with some difficult holes and steep climbs. This parkland course is situated amongst some lovely scenery and has great views across the Moray Firth. The course is well maintained, the greens are well kept and are true and fast. It is predominantly a pay and play facility but, it is best to book at weekends as it dos get busy. Other facilities here include driving practise bays, practise chipping area and putting green. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming and serves a lovely selection of dishes that are freshly prepared and excellent value for money too, staff are friendly and the customer service is very good. Kinloss Country Golf Club is a lovely welcoming club, with excellent facilities, offering a great game of golf on a nice course, green fees are excelent value, definitely worth a round if you are in the area.
This course is ideally situated overlooking Kindtradlwell Bay and with the Sutherland Hill as its backdrop. There is even a railway which comes into play from the tenth tee. Choose from a simple round of golf to a selection of packages that include food.
This traditional Scottish Highland links course was designed by Tom Morris in 1890. The sheltered location of the course ensures favourable weather for most of the year - winter greens are seldom used at Tain.
This championship links golf course was designed by Tom Morris and has been a royal club for over 100 years now. There is a bar that serves food between 11am-9pm and a pro golf shop too.
Nature Reserves
Housing an exhibition about the Moray Firth, dolphins and local wildlife, this wildlife themed visitor centre's location on the edge of a nature reserve affords frequent sightings of dolphins, seals, otters, osprey and wildfowl. There is also a shop and cafe.
Gardens & Woodlands
No recommended Gardens & Woodlands found within 30 miles of this property.
Local Attractions
Located on the Scottish borders is Johnstons of Elgin, they have had a presence here since 1797 and are craftsmen in the craft of cashmere and fine woollens. The tours are free and the guides are excellent, convivial and knowledgeable and make the tour interesting and informative, you get a detailed tour where you learn about the complete manufacturing process, from how yarn is produced to how fabric is woven, many of the processes still remain the same as when the mill originally opened. There is an Interpretive Centre that is well laid out and again has lots of information. Tours generally take place between 10am and 3pm and only during mill working hours, it is probably best to book in advance. The shop has a lovely selection of their goods, they may appear to be expensive but once you are aware of the quality and craftsmanship then you can justify them, other items are also for sale including homewares and furnishings. The restaurant is lovely and has a varied menu and a good selection of beverages and the prices are very reasonable, and the quality excellent. Johnstons of Elgin Mill Tour is a thoroughly enjoyable tour, you get so much from it and the guides are superb, don't miss if you have the opportunity to visit this lovely mill, highly recommended.
The Gordon & MacPhail family have occupied and traded on these premises on Elgin Street since 1895, and are somewhat of an institution here in Glasgow. Walking through the doors of this historic house, you are meet with the most delicious smell of home cooked local gammon, also stocked here is the biggest choice of the best cheeses in North East Scotland and the shop is packed with high quality groceries and artisan produce, a truly wonderful deli. The highlight of this delightful store is the Whisky Room, stocked here are more than 1,000 varying single malt whiskies, it is not surprising that it attracts clients from all over the world to see this spectacular selection of whiskies. It is a treasure throve of whiskies, some are extremely old and extraordinarily rare. It is the ultimate stop for a whisky connoisseur, samples are available from a wide selection of the whiskies. The staff are both friendly and helpful and will offer advice on choosing a whisky. Gordon & MacPhail is a wonderful deli and even if you aren't looking for whisky it is worth going to the store just to wander around, you will love all there is to see.
Glen Moray Distillery has been producing their fine single malt whiskies on the banks of the River Lossie since 1897, and to this day they continue to use the traditional ingredients and methods in producing their fine whiskies. A tour of this fine, small and casual distillery will give a real insight into this craft that has been handed down through generations, the knowledgeable tour guides are actually distillery craftsmen so know exactly what they are talking about, they are interesting and insightful, you will be told about the whole process. They will talk you through the process of how the local malted barley and pure river waters are converted into their highly acclaimed single malt whiskies. Their location also plays an important part in the process. Their whiskies are available to purchase and you can choose from a choice of ages and vintages there is something to appeal to all whisky drinkers, from novice to connoisseur. They are open for tours Monday to Friday throughout the year, and on Saturdays May to September, there are various tour times so do check the website to see what times are available. The cafe is lovely with a great selection of beverages and snacks to choose from, and is very reasonable. A visit to Glen Moray Distillery is interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages, admission is only £5 and this includes tasting and under 18's are free so it is very good value, a first class visitor attraction.
The Findhorn Foundation is a unique international spiritual community and holistic education centre and the cornerstone of an exciting ecovillage.
Babalu - 14.1 Miles (22.6 KM)
Babalu can be found on the High Street in Forres. It is an eclectic shop that stocks a delightful range of hand made goods from all over the world as well as locally. The goods on sale are made by artists or artisans and the shelves are full of interesting and unusual items. They stock jewellery, bags crystals, clothes, accessories, gifts, treats and much more. The shop is colourful and bustling with goods, it offers a casual and relaxed shopping experience. Many of the items are sale are made from recycled products the result are quirky and unique products. Babalu is a real treasure trove and definitely worth a visit, come to browse and you are sure to find something special, great for gift ideas.
Benromach - 14.3 Miles (22.9 KM)
Benromach have being producing since 1898 a fine collection of single malt scotches using the traditional hand made method and the finest ingredients. This small distillery is located in Speyside, next to the coast and the team are dedicated to producing a high quality whisky. They use spring water from the nearby Romach Hills and this together with other locally sourced ingredients are put through the various stages producing a high quality product that has stood the test of time. During a guided tour you will see all the stages of production ending with a tasting session. There are a choice of tours that vary in duration and detail and range from an introductory tour through to a personal experience where you get to fill your own bottle from the special single cask. You will find the tour guides to be warm and friendly and very jovial with lots of anecdotes to share, tours are interesting and informative and pitched at just the right level to keep them entertaining. Tours operate throughout the year but advance booking is recommended particularly if you are a group. Benromach has a lovely welcoming atmosphere, with a nice visitor centre with lots of history on the distillery and a well stocked gift shop with whisky's and other related memorabilia for sale, all at really reasonable prices. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or not you will enjoy a visit to this family run distillery, a must if you are in the area.
Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa are located in Forres, on the High Street and are well established being a fixture here for many years. There is a welcoming reception area and the clinic has a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. It is beautifully decorated and has a nice modern but cosy feel about it. They offer a large choice of treatments and are one of a few clinics in Scotland offering a new Elemis Biotec electric facial treatment. They use high quality products and all treatments are carried out by professional and highly trained therapists who will go through your requirements with you. The staff are great really friendly, capable and very accommodating, a real pleasure to deal with. They are open Tuesday through to Saturday and offer a choice of monthly promotions so worth checking these out, as they offer great value. Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa offers a calm oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed definitely worth a visit.
With its distinctive pagodas, cobbled courtyard and picturesque buildings, Strathisla Distillery is arguably the most beautiful distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1786, it is also the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
Logie Steading is located within the Logie Estate in the gorgeous Findhorn Valley, it is a unique shopping village with the purpose of promoting Scottish craftsmanship and produce. The setting is lovely, the sandstone buildings are gorgeous and are set around a courtyard, offering a really relaxed and casual shopping experience. You will find a great selection of shops as well as the lovely Olive Tree Cafe. Artisan makers, producers and retailers have established themselves here to sell a host of high quality products including, books, a farm shop, whisky shop and much more. The Olive Tree Cafe serves a lovely selection of quality beverages, snacks and light lunches in a pleasant and welcoming environment, prices are reasonable and the staff are lovely. Owing to its lovely rural setting it never gets too busy so you can stroll around at a leisurely pace and is idyllic on a sunny day. The grounds have lots to offer too once you have finished shopping with lovely walks and a playground for younger visitors, as well as a garden centre. Logie Steading might be a bit out of the way but it is certainly worth the trip the goods on offer are fantastic and the setting is beautiful a real treat and a real change from the typical high street experience.
World famous working distillery still owned and managed by the Grant family. Glenfiddich is unique in the fact that it is the only Highland Single Malt that is distilled, matured and bottled at its own distillery.
Take the tour and enjoy a dram at Glenfarclas, one of the few independent distilleries left in Scotland. It has been owned by the Grant family since 1865.
Revered by connoisseurs, The Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen, in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky-making country. Delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling — and of course, sample the golden magic that is The Glenlivet.
Britain's most exciting new glass studio workshop is not a demonstration studio but visitors are welcome to view the glassblowing process when it is taking place or by prior arrangement.
See Malt Whisky production and taste the finished product. Left of main A9 1 mile north of Brora, signposted.
Half a mile north of Tain on the A9, in a tranquil glen overlooking the Dornoch Firth, lies the home of Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. Enjoy the museum, shop and guided tours — opening hours are generous but please phone to book.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Residence of the bishops of Moray from the 14th century to 1686, it is dominated by its massive 15th century tower, with spectacular views over Spynie Loch. The beauty of the surroundings and abundant wildlife and birdsong make the Palace a wonderful place to visit.
A must see for all motor enthusiasts — a superb collection of cars and motor bikes. Everything from Maseratis to Daimlers and Rolls Royces. Pay a visit to this impressive assortment of sports cars, housed in an old mill.
Elgin Cathedral is a stunning medieval building, although it is a ruin it still remains an impressive and important architectural legacy. Another name adopted by Elgin Cathedral is the "Latern of the North", it has a varied and interesting history and there has been a church on this site as far back as the early 13th century. Much of the cathedral still stands today including the amazing west front, edged by two tall towers, the personal entrance thought to date to 1270, the east end is mostly complete, and a highlight of the building are the choir and beautiful presbytery again dating to 1270. The exceptional stone vaulted octagonal chapter house, is perfectly maintained and allows you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of this era. There are also stone statues of former bishops and knights, and the graveyard is worth a walk around, the gravestones are beautifully carved and the inscriptions are interesting. The views from the tower are amazing you get uninterrupted 360 degree views of the city, definitely worth the climb. There is a lovely atmosphere about the cathedral, and the grounds are kept immaculate. There is a shop that is very nice and the staff are great, friendly and helpful and ready to impart their knowledge about this lovely ruin, in addition there are plaques around the building explaining what the different ares would have been used for. Elgin Cathedral is highly recommended it is a stunning example of a bygone era, with lots of history and interest.
Impressive remains of a majestic and beautiful 13th century cathedral, with magnificent views from the NW tower. Apart from the towers and the Chapter House, the Cathedral is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
This award winning museum has something for everyone, including internationally important fossil reptiles. The impressive general collections include Pictish stones, archaeology, social history, natural history, art and science.
Burghead Visitor Centre is the round white building with a flagpole on Burghead Headland, which itself was the site of the largest Pictish fortification in Scotland. External interpretation panels give information on the fort, Burghead Well and St Aethans graveyard.
Pluscarden Abbey is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by Benedictine monks. It produces stained glass, apiary and other croft products and Gregorian chant is internationally known.
Explore the fascinating multiple underground arched chambers, built over 150 years ago to store ice for packing salmon on the way to London. The vast chambers are now used to display all aspects of the net salmon fishing industry in the Moray Firth.
Another of the castles visited by Mary Queen of Scots, Balvenie is a fine 13th century castle of enclosure with a curtain wall, first owned by the Comyns and added to in the 15th and 16th centuries.
This 16th century castle, family home of the McPherson-Grants, lairds of Ballindalloch since 1546, offers (self-guided) tours, an audio-visual presentation, tearoom, shop, gardens, river walks, electric trains, an observation beehive and famous Aberdeen-Angus cattle herd.
Cawdor will be forever linked with Macbeth. This fairy-tale castle dates from the 14th century and is still home to the Cawdor family. Along with the castle there are three gardens, the Cawdor Big Wood, and a 9 hole golf course.
Hugh Miller was born in this 300 year old thatched cottage on 10 October, 1802. Miller rose to international acclaim as a geologist, editor and writer. The furnished cottage contains an exhibition on his life and work. To the rear is a Scottish wild garden of colourful native plants.(Limited disabled facilities)
Tain Through Time tells the story of Tains St Duthac and pilgrimage to his shrine. It includes the award winning local museum, sound and light show, cd tour of town, children's activities and a shop.
Carn Liath - 28.9 Miles (46.2 KM)
The name of this Scottish Broch (building) means "The Grey Cairn" and has walls that still stand 12 feet high in places. The entrance passage and lintled doorway are well preserved. An excavation in 1986 found a bronze age burial on the site, complete with grave goods.
Spend the day with the whole family at this great heritage centre. The interactive facilities and interesting exhibits are fun for children and are perfect for teaching the local history of this lovely area.
This museum tells the story of Dornoch parish from pre history to present time, with permanent displays and changing exhibitions. Learn about witch trials and violent Viking raids.
