Nairn: 15 miles  

Elgin: 8 miles  

Inverness: 30 miles  

Aviemore: 38 miles  

Aberdeen: 76 miles  

Here is just a glimpse of what to see and do while in the area.  

 

Forres  

 

This Royal Burgh, famous for its floral sculptures in Grant Park, was
winner of the 1999 Britain in Bloom competition.Nelson's Tower - standing
prominently on Cluny Hill - offers spectacular views of the area.Just
as impressive is Sueno's Stone - a 9th century Pictish stone which stands
some 23 feet high and is intricately carved with battle scenes.Local
sports facilities include golf, swimming pool, tennis courts, horse
riding, squash, badminton, bowling, etc.Frequent bus and train service
(on the Inverness - Aberdeen routes).Good selection of restaurants for
evening meals.  

 

Findhorn 

 

This lovely village with traditional cottages and sandy beach is just
4 miles from Forres. It is home to the Findhorn Foundation which includes
a community shop (organic foodstuffs, crafts, spiritual books, etc.)
and ecological houses. Guided tours of the centre and gardens are available.
Findhorn has its own Yacht Club, tennis courts and bowling green where
visitors are welcome.  Findhorn Nature Reserve which is popular
with birdwatchers. Another peaceful spot is the Culbin Forest (forest
trails) and Culbin Sands.  

 

Castles 

 

Brodie Castle, 4.5 miles west of Forres, is open to the public throughout
the tourist season. With a famous daffodil collection, the magnificent
grounds (open all year for free) include a lake, picnic area and ancient
carved Pictish stone. Two other splendidly furnished castles to visit
nearby are Ballindalloch (towards Grantown-on-Spey) and Cawdor (near
Inverness). Ruined castles include Duffus (near Elgin) and Urquhart
(by Loch Ness).  

 

Distilleries 

 

Start on the Whisky Trail at Dallas Dhu just 2 miles from Forres and
get a free 'dram'. Other distilleries to visit include Cardhu, Glen
Grant, Glenfarcas and Glenfiddoch to name but a few.Events this year
include the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (May) and the Autumn
Speyside Whisky Festival (September).  

 

Coastal Trail  

 

Discover the rugged Banffshire coastline visiting the fishing towns
of Buckie, Cullen (sandy beach), Banff, MacDuff, Fraserburgh (lighthouse
museum) and Peterhead (maritime museum). Picturesque villages such as
Gardenstown and Pennan where 'Local Hero' was filmed can also be enjoyed
on a day out.The Moray Firth Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay has information
about the local dolphins.  

 

Elgin 

 

Known as the Lantern of the North, the cathedral was founded in 1224,
but was destroyed by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390. It is second in size
in Scotland only to St Andrews cathedral.The pedestrianised town centre
has good shops and facilities. The local Farmers' Market is held here
on the last Saturday of every month.Other attractions include Cooper
Park, Biblical Gardens, ice rink, swimming pool, Moray Motor Museum
and nearby Millbuies Country Park.  

 

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