Local Area

Sightseeing & Activities

Nairn is an excellent base from which to explore a variety of castles, gardens and places of historic interest.

Having one of the best sunshine records in Scotland, the Moray coast is popular for leisure pursuits such as golf and also has some gorgeous stretches of unspoilt sand.

What more could you wish for?! We would be delighted to assist in planning your tour to help you make the most of your time.

Here is just a glimpse of some of the things our region has to offer.

Brodie Castle
The ancient seat of the Brodies has a collection of fine furniture, porcelain, and paintings. Extensive gardens and grounds which are famous for their collection of over 400 different varieties of daffodil. Just 10 minutes drive from Nairn.

Ballindalloch Castle
Home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. Beautiful gardens and grounds. The Ballindalloch herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle is the oldest herd in the world. 40 minutes drive south of Nairn.

Cawdor CastleThe most romantic castle in the Highlands is 15 minutes south of Nairn. Home of the Thanes of Cawdor and famous for its links with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It has a collection of fine paintings, tapestries and furniture. You can also enjoy the wonderful flower gardens and forest nature trails.

Near Cawdor, Kilravock Castle offers guided tours and afternoon teas on certain days.

Inverness
Capital of the Highlands with its castle, cathedral, museum, theatre, shops and markets. Venue for music festivals and many events throughout the year.

Historic Towns
Forres (one of Scotland’s oldest towns) features Sueno’s Stone. This huge monument, some 23 feet tall, was carved with battle scenes possibly as long as 1000 years ago.
Elgin, with its ruined Cathedral, 13th century Abbey and unusual Biblical Gardens, is just over 20 miles from Nairn.

Clava CairnsMysterious standing stones & burial cairns dating from the Bronze Age. Between Culloden and Cawdor.

Culloden BattlefieldSite of the battle which ended Bonnie Prince Charlie’s dream of the Jacobite Uprising in 1746. 20 minutes drive from Nairn.

Fort GeorgeAn outstanding, unaltered artillery fortress built just after The Battle of Culloden.

Golf
Nairn has 2 excellent championship golf courses – Nairn Dunbar and Nairn Golf Club which was host to the 37th Walker Cup in 1999. There are also over 20 golf courses within less than an hour’s drive. We would be delighted to offer any assistance required and book tee-times on your behalf.

Fishing
Anglers are spoilt for choice with the rivers Nairn, Spey and Findhorn.

Nature & OutdoorsClose to Nairn, the Culbin Sands form one of the largest shingle & sand dune bars in Britain. This RSPB Nature Reserve also has some lovely woodland trails and cycle paths. Ideal for spotting birds and other wildlife.

Cruises to see the dolphins are available from numerous places along the coast.

Mountain biking, canoeing, hill walking and skiing (in season) are all possible in the nearby Cairngorm area.

Whisky Distilleries
The Malt Whisky Trail lies by the River Spey in the Grampian Highlands of Scotland. Some of the finest malt whiskies available are distilled in this beautiful area of Scotland. Visitors can take a guided tour at most of the distilleries – you will be given an insight into the secrets of whisky production and enjoy a ‘dram’ at the end.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place in April each year.

Loch Ness
The largest body of freshwater in Britain covering an area of 21 square miles and almost 800 feet deep. It is reputed to be the home of the Loch Ness Monster. An excellent way to see this very scenic area is to drive down the loch from Inverness to Fort Augustus and back along the opposite side via the Falls of Foyers and Dores. Boat trips and Nessie exhibitions can be found in the floral village of Drumnadrochit. Nearby are the ruins of Urquhart Castle, now owned by Historic Scotland.