Places to visit in Moray and Morayshire

This is the page for people who want a less energetic day enjoying fine views, discovering local history, sampling local whisky and food or visiting other places of interest in Moray

Key:

Scenic viewpoints

Malt whisky distilleries

Visitor attractions

Castles

Pictish sites

Ecclesiastical buildings

Find out more

The icons on the map show a range of places to visit. Whether you want to explore the history of Moray, enjoy the varied scenery or treat yourself to some luxury shopping, find out some of the delights here. When you click on the icons further information about each location will be shown here. See also general information on the range of attractions in the main panel below.

Moray is a relatively unknown region of Scotland. Many who come here fall in love with its many gems and favourable climate and would like to keep it a secret. On this page we show a slection of what is available. It is not exhaustive but we hope that it does include a sample of the range of delights on offer. Where possible web links are provided to sites to provide additional information. Explore and enjoy.

Viewpoints in Moray

What Moray lacks by way of rugged mountain wilderness it more than makes up for by way of gentle rolling countryside, sandy bays, cliffs and coves and wooded river walks and gorges. Moray is also blessed with a favourable climate. Sheltered from the wet weather and midges of the west coast; the cold winds and sea mists of the North Sea, the Moray Firth enjoys a dry, sunny and relatively mild climate. That is why Moray has thriving agricultural and food industries. The map suggests a few places for you to sample fine views of Moray with little significant walking.

Visitor attractions in Moray

For a small, mainly rural area there is a surprising wealth of variety of visitor attractions from a steam railway to a specialist cashmire mill, from a salmon smokehouse to an icehouse, from pictish heritage to garden centres. Use the map to investigate the options, there is plenty to explore in the area.

Pictish sites in Moray

The Picts were perhaps the true ancestors of the Scottish nation. By AD848 Pictavia, The Land Of The Picts, was united with the Kingdom of the Scots creating the foundations of modern day Scotland. What has mainly survived is the great heritage of their carved symbol stones, and Sueno's Stone in Forres is the largest known Pictish monument and worth including on any itinary.

Speyside malt whisky distilleries

Scotland is world famous for the production of fine malt whisky and Speyside in Moray has the greatest concentration of malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to at least one of the distilleries on the only Malt Whisky Trail in the world, and real whisky enthusiasts may want to coincide a visit with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Castles in Moray

In Scotland you are never far from a castle and Moray is no exception. Most are interesting ruins in beautiful locations with the exception of Brodie Castle. Brodie Castle is a relatively unknown gem, which until 2003 was still lived in by the 25th Brodie of Brodie. Choose from coastal, island, motte-and-bailey or hilltop.

Ecclesiastical buildings in Moray

The Diocese of Moray was one of Scotland's 13 medieval bishoprics and dates from the early 12th century. In 1224 King David I raised the status of Elgin to Royal Burgh and the town became the site of the Bishop of Moray. This period also saw the development of Elgin Cathedral (and Elgin Castle). For 500 years Spynie Palace was the fortified seat of the Bishops of Moray. Both are now ruined and in the care of Historic Scotland. To the south west of Elgin is Pluscarden Abbey, formerly a priory, and now home to Benedictine Monks.

Addition information
Why not visit the Greater Speyside website or the This is Moray website.

Places to visit in the Moray area