The historic town of Elgin takes pride of place in the heart of Moray. A former cathedral city and Royal burgh, its history dates back over a thousand years and preserves a fascinating heritage that can be explored through its characterful streets and historic sites. Threaded with the flowing waterways of the River Lossie and only a few miles from the stunning Moray Coast, it makes for a captivating destination throughout the year. It also happens to reside within one of Scotland’s most famous whisky regions and is home to one of the country’s most renowned makers of Scottish cashmere.
To curate an unforgettable retreat, here are some of the best things to see and do in Elgin for the pursuers of luxury escapism.
Seek Cashmere at Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin are widely known as one of the finest producers of Cashmere in the UK. Experts in the field for over 225 years, these artisans use the highest quality fibres to make luxurious cashmere products in Scottish mills. Make way to Elgin to discover where the story of the weavers first began and see Scotland’s only vertical weaving mill. With various experiences available, you can take part in The Mill Experience with Afternoon Tea, The Craftsmanship Experience, The Archive Experience, or bespoke personal shopping for a unique twist. You can also simply head over to explore the shop’s shelves and displays at leisure to seek out a new favourite piece, just perfect for your Scottish sojourn.
Dine at Boath House
For one of the best things to do in Elgin, intertwine your staycation with exquisitely crafted fare. Calling epicurians from near and far, a cruise west along the A96 from Elgin leads diners to The Dining Room at Boath House near Nairn. Embraced by a 10-acre estate, this Michelin recommended restaurant is set within a Grade A listed Georgian mansion and complemented by a garden café that is open on select days. Secure a reservation for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner date and anticipate locally-curated repasts of modern British cuisine. With many of the ingredients sourced from the manor’s grounds and menus refreshed seasonally, each dish promises an unmissable dining experience.
Follow the Malt Whisky Trail
Boasting more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries, Moray Speyside is often referred to as ‘Malt Whisky Country’. A renowned whisky region, it hosts over fifty distilleries producing artisan spirits, including the oldest working distillery in the Highlands, Strathisla Distillery. Running through the area, Speyside’s Malt Whisky Trail encompasses seven of the region’s most famous distilleries, as well as a historic distillery and a working cooperage. Officially starting at Glenlivet in Craigellachie, it covers 62 miles and finishes at Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery in Forres. A unique experience for whisky connoisseurs and newcomers alike, it promises to untap a tantalising introduction to the region’s finest flavours and bottled gems.
Take a Tour of Elgin Cathedral
Known as the ‘Lantern of the North’, Elgin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most spellbinding Medieval sites. Founded in 1224, it was badly damaged by fires during several attacks over the following century and was abandoned after the Scottish Reformation in 1560. Despite sitting empty for five hundred years, the striking cathedral remains can still be found in the heart of Elgin today and encourage visitors to step back in time. Climb stairs to reach tower-top viewing platforms, uncover interesting museum displays to learn about the past, and walk around the cathedral to seek out its secrets, including rare Pictish carvings and Scotland’s tallest gravestone.
Fall in Love with Lossiemouth Beaches
Amongst the best beaches in Moray Speyside, Lossiemouth’s two beaches promise open swathes of golden-sand perfection for enchanting hours by the shore. Accessed via a new footbridge from the town, Lossiemouth East Beach is a dream for soul-soothing walks, hugged on one side by the River Lossie and the North Sea on the other. Exuding wild beauty, Lossiemouth West Beach is equally as enticing with empty tracts of sand backed with undulating dunes. Especially photogenic, West Beach is overlooked by the statuesque frame of Covesea Lighthouse, opened in 1846 and manned until 1984.
Time Travel at Spynie Palace
For one of the best things to do in Elgin, let the atmospheric sight of Spynie Palace capture your attention. The biggest surviving Bishop’s house in the country, this 13th century residence was the home of the bishops of Moray for 500 years. Now looked after by Historic Scotland, it is open for visits from April to September each year and proposes fascinating hours of discovery. Park in the dedicated car park and wander over to see the mighty David’s Tower, take in the grandeur of the Great Hall, find the Bishop’s Well, and follow in the footsteps of formidable historic greats, such as James IV and Mary Queen of Scots.
Cruise Around Moray Motor Museum
Conserving a large collection of classic cars and motorbikes, Moray Motor Museum in Elgin is a vintage motoring dream and one of the best things to do in Moray. Complemented by model cars and nostalgic automobilia, it spans the ages with its iconic displays. Amongst the glistening array is a 1929 Bentley and Rolls Royce Phantom, 1936 Jaguar SS100, and 1937 BMW 328. Head over in season from Easter Weekend until the end of October and discover the beautifully curated exhibitions.
Play a Round of Scenic Golf
Described as the “Wentworth of the North”, Elgin Golf Club in Moray is the perfect place to go for scenic rounds. Established in 1906, it is beloved as one of the finest inland courses in North Scotland and enjoys bewitching views across Elgin and beyond, reaching as far as the coast in the north and the Cairngorms in the south. Idyllic for experienced and beginner golfers, the 18-hole championship course offers both challenging and rewarding play. Ready to welcome golfers, The Hardhillock Bar and Bistro also awaits onsite in the clubhouse and serves a range of food and drink. Practice your swing on the course with a sweeping backdrop of mesmeric landscapes before heading inside to satiate appetites. For further golfing pursuits, Covesea Links Golf Course awaits nearby with beautiful views over Covesea Lighthouse and the coast.
Discover Duffus Castle
The dog-friendly Duffus Castle is one of the most dramatic Medieval strongholds and one of the finest motte and bailey castles in Scotland. Once home to the region’s eponymous Moray family, it was originally constructed in the early 12th century when the land surrounding it was part of the swampy foreshores of Spynie Loch. Occupying a defensive position, it was a fortress-residence for more than 500 years before eventually falling into disrepair. A hidden gem, these days it makes for one of the best things to do in Elgin and is open throughout the year. Along the walkways, informative boards share stories about the castle’s rich past and bring its spaces to life. Meanwhile, picnic benches offer somewhere to savour alfresco treats and drink in the history.
Stroll Along Burghead Harbour
The picturesque fishing village of Burghead sits on a sea-kissed peninsula on the Moray Firth. Set in the footprint of one of the largest Iron Age forts in Britain, the ancient village was once inhabited by the Pictish and evolved over hundreds of years to become a thriving oceanside haven. Particularly magnetic, Burghead Harbour has been recognised over the years as one of the safest and deepest harbours in North Scotland. Welcoming traders and seafarers for over two centuries, it still shelters a fleet of fishing vessels and visiting boats. Venture over to the harbour to uncover its maritime heritage and gaze at the reaching ocean views across the Moray Coast, before taking a stroll on Burghead Beach.
Immerse in Nature at Millbuies Country Park
For serene immersion in nature, Millbuies Country Park just outside of Elgin is a heavenly place to go. Looked after by the Moray District Council, this area of manicured wilderness is planted with mixed woodland, with mature larch trees contrasting with rows of conifer. At the centre, a man-made fishery lake rests between the trees and is a great spot for paddleboarding. For a relaxed stroll in nature, follow the network of paths and trails through the trees, past bright blooms and giant rhododendrons. Along the way, scenic views reveal glimpses of the Moray Firth and coastline, while a wealth of wildlife makes itself at home in the park. Look out for red squirrels, roe deer, pine marten and waterfowl to make your visit even more enchanting.
Uncover Pluscarden Abbey
A few miles from Elgin resides Pluscarden Abbey. Nestled within the tranquil glen of the Black Burn, it is surrounded by picturesque grounds and beckons for peaceful exploration. Still home to a practising community of Benedictine Monks, parts of the abbey and its gardens are open to the public throughout the year. To learn about Pluscarden’s history, take time to peruse its exhibitions revealing a visual tale of the abbey and its residents over the last 800 years. Or, take in the architecture from a different perspective and soak in the fresh air with a gentle stroll through the grounds.
Trek with Alpacas
Should you be seeking one of the most unique things to do in Elgin, turn your attention to Mossend Farm in Mosstowie. A private farm with more than 50 alpacas, it beckons to explorers of all ages for an unforgettable adventure. Book onto a guided alpaca trek and meet some of the farm’s darling alpacas, before setting forth on a guided walk together through the bewitching landscapes. Lasting for around 3 hours, this memorable activity is ideal for lovers of nature and those looking for adorable moments in the wild.
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