Nairn Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Nairn. Get insider tips on local culture, customs, and safety information to plan your perfect trip to Scottish Highlands.
- Introduction to Nairn
- List of Places to Visit in Nairn
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Nairn
- Roseisle Forest
- Moray Coast Trail
- Best Things to Do in Nairn: Activities and Tours
- Golfing
- Dolphin Watching Tours
- Whisky Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Nairn
- Food and Drink Scene of Nairn
- Where to Stay in Nairn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Nairn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Nairn
- Best Time to Visit Nairn
- Do’s and Don’ts of Nairn
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Nairn: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Nairn
- Where to Go Next from Nairn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Nairn
Nairn is a charming and quaint coastal town nestled on the shores of the Moray Firth in Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom. The town is just a short drive east of Inverness and is a popular holiday destination for tourists looking to unwind in a serene and picturesque setting. Nairn offers a great mix of natural attractions, rich history, and traditions, scenic views, outdoor adventures, and warm Scottish hospitality. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and historical sites, there’s something for everyone in Nairn.
List of Places to Visit in Nairn
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle is a well-known Scottish Castle with a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. The castle is surrounded by well-manicured gardens and boasts an impressive collection of paintings, tapestries, and antique furniture.
Nairn Museum
Nairn Museum is a popular attraction that provides visitors with a glimpse of the history and culture of the town. The museum has an extensive collection of local artifacts, photographs, and exhibits, including a recreation of a traditional town shop and a Victorian schoolroom.
Brodie Castle
Brodie Castle is another historical gem located in Nairn. The castle boasts an impressive collection of art, furniture, and ceramics. It’s also known for its beautiful gardens that surround the castle.
Natural Attractions of Nairn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Moray Firth Dolphins
The Moray Firth Dolphin Coast is famous for its resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat, or they can simply enjoy watching them from the shore.
Culbin Forest
Culbin Forest is a beautiful woodland located just outside of Nairn. The forest has an extensive network of walking and biking trails that are perfect for exploring the scenery and spotting wildlife.
Nairn Beach
Nairn Beach is a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for miles along the Moray Firth. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, take a dip in the sea, or watch the sunset over the horizon.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Nairn
Roseisle Forest
Roseisle Forest is a popular destination for hikers and bikers looking to explore Scottish Highlands’ natural beauty. The forest has an extensive network of trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including scenic views of the Moray Firth and the Cairngorms.
Moray Coast Trail
The Moray Coast Trail is a long-distance trail that runs along the coastal towns of Moray. The trail starts in Forres and ends in Cullen, passing through Nairn along the way. Hikers can enjoy stunning coastal views, historical landmarks, and charming seaside villages along the route.
Best Things to Do in Nairn: Activities and Tours
Golfing
Nairn is famous for its championship golf course, Nairn Golf Club. The course has hosted numerous national and international golfing events and offers stunning views of the Moray Firth. Golf enthusiasts can also visit nearby golf courses, including Castle Stuart Golf Links and Cawdor Castle Golf Club.
Dolphin Watching Tours
Dolphin watching tours offer visitors the chance to see bottlenose dolphins up close in their natural habitat. These tours depart from the harbor in Nairn and offer a unique way to experience the beauty of the Moray Firth.
Whisky Tours
The Scottish Highlands are famous for their whisky, and Nairn is home to some of the best distilleries, including Glenlivet and Benromach. Visitors can take a whisky tour to learn about the whisky-making process and sample some of Scotland’s finest single malt whisky.
Week-Long Itinerary for Nairn
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Nairn town, visit Nairn Museum |
| Day 2 | Visit Cawdor Castle and Gardens |
| Day 3 | Go on a dolphin watching tour |
| Day 4 | Hike in Roseisle Forest |
| Day 5 | Visit Brodie Castle and Gardens |
| Day 6 | Take a whisky tour |
| Day 7 | Relax on Nairn Beach |
Food and Drink Scene of Nairn
Must-Try Dishes
Visitors to Nairn must try local delicacies such as haggis, black pudding, and Cullen skink. These traditional Scottish dishes are hearty and delicious and are sure to satisfy any appetite.
Local Beverages
Whisky is the most famous beverage in Scottish Highlands, and Nairn has its fair share of whisky bars and distilleries. Visitors can also try local beers from breweries such as Black Isle Brewery and Cairngorm Brewery.
Where to Stay in Nairn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Nairn has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Visitors can choose from luxury hotels such as the Newton Hotel or stay in a traditional Scottish guesthouse, such as Tali Ayer. Budget travelers can opt for a hostel, such as the Nairn Youth Hostel.
What to Buy in Nairn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors can take home a piece of Nairn by purchasing some locally made products such as handmade scented candles, Scottish woollen blankets, and pottery.
Local Culture and Customs of Nairn
Nairn is known for its warm and welcoming Scottish hospitality. Visitors should be aware of local customs such as taking off shoes when entering someone’s home and respecting the local wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Nairn
The best time to visit Nairn is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Scottish Highlands during the spring, autumn, and winter months.
Do’s and Don’ts of Nairn
Do:
- Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
- Do try local delicacies.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or disturb the local wildlife.
- Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before heading out for outdoor activities.
Safety and Health
Safety in Nairn
Nairn is a safe town, but visitors should be aware of safety precautions such as staying on designated trails while hiking and being aware of their surroundings when walking around town at night.
Health in Nairn
Visitors should ensure that they have medical insurance before visiting Nairn. There is a hospital in Inverness, about a 30-minute drive from Nairn, in case of emergency.
Getting to Nairn: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Nairn
The nearest airport to Nairn is Inverness Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive away. The airport offers domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations Near Nairn
Nairn has a bus station located in the center of town. Visitors can catch a bus to nearby towns and cities, including Inverness, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to Nairn by car or train. The nearest train station is in Nairn, which offers connections to Inverness and other cities throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom.
How to Get Around in Nairn
Nairn is a small town, and visitors can easily explore on foot. Bikes can also be rented from local shops, and car rental options are also available for visitors who prefer to drive.
Where to Go Next from Nairn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors to Nairn can also explore nearby attractions such as the Cairngorms National Park, the Black Isle, and the historic town of Culloden.
Conclusion
Nairn is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Scottish Highlands. From exploring historical sites to hiking through forests and enjoying traditional Scottish cuisine, Nairn has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their perfect trip to Nairn and make the most of their time in this lovely corner of the world.
