Things To Do In Moray
Things To Do In Moray
Moray is a region ripe with activities for families to enjoy. From its stunning coastline to its rich history and outdoor adventures, there are things to do in Moray for adults and kids to discover and delight in.
Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities in Moray and the things to do to make the most of your visit to this enchanting part of the world:
Embrace The Great Outdoors And Wildlife
Explore Historic Castles And Ruins
Embrace The Great Outdoors And Wildlife
Moray offers plenty of things to do for the outdoor enthusiast.
There are a variety of hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. The Moray Coast Trail provides stunning views of the rugged coastline, while the Speyside Way winds through the heart of whisky country, offering serene walks alongside the River Spey.
Outfit Moray is the perfect destination for families seeking outdoor fun. With a variety of activities, from kayaking to rock climbing, tailored for different age groups, Outfit Moray ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
New Wave Surf School at Lossiemouth provides surfing lessons for children, ensuring a safe and fun introduction to the sport.
For those seeking a unique experience, North 58 Sea Adventures offers exciting boat tours where children can learn about marine life and possibly spot dolphins.
The Moray Firth is a favourite destination in the UK for spotting dolphins, particularly at Spey Bay and Hopeman.
Moray’s rich wildlife offers a unique learning opportunity. At places like Speyside Falconry, visitors can engage in interactive experiences with birds of prey. Children can get up close to these magnificent creatures, learning about their habitats and behaviours in an engaging and educational setting.
Visit Woodside Farm in Kinloss to meet farm animals and learn about farm life.
Logie Steading features parks and playgrounds where children can run free, play games, and enjoy the outdoors.
For children who love heights and challenges, Ace Adventures high ropes courses offer an exhilarating experience. Designed to promote confidence and teamwork, the children navigate various obstacles above the ground.
Gordon Castle Walled Garden is one of Britain’s largest and oldest walled gardens. It has a play area that caters to the younger ones.
Click on the Things To Do In Moray links below to read more:
Things To Do In Moray – Moray Wildlife
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Spey Bay
Things To Do In Moray – Millbuies Country Park
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Moray Dolphins
Relax At The Beach | Things To Do In Moray
Moray is renowned for its stunning coastline, featuring some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the world.
There are various beaches, each with its own unique character and charm, offering a diverse range of activities. They are ideal for a leisurely walk, for kids to explore the rock pools, or for the adventurous to try their hand at water sports.
From the popular sandy stretches to hidden coves, there’s a beach for every type of visitor.
Findhorn Beach is a picturesque spot known for its pebbled shore and grassy dunes. The beach is also home to a row of colourful beach huts that add to the charm of the area. When the tide is out, a vast expanse of sand is revealed, making it perfect for beach games and sunbathing.
Roseisle Beach is part of Roseisle Country Park and offers a mix of forest, dunes, and a beautiful beach of golden sand. The surrounding forest has shaded picnic areas and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. It’s a unique spot with remnants of World War II, including tank traps and pillboxes, which are of historical interest.
Burghead Beach is known for its vast, flat sands when the tide is out. Boating and walking in the adjacent pinewood forest are popular activities here.
Hopeman Beach features two sandy bays and colourful beach huts. It’s a family-friendly beach with rock pools and caves to explore.
Lossiemouth has two main beaches: East and West Beach. East Beach is accessed via a footbridge and is known for its long stretch of golden sand, dunes, and views of the Covesea Lighthouse.
Cullen Beach is famous for its viaduct and rock formations. It is a scenic spot that is great for photography, rock pooling, and fossil hunting.
Portgordon Beach is a hidden gem where visitors can often spot dolphins and seals.
Cummingston Beach is known for its rugged beauty, with cliffs and rock formations. It offers stunning views of the Moray Firth and is popular with rock climbers.
Spey Bay is where the River Spey meets the sea, creating a unique landscape of shingle beach and wildlife-rich estuary. It’s home to the Scottish Dolphin Centre and popular with dolphin spotters.
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LINK – Beaches In Moray
Explore Historic Castles And Ruins
Moray’s landscape is dotted with castles and ruins, each echoing tales of the past.
As part of Historic Scotland, numerous sites throughout Moray showcase the area’s unique heritage and offer visitors a chance to experience it firsthand.
Elgin Cathedral, a jewel in Moray’s historic crown, stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich religious heritage. Dating back to the early 13th century, this architectural marvel was a beacon of faith for centuries. Today, its ruins offer a glimpse into its past glory, with the octagonal chapter house and intricately carved stone carvings standing as a testament to its grandeur.
Duffus Castle, a time-worn sentinel of Moray’s past, is a must-see for history enthusiasts. This fortified tower house, dating back to the 12th century, was once the seat of power for the influential Moray family. Despite its ruins, the castle’s great hall and three-story tower still stand, whispering tales of a bygone era.
Brodie Castle, set against a parkland backdrop, is perfect for a family day with its adventure playground and nature trails.
Moray is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Scottish history and culture.
Visitors can experience the fascinating world of Scotland’s past and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s unique heritage.
With its numerous historic sites and attractions there are plenty of things to do in Moray.
Click on the Things To Do In Moray links below to read more:
Things To Do In Moray- Visit A Castle In Moray
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Elgin Cathedral
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Brodie Castle
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Kinloss Abbey
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Spynie Palace
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Duffus Castle
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Craidellachie Bridge
Explore Museums And Learning | Things To Do In Moray
Moray offers a variety of museums and learning centres that are perfect for young minds eager to explore and learn. These institutions provide interactive and educational experiences that cater to children’s curiosity and love for discovery. Here’s a guide to some of Moray’s best museums and learning centres for young minds.
Elgin Museum, Scotland’s oldest independent museum, is a local history and archaeology treasure trove. With collections that span from prehistoric to the present, it’s a place where children can come face-to-face with fossils, learn about the region’s Pictish past, and even see a Peruvian mummy.
Morayvia is an interactive science and technology centre. Morayvia brings together a host of exhibits from the world of aviation, maritime, and astronomy. It’s a place where children can climb aboard historic aircraft, learn about the stars, and understand the principles of flight.
For children fascinated by vehicles, the Moray Motor Museum is a must-visit. Home to a collection of classic, vintage, and veteran cars and motorbikes, it’s a place that fuels the imagination.
Lossiemouth Fisheries and Community Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a fishing community. Exhibits showcase the history of fishing in the region, the types of boats used, and the lives of the fishermen.
Located in the charming village of Fochabers, the Fochabers Folk Museum provides insights into the everyday life of the past.
Tomintoul and Glenlivet Discovery Centre tells the story, through interactive displays and artefacts, of the local people and trades of the area.
The Falconer Museum in Forres is dedicated to the work of Hugh Falconer, a notable geologist and botanist, and provides a broad spectrum of learning.
While not a traditional museum, Logie Steading offers a range of family activities. The old farm buildings house art galleries, craft shops, and a second-hand bookshop alongside a nature trail and a play area.
Situated at the mouth of the River Spey, the Scottish Dolphin Centre is an excellent place for children to learn about marine life, especially the dolphins that frequent the Moray Firth.
Speyside Cooperage offers a fascinating insight into the craft of barrel-making.
Attend Events And Festivals
Moray is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history but also for its lively calendar of events and festivals, which celebrate the unique culture and spirit of this enchanting part of the world.
Here’s a snapshot of the local events and festivals that make Moray a destination for those seeking to experience the true essence of Scottish tradition and community spirit.
Speyfest is an annual festival usually held in late July or early August that celebrates Celtic culture through music, crafts, and song. For over two decades, It has brought together a mix of traditional and contemporary folk artists from Scotland and beyond, offering a rich program of concerts, ceilidhs, and workshops.
The Keith Country Show, a cherished tradition dating back to 1872, is a cornerstone event for Moray’s agricultural community. It takes place in early August at Seafield Park and features competitions for horses, cattle, and sheep, alongside highland dancing, massed pipe bands, and a grand parade of livestock, embodying the rich heritage of the region.
Keith Music Festival is a three-day celebration of Scottish traditional music and song and held in June.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, a world-renowned event, brings Moray’s whisky region to life. Held over several days in May, this event is a global pilgrimage for whisky enthusiasts, showcasing the international recognition of Moray’s whisky heritage.
Findhorn Bay Festival showcases the arts with a program of theatre, music, and dance. The event is held in September.
Highland Games are summer events held across Moray in towns like Forres, Dufftown, Tomintoul, and Aberlour. These games preserve the Scottish tradition through athletic competitions, track and field events, music, and dancing.
Gordon Castle Highland and Country Fair features traditional events like shot put, tossing the caber, and hammer throw within the grounds of Gordon Castle. The event is held in May.
Elgin Food & Drink Festival showcases the best of Moray’s produce. The festival includes cooking demonstrations, tastings, and a craft market, providing a feast for the senses. The event is held in August.
Click on the Moray Events link below to read more:
LINK – Moray Events
Drive The Moray Grand Tour
Embarking on the Moray Grand Tour is like stepping into a storybook, where every page turns to reveal a new adventure.
This unique road trip, comprising four distinct tours, takes you through the heart of Scotland’s stunning northeast region. It offers an immersive experience of Moray’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Tour 1: Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere
The journey begins with the architectural grandeur of Elgin Cathedral, a testament to Scotland’s medieval past. The cathedral’s intricate stonework and gothic design evoke a sense of awe, making it a must-see landmark.
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Things To Do In Moray – Castle To Cathedral To Cashmere
Tour 2: Beaches and Castles
Next, the tour heads to the coast, where the golden sands of Lossiemouth’s East Beach stretch out to meet the Moray Firth’s sparkling waters. The rugged coastline of West Beach offers a more untamed beauty, perfect for a refreshing walk or a brave dip in the North Sea.
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Things To Do In Moray – Beaches And Castles
Tour 3: Speyside
Speyside, synonymous with whisky, beckons travellers with its world-renowned distilleries. Here, you can learn about the unique distillation process that gives Speyside whisky its distinct flavour profile, characterised by fruit, nuts, and spice notes. The amber liquid’s rich aroma fills the air as visitors explore the distillation process and savour tastings.
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Things To Do In Moray – Speyside
Tour 4: Fish to Farm
The tour’s final leg celebrates Moray’s culinary heritage, from the fresh catches of the Moray Firth, including salmon, haddock, and mussels, to the fertile farmlands that produce a variety of high-quality crops, such as barley, raspberries, and potatoes.
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Things To Do In Moray – Fish To Farm
The Moray Grand Tour is not just a road trip; it’s an open invitation to explore the things to do in Moray at your own pace and create an experience that will remain long after the journey ends. It’s your adventure, your way.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a whisky enthusiast, the Moray Grand Tour offers a slice of Scotland that caters to every interest and ignites every sense. So, pack your bags, set your itinerary, and prepare for an unforgettable Scottish adventure.
Discover The Whisky Trail
Moray is renowned for its contribution to Scotland’s whisky heritage. The region is home to numerous distilleries, each with a unique story and flavour profile.
Click on the Malt Whisky Trail link below to read more:
LINK – Malt Whisky Trail
Enjoy The Local Food And Drink | Things To Do In Moray
Moray is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of food and drink experiences.
Visiting the towns and villages in Moray offers many experiences that tantalise the taste buds and provide a deep dive into Scottish culinary traditions.
From the whisky aficionado to the seafood lover, from the gourmet diner to the fan of local produce, Moray caters to a diverse range of tastes. With a variety of food experiences, there’s something here for everyone, ensuring a satisfying and personalised journey.
The coastline of Moray Firth is renowned for its seafood, with local fishermen bringing in fresh catches daily.
The region is also known for its rich agricultural land, which nurtures some of Scotland’s freshest and most flavourful fruits and vegetables. This bountiful freshness is celebrated at local farmers’ markets and in the dishes of farm-to-table restaurants, ensuring an authentic and rich food experience.
For those seeking a fine dining experience, Moray offers a delightful surprise. The dining scene here is a harmonious blend of traditional Scottish dishes and modern culinary techniques, creating a unique dining experience that will pique your interest.
Beyond whisky, Moray’s beverage scene includes craft breweries and gin distilleries, where visitors can sample locally produced beers and spirits. The region also boasts artisanal producers of cheese, chocolate, and baked goods.
So, whether you’re sipping on a dram of single malt, a drink deeply rooted in Moray history and culture, or biting into a piece of fresh, buttery shortbread, a treat enjoyed by generations, you’re not just tasting food and drink, you’re experiencing the soul of Scotland.
Click on the Things To Do In Moray links below to read more:
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Walkers Shortbread
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Cullen
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Forres
Things To Do In Moray – Visit Craigellachie
Golf In Scenic Surroundings
Golfers can tee off at one of Moray’s picturesque courses, like the Moray Golf Club in Lossiemouth, which offers two 18-hole links courses with stunning views of the Moray Firth.
Click on the Visit A Moray Golf Course link below to read more:
LINK – Visit A Moray Golf Course
The Discover Moray Speyside visitor guide includes more detail on the attractions and activities in Moray.
Click on the Visitor Guide link below to learn more:
LINK – Visitor Guide
An independent guide to Moray life and landscape and the Best Of starting point for visitors to Moray.