Elgin Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque region of Scotland, Elgin is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled along the banks of the River Lossie, this town is known for its rich heritage and captivating landmarks.

History enthusiasts will find Elgin to be a treasure trove of ancient wonders. The majestic Elgin Cathedral stands as an impressive testament to the town's medieval past. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral's intricate architecture and haunting ruins provide a glimpse into the town's former glory. Visitors can explore the site and marvel at the grandeur that once existed within its walls.

For those seeking a taste of local history, the Elgin Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a beautiful Georgian mansion, this museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, from fossils and archaeology to local art and historical exhibits. It is a fascinating journey through the town's past, offering insights into its geological and cultural heritage.

Nature lovers will find themselves enchanted by the stunning landscapes surrounding Elgin. Just a short distance away, the picturesque Moray coast awaits, with its sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. Take a leisurely stroll along Lossiemouth East Beach and soak in the breathtaking views of the North Sea. Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot a variety of seabirds and seals along the coast.

Whisky aficionados will be delighted to discover that Elgin is situated in the heart of the renowned Speyside whisky region. Take a tour of one of the nearby distilleries, such as Glen Moray or Glenfiddich, and learn about the intricate process of whisky production. Connoisseurs can indulge in a tasting session and savor the distinctive flavors of this iconic Scottish spirit.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Elgin offers a vibrant town center with a range of shops, restaurants, and traditional pubs. Visitors can explore local boutiques, sample delicious Scottish cuisine, or relax with a pint of local ale in a cozy pub.

Alternative names: Population: 23 thous.Elevation: 92 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 57°38'52"N, 3°18'51"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Elgin Top Attractions

Elgin Attractions - What to See and Explore

Elgin offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Elgin Cathedral, Spynie Palace, St Giles' Church, Duffus Castle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ruins of a centuries-old Catholic church
Elgin Cathedral
Elgin Cathedral, often referred to as the "Lantern of the North," is a historic and architectural marvel located in the city of Elgin, Scotland. This medieval structure, now a ruin, once stood as a beacon of ecclesiastical might and spiritual guidance in the region of...
Remains of a 1300's bishop's residence
Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace, also known as Spynie Castle, was the fortified seat of the Bishops of Moray for about 500 years in Spynie, Moray, Scotland. The founding of the palace dates back to the late 12th century.
Church
St Giles' Church
St Giles' Church is a Church of Scotland church situated in the centre of Elgin, Moray, in north-east Scotland. It is Elgin's original parish church.

Medieval ruins with informational boards
Duffus Castle
Duffus Castle, near Elgin, Moray, Scotland, was a motte-and-bailey castle and was in use from c. 1140 to 1705. During its occupation it underwent many alterations.
Monastery
Pluscarden Abbey
Pluscarden Abbey is a Catholic Benedictine monastery in the glen of the Black Burn, six miles southwest of Elgin, Moray, Scotland. It was founded in 1230 by Alexander II for the Valliscaulian Order. In 1454, following a merger with the priory of Urquhart, Pluscarden Priory became a Benedictine House.
Specialty museum • Museum
Elgin Museum
Elgin Museum is a museum of local history in Elgin, Moray, Scotland. Its collections cover area fossils and geology, archaeology, ethnography, art and local history. Opened in 1843, it is one of the oldest independent museums in the country. The museum is run by The Moray Society. Entry to the museum is free.
57°38'54"N • 3°19'21"W
Duke of Gordon's Monument
The Duke of Gordon's Monument is a commemorative monument on Lady Hill near Elgin, Scotland. Built in honour of George Gordon, the 5th Duke of Gordon, the monument takes the form of a Tuscan column, 80 feet high, and 6 feet 9 inches wide at the base.
Memorial
Little Cross
The Little Cross is a monument in Elgin, Scotland, located at end of the city's High Street. It marks the boundary between secular Elgin and the religious Chanonry, a part of the town that had historically been given over to ecclesiastical governance under the Bishops of Moray.
Monastery
Greyfriars Sisters of Mercy Convent in Elgin
Greyfriars Sisters of Mercy Convent in Elgin, Moray is one of the few Catholic monasteries, founded in Scotland after the Reformation in 1560.
57°39'12"N • 3°18'58"W
Elgin Motor Museum
Specialty museum • Museum
57°38'34"N • 3°18'4"W
Ashgrove Motorbody
Bridge
57°38'56"N • 3°18'37"W
Braco's Banking House
Braco's Banking House is a three-storey town house in Elgin, Moray in Scotland. The home and business place of banker William Duff of Braco from 1703 to 1722, the house has borne his name ever since. It was designated a Category A listed building in 1970.
57°38'51"N • 3°18'48"W
The Inkwell Moray
Event space
57°39'2"N • 3°18'46"W
Cooper Park drill hall
The Cooper Park drill hall is a former military installation in Elgin, Scotland.
57°38'57"N • 3°20'28"W
The Oaks
The Oaks is a palliative care day hospital in Elgin, Moray, Scotland. It is managed by NHS Grampian.
Universities and schools
Moray College
Moray College is a further education college based in Elgin, in Moray, northeastern Scotland. It has 1,500 full-time students and 8,100 part-time students. It employs approximately 370 staff and is a college of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Day trips

Elgin – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Elgin, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Burn O'Vat (Cairngorms National Park), Landmark Forest Adventure Park (Carrbridge), Balmoral Castle (Ballater).

41 milesS
Natural attraction, Canyon
Burn O'Vat, Cairngorms National Park
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Cairngorms National Park in Scotland lies a hidden geological marvel, the Burn O'Vat. This natural wonder, carved by ice and water over thousands of years, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the power of nature's...
32 milesSW
Theme park, Amusement park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating attractions that make it a must-visit destination for families and adventure seekers alike.
42 milesS
Royal residence with ballroom art show
Balmoral Castle, Ballater
Balmoral Castle stands as a quintessential emblem of Scottish heritage, nestled in the verdant landscape of Aberdeenshire, near the village of Ballater, United Kingdom. This private residence of the British Royal Family is steeped in history and grandeur, offering a...
33 milesNW
French chateau-style castle with museum
Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Dunrobin Castle stands as a majestic testament to Scotland's rich history and architectural heritage. Located in the serene town of Golspie, this stately home is one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in the country, dating back to the early 1300s.
36 milesW
Gothic Revival architecture, Forts and castles, Historical place
Inverness Castle, Inverness
Inverness Castle sits prominently on a cliff overlooking the River Ness in the heart of Inverness, Scotland. This historic structure, with its distinctive red sandstone walls, has long been a focal point of the city's skyline.