Forres Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful region of Scotland, Forres is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Nestled between the Moray Firth and the Cairngorms National Park, this picturesque destination is a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic Scottish experience.

Forres is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the Pictish era. History enthusiasts can explore the town's rich heritage by visiting the Sueno's Stone, a towering Pictish monument that stands at an impressive 6.5 meters tall. For a glimpse into the town's medieval past, a visit to the Forres Tolbooth Museum is a must. Housed in a 16th-century building, the museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that depict the town's history.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the stunning landscapes that surround Forres. The town is situated near the Findhorn Bay, a designated Special Protection Area, where visitors can observe a plethora of bird species and enjoy peaceful walks along the shoreline. The nearby Culbin Forest offers miles of trails, perfect for hiking and cycling, and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Forres also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to the renowned Findhorn Foundation, an eco-village and spiritual community that hosts workshops, events, and performances throughout the year. Visitors can immerse themselves in the arts by attending concerts, exhibitions, and theater productions at the Falconer Museum and the Universal Hall.

Food enthusiasts will delight in Forres' culinary offerings. The town is known for its delicious seafood, with many restaurants serving fresh catches from the nearby coast. Additionally, Forres is home to several distilleries, where visitors can learn about the production process of Scotland's famous whisky and even sample a dram or two.

Alternative names: Population: 9.9 thous.Elevation: 69 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 57°36'35"N, 3°36'48"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Forres Top Attractions

Forres Attractions - What to See and Explore

Forres offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Brodie Castle, Logie Steading, Sueno's Stone, Kinloss Abbey. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Turreted castle and Clan Brodie displays
Brodie Castle
Brodie Castle is a well-preserved Z plan castle located about 3+1⁄2 miles west of Forres, in Moray, Scotland. The castle is a Category A listed building and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.
57°32'1"N • 3°39'39"W
Logie Steading
Visitor center • Shopping • Farm
Medieval sandstone column with carvings
Sueno's Stone
Sueno's Stone is a Picto-Scottish Class III standing stone on the north-easterly edge of Forres in Moray and is the largest surviving Pictish style cross-slab stone of its type in Scotland, standing 6.5 metres in height.

Monastery
Kinloss Abbey
Kinloss Abbey is a Cistercian abbey at Kinloss in the county of Moray, Scotland. The abbey was founded in 1150 by King David I and was first colonised by monks from Melrose Abbey. It received its Papal Bull from Pope Alexander III in 1174, and later came under the protection of the Bishop of Moray in 1187.
57°36'36"N • 3°36'44"W
Falconer Museum
Specialty museum • History museum • Museum
Specialty museum • Distillery • Museum
Dallas Dhu distillery museum
The Dallas Dhu distillery was a producer of single malt Scotch whisky that operated between 1899 and 1983 in Forres, Moray, Scotland. Dallas Dhu means "Black Water Valley" in Gaelic. Its whisky also appeared as a "Dallas Mhor" single malt. In 1899, Alexander Edward designed the Dallas Dhu distillery at the height of the whisky boom.
Forts and castles
Cluny Hill
Cluny Hill is a hill on the East side of Forres, Scotland. At the top of Cluny Hill is Nelson's Tower, built in 1806 to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson and his victory at Trafalgar. The Tower is open to the public.
Archaeological site
Balnageith
Balnageith, located on the western edge of the suburbs of Forres in Moray, Scotland, is the site of an excavated linear cropmark with a rounded corner that has been interpreted as a possible Roman military camp or fort.

Day trips

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

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

44 milesSE
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...
37 milesSW
Loch-side, ruined 16th-century fortress
Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit
Urquhart Castle, a quintessential Scottish stronghold, rests on the banks of the famed Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit, United Kingdom. This picturesque ruin, steeped in centuries of history, offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past.
24 milesS
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...
28 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.