Nairn coastlineWith its golf courses, stunning beaches and historic town centre, it’s no wonder Nairn is one of the Highlands’ most popular resorts. Nairn is a pretty fishing port and market town, 16 miles east of Inverness. Spectacular views across the Moray Firth can be enjoyed from the town’s elegant promenade. The town centre is home to a wealth of ancient buildings, interesting independent shops, and some of the region’s best eateries.
There’s also an excellent museum which documents Nairn’s history as an important herring port, and a renowned arts centre with a packed programme of exciting shows and exhibitions. Thanks to its location, close to some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside, Nairn is a popular base among walkers and nature-lovers. During the summer months, a number of events take place in the town centre, including the Nairn Agricultural Show and Nairn Highland Games.
Brodie Castle
Backed by gentle sand dunes and a Victorian promenade, Nairn Beach is a wonderful place to catch some sun, build a sandcastle or take a bracing dip in the sea. From the shore, you can make out the Black Isles and the area’s resident dolphins can often be spotted, racing across the Moray Firth. The beach is also a great place to begin a scenic coastal walk, with towering cliffs, nature reserves and secluded coves nearby.
A short distance from Nairn is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, Cawdor Castle . Although it was built 300 years after Macbeth’s death, the castle plays an important role in Shakespeare’s play of the same name and has become one of the region’s most popular attractions. Visitors can explore the opulent interior of this colossal structure, featuring a maze of beautifully preserved rooms, packed with stunning furniture and unique pieces of Scottish history. Don’t miss the grounds, surrounding the castle, including an enchanting walled garden, dating back to the 1600s.
To delve into the history of life in the Highlands, visit the excellent Nairn Museum. Housed in the town’s magnificent Viewfield House, the museum gives visitors a unique insight into how life in this inhospitable region has changed over the centuries.
“With its golf courses, stunning beaches and historic town centre, it’s no wonder Nairn is one of the Highlands’ most popular resorts.”
For a bite to eat in Nairn, check out the popular Classroom Bistro, a stylish establishment in the heart of the town. Some of the finest ingredients the Highlands have to offer are turned into fresh, tasty dishes including Kildrummie farm steak with grilled cherry vine tomatoes, peppercorn sauce and hand-cut chips. For a hearty breakfast accompanied by stunning views across the Moray Firth, try the Basil Harbour, a traditional café where you can enjoy good, reasonably priced food.
For visitors who are looking for a base from which to explore the ruggedly beautiful Scottish Highlands, Nairn is hard to beat. The town is close to some of the region’s most spectacular scenery and top attractions, including Fort George, Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle, at Loch Ness.