Top Things to do in Moray
10 Historic Sites in Moray That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Moray, United Kingdom including The Old Bridge of Livet, Shetland Bus Memorial, Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, Spynie Palace, Knockando Woolmill, Birnie Kirk, The Tolbooth, Burghead Fort, Lady Hill Castle, Castle Hill.
Restaurants in Moray
1. The Old Bridge of Livet
2. Shetland Bus Memorial
3. Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
Our opening times and prices are as follows: 8 July 2020 until 30 September 10.00am – 5.00pm (last admission: 4.00) Sunday – Thursday (Closed Friday and Saturday)
Reviewed By oldmayor - Portland, United States
After visiting Cawdor Castle, it was hard to believe we would find another so beautifully decorated, well-maintained, and with such an interesting family history. We found it at Ballindalloch! Arriving early, we had a very warm greeting by the man at the gatehouse, followed by an equally enthusiastic gentleman in the reception area of the Castle. Every room is beautiful, with many interesting pieces of furniture and objects, well-described in write-up cards on the self-guided Tours. The turret stair is a challenge, but optional routes are clearly noted. Along our way, we came across Guy and Victoria Macpherson-Grant, the young couple who have taken over operation of the Castle from his mother. While not formally introduced, we recognized them from the brochure and they were incredibly warm and friendly as they went about attending to a few “housekeeping” chores. They and their family are wonderful stewards of this exceptional property. Turning outside, we thoroughly enjoyed the incredible landscape, very well-maintained, including the Rock Garden and more formal Walled Garden. Delightful lunch in the Tearoom and a stop in the award-winning loos! Highly recommended...
4. Spynie Palace
5. Knockando Woolmill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Knockando Woolmill has ensured the craft of carding, spinning and weaving with local wool has been passed down through generations since 1784.
Reviewed By ElaineAllan - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Great to see this place up and running again. Great place to visit even with kids. Lovely little shop
6. Birnie Kirk
7. The Tolbooth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Forres Tolbooth, like its ancestors, has been right at the centre of this ancient Royal Burgh. There is evidence that the building has evolved through many variations, dilapidations, reconstructions and expansions over the best part of 800 years. The foundation stone for the new Court House and Public Offices was laid in 1838 to establish the building in its present form. The main feature of the Tolbooth is its impressive Court Room where once the town provosts made proclamations and magistrates made orders that unworthy citizens be detained in the adjacent prison building.
Reviewed By Gerrydew
Had a lunch here and was not disappointed. The restaurant was clean, tastefully decorated which created a relaxed, easy atmosphere. The menus, specials, lunch and regular menu gave lots of choice and we were able to mix and match dishes from the different menus. The seafood was obviously freshly caught and prepared and all the food was delicious and well presented. All the staff were polite, friendly and helpful. The cost was restaurant prices but fair for the thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.
8. Burghead Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Neenthewaur - Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
The biggest Pictish Fort in Scotland once stood right here on this glorious headland with its outlook in all directions. Defended by rocks, flowing tides, deceptive sands and crashing seas on three sides - yet with the height to see enemies silly enough to chance the narrow land approach while they were still polishing their swords and eating their breakfasts - this once-enormous broch-style promontary fort is still a bit of a mystery, as are the Picts themselves, and finds have been carbon dated to between the 4th and 7th centuries. Uniquely associated with the headland are 25-30 recorded Pictish tablet stones showing carved, powerful bulls, though, sadly, only about six remain accounted for. Much of the substance of this once-commanding place was demolished or covered over in the creation of modern Burghead, which became a vital fishing, grain and trading port in the early 1800s, and provided much needed work and housing for locals and refugees from the Highland Clearances. Enough of the landscape is identifiable, however, and you can walk all over the remaining two levels of this grassy fort, imagining the Picts setting sail to repel Viking invaders (though the Norsemen's descendants conquered and settled here in later centuries), guarding the 8 metre thick, 6 metre high fortifications, or taking part in their strange ceremonies of which we know so little. Within the walls of the ramparts, there is an enclosed and impressive well, the use of which can only be guessed at. Local historians suggest it might have been a Pictish ritual drowning pool, or perhaps an early Christian place of baptism. Maybe the Brochers just wanted a safe water supply within their secure area Everywhere in Burghead, there are signs and boards telling you what you are looking at, so it's a joy to visit at this time, even when most seasonal or public attractions like the well are necessarily restricted or shut for health and safety reasons. There are some curious additions to the sights around the fort site. One is the blackened plinth on the Doorie Hill (which is actually one of the fort's few remaining high fortifications), but the charred stump is marginally more recent - again, nobody really knows how old - and it marks the spectacular final resting place of the blazing clavie (barrel) which is what Burghead is most famous for every winter when the "auld" New Year is seen out in a glorious fire festival dating back at least 300 years. In a short, pleasant, grassy walk and scramble, you can take in the fort and marvel at the extent of this site which still points an impressive, forbidding finger against the challenges of the North Sea. So much about the Picts has been lost or never understood, this gets full marks from me for just still being there, slumbering, but awaiting our curiosity and imagination.
9. Lady Hill Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By johnkZ8605PI
It's well worth the short climb up to the top of Lady Hill. The views from the top are gorgeous and the site of the old castle are interesting, though not much remains.
10. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By 1945DJM - Montrose, United Kingdom
This is certainly worth doing as the views from the top of Castle Hill are spectacular. The paths on the way up are flat, well laid out and easily done
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