Location: Forres
Top Things to do in Forres
10 Things to do in Forres That You Shouldn't Miss
Forres (/ˈfɒrɪs/; Scottish Gaelic: Farrais) is a town and former royal burgh situated in the north of Scotland on the Moray coast, approximately 25 miles (40 km) east of Inverness and 12 miles (19 km) west of Elgin. Forres has been a winner of the Scotland in Bloom award on several occasions. There are many geographical and historical attractions nearby such as the River Findhorn, and there are many historical artifacts and monuments within the town itself.
Restaurants in Forres
1. Benromach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 304 reviews
Located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres lies Benromach Distillery. From a small and almost lost distillery emerged a single malt withdistinctive qualities reflecting its hand made credentials as well as encapsulating the self-reliance, sophistication and modern values of Scotland today.Established in 1898, the distillery experienced many closures and changes in ownership prior to 1993, when malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail rescued it. Following an extensive reinstallation project, embracing the distillery's original character, Benromach was officially re-opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1998.Just three experienced distillers create Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They personally ensure that only the highest quality spirit is filled into sturdy oak casks before being left to mature at Benromach Distillery for many years.
Reviewed By Nowuries - Colorado Springs, United States
Myself and 8 others on a Rabbie's Tour enjoyed a fabulous distillery tour and tasting at Benromach. Though a small distillery, they truly care about their products, they act like a team/family, and have staff who truly love what they do!! Alec was our guide, and if possible, ask for him--he was witty, had great stories, and spewed passion for the product!! As for the tasting, we got to try 3 expressions, with proper tasting drams, and Alec walked us through each and what made them unique, their main character elements, and how they all tie into the Benromach line. I absolutely love the tour, am a new fan (and member) of Benromach whiskies, and cannot wait to go back with my wife for a more extensive and detailed tasting--it will literally be the first distillery we visit when I return with her to Scotland. They are that good!!!
2. Dallas Dhu Whisky Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
The now defunct distillery is a museum.
Reviewed By Don_G_Wright - Vancouver, Canada
Our Scotland Explorer pass include admission to this historic distillery, so we did our best to make sense of Google Maps and the car GPS and eventually found it. Note to Historic Scotland - better signage and make sure Google is steering potential visitors in the right direction! Once inside, it’s a self-tour with an audio guide. You learn about the art of distilling whisky, and the history of this particular distillery. It was a quiet day, most of the time we had the place to ourselves. At the end of the walk-about, you get a free dram of a local blend, always a good way to end a tour. It was fascinating to see the huge copper tanks and wooden barrels, walk through the various production rooms and buildings, and peek inside the warehouse. By the way, this distillery was built in 1899 and operated, with some slowdowns and stoppages, until 1983. What’s on view is just how it was left on the day it closed. Oh, we also learned the word whisky is derived from uisge beatha, Gaelic for “water of life”. Indeed!
3. Brodie Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 664 reviews
A clan chief's treasure house, generations of Clan Brodie have lived and died within Brodie Castle. On the tour can be seen a letter from Robert the Bruce, the coronation robe worn by Queen Adelaide in 1831, antique furniture and ceramics and an extensive art collection, including three works by the Scottish Colourists. This 16th-century castle is a slice of Scottish history not to be missed. There's plenty to discover outside the castle too. The 71 hectare estate has landscaped gardens, a large pond, a walled garden, a woodland walk, an adventure playground and a nature trail with observation hides for watching wildlife.
Reviewed By briansum57 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Excellent visit to Brodie Castle and grounds, there is a member of National Trust Staff in the rooms who will explain each room which made for an interesting visit. The weather was excellent too.
4. Logie Steading
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
*LOGIE STEADING RE-OPENS FROM 26TH APRIL 2021 as Covid restrictions ease - every day of the week, 10am to 5pm. Logie Steading is a collection of small, creative, individually owned and run, businesses housed in the converted sandstone farm buildings at Logie. 2ndhand books, cafe, antiques, arts, crafts, local produce, hardy plants, hundreds of whiskies and gins, vintage accessories. And outside - spectacular walks along the river Findhorn, playground, and Gardens to enjoy. Veritably, a place to take your time!
Reviewed By 464shelaghc - Liverpool, United Kingdom
A quirky mix of craft shops set in a beautiful location. Some can be expensive but great quality goods. Lovely fresh meat and excellent choice of plants. Lovely walks.
5. Sueno's Stone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Coastal443174 - Gateshead, United Kingdom
What an amazing piece of history. Looks even more magnificent housed inside the glass protection. Enjoyed spending time looking at this stone with my children. Very interesting and worth a visit.
6. The Falconer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By reed256 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Learn about Dr. Falconer after whom the museum is named, a remarkable man. Friend of Darwin and almost the founder of modern palaeontology and geology, naturalist and maker of the tea industry in India. A video in upper room gives a very clear picture of his life and worth. The remainder of the museum is well set out and informative on life and conditions from prehistory to almost the present day covering many aspects of life and local history of around Forres. I hope the museum can be saved for future generations. The lady receptionist was most helpful.
7. Findhorn Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By familyb766 - Doncaster, United Kingdom
Fantastic sand, plenty of parking and great views. The beach is 5 mins from the free carpark. Perfect for walking the dogs, or kids....
8. The Nelson Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Standing high on Cluny Hill, Nelson’s Tower looks down, with some presence, over Forres. Erected by public subscription, the tower was built as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson.
Reviewed By FindhornRover - Brighton, United Kingdom
We drove into Forres, parked in the car park behind the Co-op and walked across Grant Park to Cluny Hill. It's then a lovely walk through the trees to the tower. The guide books tell you to park in Grant Park car park but we did it like this because it added to the walk and we didn't have to park again in the town for the 'obligatory' coffee afterwards! Don't be put off by some reviews which tell you how steep the climb is. We're not great walkers but found it absolutely fine! When you get to the tower which is at the summit of Cluny Hill there are lovely views out to Findhorn Bay. Apparently, the tower has getting on for 100 steps so the views are going to be even better from the top. We were only in Scotland for the winter and unfortunately, therefore, couldn't see inside. But even so, it was well worth the visit. As we came down we saw the edge of the War Memorial. We branched off to it and walked round. That, too, is very pretty. Then, for coffee we went into Cafe 1496 on the High Street. It was really strong - even for us - and could have done with being served in slightly bigger cups. But at £2 and a great taste we were hardly going to grumble! All in all, a very enjoyable three hours spent.
9. Culbin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By pamelarV3444FC
Because the forest is planted on sand dunes, there is no mud! A huge choice of level tracks for walking or cycling. Interesting flora (didn't see any fauna but am sure they were there - lying low)
