Forres
Four miles south of Findhorn is one of Scotland's oldest agricultural towns, and of special interest is the pretty flower-filled parks and the twenty-foot Sueno's Stone. Visitor guide to Forres in the North East coast of Scotland. Includes details on local accommodation.
Phone code: +44 (0)1309
Twelve miles west of Elgin is the solid little town of Forres. On Invererne Road is Benromach Distillery, which is on the Malt Whisky Trail. [Oct-Mar Mon-Fri 1000-1600; Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1700; also Sun Jun-Aug 1200-1600. Tel. 675968, www.benromach.com] On the eastern edge of town is the 20-ft highSueno's Stone, one of the most remarkable and important Pictish carved stones in Scotland. In the tow itself is the small and very charming Falconer Museum (STB 5 star) Opening 10-5 winter and 10-6 in the summer months. http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_624.html
Region
MorayTravel Directions to Forres
Forres is on the main Aberdeen to Inverness bus route and rail line, and there are regular buses and trains in either direction. Bluebird Buses Nos 310 and 311 run from Elgin to Forres, via Kinloss and Findhornseveral times daily (Mon-Sat).There's a Tourist Information Centre at 116 High St, Tel. 672938. Easter-Jun, Sep and Oct Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1400-1700; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat till 1800, Sun 1300-1800.
Local Sights & Activities for Forres
About six miles south of Forres is one of the northeast's best-kept secrets, the very beautiful Randolph's Leap, a spectacular gorge on the River Findhorn which is the perfect place for a picnic, or a swim in the river. To get there, head south on the A940 and just beyond Logie Steading take the right fork (the B9007) for a half a mile. It's on the right side of the road as you head south. It's also worth stopping at Logie Steading, where you can buy good-value arts and crafts. May-Oct daily 1100-1700, weekends from 1200. A few miles west of Forres is Brodie Castle.
Castles Nearby
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Tor Castle (Castle of Dallas)
Keep of the Comyns/Cummings built around 1419. Rebuilt in 1450 by royal architect Robert Cochrane and probably inhabited until mid 17th century. Now ruinous and barely existent
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Brodie Castle
16th century castle incorporating early work and including much later work. Now in care of NTS and open to public
Nearby Distilleries
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Glenburgie-Glenlivet Distillery
Glenburgie distillery, established in 1810, was originally known as Kinflat. It is located near Forress, the town is famous as the location of Knock Hill where Macbeth is said to have met 'the weird sisters'.
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Benromach Distillery
Opened in 1898 and used in blends but also for their own single malt (which you can taste in the centre). Classic Speyside distillery owned by Gordon & MacPhail.
Interesting Local Shops
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Logie Steading
South of Forres, a contemporary take on the tourist craft shop: browse and enjoy an art gallery, bookshop and various scottish crafts as well as their excellent tearoom Olive Tree Cafe.
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Logie Steading Bookshop
Somewhat renowned bookshop, part of the larger Logie Steading site. Who doesn't love to browse for a few minutes through a well stocked bookshop?
Forres Hotels & Accommodation
There's a surprisingly wide range of Accommodation in Forres. Best of the hotels are the excellentKnockomie Hotel, Tel. 673146, overlooking the town on the A940 south to Grantown. Late Rooms Availability for Knockomie Hotel in Forres
And the Ramnee Hotel, Tel. 672410, on Victoria Rd.Late Rooms Availability for Ramnee Hotel in Forres
Both have highly acclaimed restaurants.
A very good small 4 star hotel is the Cluny Bank Hotel. Late Rooms Availability for Cluny Bank Hotel in Forres
Among the many fine guesthouses and B&Bs are Springfield, Tel. 676965, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., on Croft Rd; Sherston House, Tel. 671087, at Hillhead; and Tormhor, Tel. 673837, at 11 High St.
Forres Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Farmhouse Holiday Home near Forres - Sleeps 12
Farmhouse situated in a private area of Riverview Country Park near Forres, with six bedrooms accommodating twelve people.
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The Steading Tower in Kinloss near Findhorn - Sleeps 4
Stone built tower set on the edge of the village of Kinloss on the Moray Coast. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. -
Thornhall Lodge, nr Forres - Sleeps 6
Single storey holiday home set in seclusion just outside Dyke, private enclosed garden, 5 minutes from Forres, with parks, gardens and floral sculptures. The Moray Coast with white sandy beaches, dolphins ...