Nairn - an historic highland town with great beaches too

Nairn is Inverness’ smaller neighbour to the east, just 15 miles from the Highlands’ largest settlement yet with much more of a feel of a beachy, coastal town. The town has excellent amenities including shops, restaurants, a supermarket and good travel links, as well as a huge sandy beach! Just 9 miles from Inverness Airport, the town is easily accessible from all over.

Nairn’s most popular attraction is certainly its expansive sandy beach on the southern coast of the Moray Firth. The beach as been awarded ‘Blue Flag’ status for its clean waters and is popular with bathers, dog walkers, kite-flyers, windsurfers… you name it! It’s also backed with sand dunes, making it a real adventure for kids.

The town is ideally located close to Inverness to the west for attractions and amenities, but also moray to the east – a county of pretty fishing villages, distilleries and beaches.
Nairn is dotted with cafes and restaurants, so you won’t be short on places to eat. There’s even a lovely dog-friendly café down by the harbour!

Nairn has its own museum, set in an early 1800s grand house and containing exhibits showcasing the historic way of life in Moray, the history of the town itself and its historic military importance.

A few miles to the East of Nairn is Culbin Forest and Sands, a dynamic sandbar accessible at low tide, backed by acres and acres of forestry, including a watchtower! This is a popular place for walks, as you can spend hours exploring the miles of forestry tracks before emerging on the coastline and even hopping onto the sandbar (be careful of the tides!).

Fort George, 8 miles west of Nairn, is a great place to spot dolphins as they pass through the Inner Moray Firth in pursuit of salmon. The best time to see them is at the turn of the tide, as the low tide starts to return and the fish follow the water moving inland.

Nearby is Audlearn Antiques, set in a converted church and absolutely overflowing with antique furniture, clothes, bric a brac and more.

If it’s a seaside holiday with excellent transport links and access to amenities that you’re looking for, head to Nairn. The beach is second to none on the east coast and you’re just a few short miles from Inverness and its international airport. Take you swimming cozzie, and don’t forget your binoculars for the dolphins!