Discover the Charm of Findhorn

Findhorn is a hidden gem on the Moray coast, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming community spirit. Known for its breathtaking bay and expansive sandy beach, this picturesque village is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Findhorn Bay is a stunning tidal basin, famous for its ever-changing landscape and abundant wildlife. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the serene views. As you wander along the sandy shores of Findhorn Beach, you’ll be greeted by miles of unspoiled coastline, where you can stroll, sunbathe, or watch the spectacular sunsets over the Moray Firth.

The beach is also a fantastic spot for nature lovers, with opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and occasionally even dolphins in the distance. Whether you’re walking along the shoreline or simply relaxing in the dunes, the peaceful atmosphere of Findhorn Beach is truly captivating.

 

Shops, Restaurants & Cafes

Findhorn may be a small village, but it boasts a delightful selection of local shops, restaurants, and cafés that capture the essence of the area’s coastal charm. From fresh seafood to locally made crafts, there’s something for everyone. The village offers several inviting cafés where you can enjoy a coffee or a light lunch while taking in the sea views.

For dining, the local restaurants provide a range of options, from hearty pub fare to elegant meals, with many establishments featuring locally sourced ingredients, including fresh fish caught right off the coast. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, Findhorn’s culinary scene is sure to please.

Findhorn’s Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights is a unique experience, enhanced by the region’s rugged landscapes and vast, clear skies. The lights often appear as green, purple, or red curtains of light dancing across the sky, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a stunning natural light display and Findhorn is the perfect location. The best time is from late September to March, when the nights are longest and darkest.  The lights are usually visible from around 10 PM to 2 AM, though this can vary. Checking Aurora forecasts can help plan your viewing times. Websites like Space Weather Live or apps like AuroraWatch UK provide real-time forecasts and alerts for geomagnetic activity.

 

Findhorn Bay RSPB Reserve:
A Haven for Wildlife and Nature Lovers

Located on the edge of the scenic Moray coastline, the Findhorn Bay RSPB Reserve is a tranquil haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Scotland’s countryside. Managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), this expansive tidal bay and estuary is renowned for its diverse habitats and the remarkable array of bird species it supports year-round.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Findhorn Bay RSPB Reserve is a vital stopover for migratory birds, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. During the autumn and winter months, the bay comes alive with thousands of geese, including pink-footed geese and greylag geese, which flock here in impressive numbers. In spring and summer, you can spot oystercatchers, curlews, and lapwings along the shorelines, as well as terns and waders in the estuarine mudflats.

The bay’s diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, mudflats, and freshwater wetlands, provide ideal breeding grounds for many species. Rare birds such as the osprey can also be seen hunting in the bay’s rich waters, and you might be lucky enough to spot them diving for fish.

Nature and Scenery

Beyond its rich birdlife, Findhorn Bay offers stunning natural scenery. The wide expanse of the bay changes with the tide, creating a dynamic landscape of shimmering waters, sandy shores, and lush marshlands. It’s the perfect place to take a peaceful walk, enjoy the fresh coastal air, and take in panoramic views of the Moray Firth.

The reserve is also home to a variety of other wildlife. You might spot seals basking on the sandbanks or catch sight of a red deer grazing in the distance (or in our garden).  The quiet, unspoiled surroundings offer a chance to experience the beauty of Scotland’s wild spaces up close.

From Findhorn beach there are regular sightings of local pods of dolphins as well as orcas, minke whales and basking sharks.

North58 in Findhorn offer wildlife sightseeing trips in a rib and often the dolphins can be seen playing alongside the boat at sea which makes for a very exciting experience.

What is Moray famous for?

Moray, a beautiful region in northeast Scotland, is famous for several distinct attractions and qualities that make it a popular destination for visitors:

Whisky Distilleries

  • Moray is part of the Speyside whisky region, known for producing some of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies. Famous distilleries like Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glen Grant are located in Moray, and the region offers the renowned Malt Whisky Trail, the only one of its kind in the world.

Spectacular Coastline

  • The Moray Coast is celebrated for its stunning sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages like Cullen and Lossiemouth. The coastal region is also a great spot for dolphin watching, with frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth.

Rich History & Heritage

  • Moray is steeped in history, home to iconic landmarks like Elgin Cathedral, often referred to as the “Lantern of the North” due to its imposing beauty. The area also boasts Brodie Castle and Spynie Palace, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past.

Outdoor Activities

  • Moray is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its landscape is perfect for hiking, cycling, watersports and wildlife watching with many trails leading through scenic woodlands and along the coast. The Cairngorms National Park is also nearby, offering year-round opportunities for adventure.Moray’s blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and world-renowned whisky heritage make it a truly unique and captivating part of Scotland.

Golfing in Moray & the Highlands

  • Golf in Moray is a dream for enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning coastal scenery and world-class courses. Moray Golf Club, with its classic links layout, offers sweeping views of the Moray Firth, challenging winds, and fast greens that make for an unforgettable round. Nearby, Castle Stuart Golf Links is internationally renowned, hosting several Scottish Opens with its striking design blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. Just along the coast, Nairn Golf Club boasts a beautiful yet demanding course, featuring some of the best-maintained greens in Scotland and breathtaking views of the Firth. Together, these courses make Moray a must-visit for golfers. For other smaller inland courses in Moray click here.