elgin scotland tourism

• Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire & Moray

Elgin in Scotland is one of Scotland’s world-famous whisky regions and is known for its local distilleries and breathtaking scenery. The picturesque town of Elgin lies on the south coast of the Moray Firth, between Inverness and Aberdeen. You’ll discover there are many things to do in Elgin that make it one of the best holiday destinations to come and see.

This modern town was once a royal burgh but now acts as the administrative and commercial centre for the Moray region of Scotland. Tourists flock to Elgin to try its wide variety of excellent single malt whiskies, and the city has multiple award-winning distilleries.

It’s a stunning city with an in-depth history and beautiful sights, making it a worthwhile destination as you explore the rolling landscapes of Scotland.

In This Post

Things to do in Elgin

This part of Northern Scotland has a lot to offer its visitors and tourists come here to explore and enjoy the many notable hotspots that Elgin offers.

This beautiful town has a lot going for it. You can spend an afternoon exploring the grounds of the castles dotted around Elgin’s surroundings, explore the famed Elgin Cathedral, enjoy some time at the renowned distilleries, relax at the Moray Leisure Centre, or dive deep into the culture and heritage of the region.

You can also explore the high street and its many shops and cafes, take a trip to the ice rink in town or enjoy the jaw-dropping architecture of the many historic buildings.

There’s no doubt that there are many things to do in Elgin, and this list will help you decide what you should be putting on your to-do list when you come and explore one of Scotland’s hidden gems tucked in its Northern region.

Elgin Cathedral

Elgin Cathedral is the town’s famous popular tourist attraction and one of the top things to do in Elgin. Located on the east side of the city and known as the ‘Lantern of the North’ by Elgin’s locals, this majestic historic ruin is utterly majestic.

History geeks will be amazed by Elgin Cathedral, it’s not only one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, but it also dates back to the 13th century! You can explore the ruins of Elgin Cathedral and relive its history as you walk through its old stones.

Elgin Cathedral was damaged in a fire many centuries ago; however, you can still climb two towers that are still intact. These are both open to the public, and the climb is well worth it as you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town.

Mossend Farm: Alpaca Days Out

Mossend Farm is a dream day out for an animal lover. You can book a family-friendly one-hour Alpaca Safari or an adult-only three-hour  Alpaca Trek at Mossend Farm  in Moray, Scotland.

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close to a Scottish alpaca and spend some quality time with them in the fields, this attraction is meant for you. Afterwards, hosts treat guests to coffee and cakes in the farmhouse kitchen – talk about hospitality!

The staff are lovely, and guests love learning about and meeting Mossend Farm’s exceptional residents. Prebooking is essential for this day out in Elgin, so what are you waiting for?

Visit Elgin Distilleries

While in Elgin, you’d be remiss not to attend one of the many established distilleries that make their home here. Elgin is famed for its wide variety of single malt whiskies, and taking an afternoon to tour the distilleries is a necessary part of experiencing what Elgin truly offers.

We’ve listed a few of the most famous distilleries, such as Glen Elgin and Glen Moray, each catering to a unique set of tastes and preferences, making each visit a wholly fantastic adventure!

Glen Moray Distillery

Sitting snuggly on the west side of Eglin is the Glen Moray Distillery building, home to the world-class Glen Moray whisky.

This Distillery is a treat to visit and offers tours of their facilities that take you on the journey of how Glen Moray is crafted. It’s easy to get lost in the stories and history of this famed Distillery when it’s told by one of the passionate tour guides who offer an in-depth look into the distilling process.

The Benriach Distillery

Founded in 1898, the Benriach Distillery may seem unassuming from the outside. Still, it holds an incredible facility and expert distillers who work to create some of Scotland’s most excellent single malt whisky within its walls.

You can take a tour of the facilities, enjoy tasting some of Scotland’s finest, and explore the Distillery’s shop for a bottle of your favourite to take back home with you! Check out their website for more information.

The Benriach Distillery were the winner of Global Whisky Distiller of the Year in 2015, so don’t miss out on stopping by and experiencing this Distillery’s incredible flavours.

Gordon & MacPhail

If you’ve come to Scotland to try excellent whiskies, you won’t want to leave out a trip to Gordon & MacPhail, who’ve been creating brilliant single malt whiskies for over 125 years.

With over 800 incredible blends to choose from, Gordon & MacPhail are unparalleled in deciding which whisky is suitable for you – made all the easier at one of their expansive and unique tasting sessions.

You can expect to enjoy a tasting that touches all corners of Scotland while at Gordon & MacPhail, so why not get a few friends together and make an afternoon at this bespoke Distillery.

No doubt one of the most stunning places to see in Elgin is Cove Bay, located just north of the town, which offers incredible views of the North Sea.

This lovely little Bay is tucked away and accessible to those who make the brief trail walk along the coast. Luckily, a car park nearby makes reaching Cove Bay an easy attraction to fit into your day of sightseeing with the kids.

The Bay exudes extraordinary natural beauty, white sands, serene blue waters, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes Cove Bay the perfect place to enjoy a day out when the weather is just right!

Pluscarden Abbey

The Pluscarden Abbey allows you to experience the lives of monks as if you were amongst them in the 13th-century.

Situated a few miles south of Eglin, visiting the Pluscarden Abbey building is one of the top things to do in Elgin, Scotland. Not only is the Abbey comprised of incredible architecture and a secluded glen, but it holds a restful atmosphere from the deep devotion found here.

The Pluscarden Abbey is a short trip from Elgin and an excellent place for those looking for a brief respite from their worries – Exactly what a vacation should be all about!

Spynie Palace

Spynie Palace was once a place of royalty and still boasts an impressive design and grandeur that immerses you in this extraordinary attraction’s history.

Built by three Bishops of Moray, whose coats of arms still hang in the Palace, Spynie Palace has many incredible sights like David’s Tower – the largest tower by volume in Scotland!

Every corridor you walk down and corner you take is sure to be filled with niche historical facts and finds, perfect for anyone fascinated with Scotland’s detailed past. And if history is not to your fancy, the surrounding areas of Spynie are host to a wide variety of wildlife and birdsong.

Visiting Spynie, north of Elgin, is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Elgin, so make sure to add it to your list!

Duffus Castle Gallery

The Duffus Castle Gallery sets the stage to take you back to over 900 years ago, showing off a moat-and-bailey style Elgin castle that dates back to the 1140s!

Free to enter and filled with informative signs that depict the Castle’s remarkable history, Duffus Castle Gallery is one attraction you don’t want to miss out on while visiting Elgin, Scotland. Even better, this hotspot destination is only a 10-minute drive from the town centre, which means you can fit it in neatly with the region’s many other attractions.

If you find yourself parched, feel free to quench your thirst at the car park’s coffee stand.

Biblical Garden Elgin

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Elgin between the beginning of May and the end of September, then do yourself a favour and visit the magical Biblical Garden Elgin.

This serene Garden welcomes visitors from all over the world and amazes with its lush garden features that tie into Biblical stories and references. The Garden’s open days are the perfect outing for a warm Spring or Summer day and allow you to get lost in the over 100 plant species and mosaic artworks scattered throughout the Garden.

This stunning meadow is free to enter, so you have no reason not to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere.

Moray Motor Museum

The Moray Motor Museum is a famous haven for motor enthusiasts!

This attraction will have you wishing you were driving down the road in one of their stylish two-seaters. Exploring their a superb collection of veteran, vintage, and classic cars and motorbikes is no question an excellent way to spend an afternoon

Although if you’re interested, they do offer wedding hires so you can be the envy of your guests on your special day.

This excellent building has a lot of one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles that are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Elgin, Moray.

Elgin Museum

Elgin has one of Britain’s oldest museums. The Elgin Museum opened in 1843 and has a fantastic collection of exhibits and galleries focusing on the in-depth history of Elgin, Scotland.

The Elgin Museum caters to all the periods of Moray, from before the dinosaurs to the modern-day Elgin. You can find this expansive historical collection at the east end of Elgin High Street, a simple hop, skip and jump away from many luxury accommodation options available in town.

The Elgin Museum is the ideal place to start any journey if you’re travelling throughout Scotland and the neighbouring cities of Edinburgh and Inverness.

Hopeman West Beach

If you’re craving the summer sun of Scotland, then venture a few miles north of Elgin, and you’ll find the spectacular Hopeman West Beach.

This Beach is perfect for a family day out when the sun is shining and the thought of white sands and tranquil waves is too tempting. The Beach is also close to the quaint town of Hopeman, so you’re always a short trip away from stocking up on any beachwear, snacks, or that all-important sunscreen.

Hopeman West Beach is also filled with incredible sights, including spectacular views of the Moray Firth. If you love the idea of a long walk on a beach at sunset, this is the place for you!

Lady Hill Castle

Lady Hill Castle can be found at the heart of Elgin and offers some of the best views of the town of Elgin.

The remains of the ruined Lady Hill Castle can also be found atop the hill, although not much of the royal Castle remains. However, at the summit is a grand central tower column with a statue of the Duke of Gordon on the very top.

This hill is an excellent way to familiarise yourself with Elgin when you first arrive and should be on your list of things to do when you first come to explore the city!

Speyside Falconry

Ever wanted to immerse yourself in the sport of kings? Speyside Falconry offers just that and more!

Located a couple of miles south of Elgin, this established Falconry allows you to learn and spend time with many birds of prey, from falcons, hawks, and owls in the country south of Elgin.

You can get hands-on, helping and learning about how these magnificent birds are trained, kept, and do some falconry manoeuvres yourself! Keep in mind that kids have to be 12 and over to have some of these experiences. Make sure to check out their website for more information.

There’s no place quite like the Speyside Falconry in Moray, Scotland so ensure you take some time while visiting Elgin to take a trip to this superb destination.

More Things to do in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire & Moray

• Things to do in Aberdeen
• Things to do in Aberlour
• Things to do in Ballater
• Things to do in Banchory
• Things to do in Braemar
• Things to do in Dufftown
• Things to do in Inverurie
• Things to do in Keith
• Things to do in Peterhead
• Things to do in Royal Deeside
• Things to do in Stonehaven

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Elgin, the capital of Moray

Elgin is the largest town in the Moray county. Located centrally, it's the ideal place to use as a base when exploring the area from Forres, Lossiemouth, Cullen, Keith and south to Ballindalloch. Elgin has a great deal to offer in terms of hotels, shops, history and places to eat.

Growing up in Lossiemouth and Buckie, I have great memories of Elgin, mainly at Cooper's Park for the large play park and annual fireworks display! I also spent two years at Moray College in the early 2000s.

Let's explore what Elgin has to offer.

Where is Elgin?

Elgin lies near the south coast of the Moray Firth, roughly central to the upper third of the county of Moray. Elgin is the largest town in Moray and can be found roughly halfway between Inverness and Aberdeen and can accessed from both cities via the A96 motorway.

Elgin is Moray's administrative and commercial centre and home to the Moray Council.

What to see in Elgin:

Elgin cathedral.

At the heart of Elgin's historical narrative stands the majestic  Elgin Cathedral , often called the "Lantern of the North." This architectural masterpiece, now in ruins, once radiated the glory of Scottish Gothic architecture across the Highlands. Walking through its hallowed remnants, one can almost hear the echoes of the past, from the solemn prayers of monks to the bustling activity surrounding this ecclesiastical powerhouse. Even in ruin, its towering presence speaks volumes of the town's significance during the Middle Ages.

A lovely biblical garden is a short distance north of the cathedral and the River Lossie to the east.

Elgin Museum

Not far from the silent grandeur of the cathedral, the  Elgin Museum  invites curious minds to step closer to the history of Moray. As Scotland's oldest continuously operating independent museum, it houses an eclectic collection that spans from Pictish stones to fossils whispering of Moray's ancient past. It's a place where history is palpable, allowing visitors to touch, see, and feel the lineage of the region through artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of Elgin and its surroundings.

Coopers Park

Cooper Park, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of Elgin, offers residents and visitors alike a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Donated to the town by the philanthropist George Cooper in 1903, this expansive park has become a cherished community hub, where the beauty of nature intermingles with recreational facilities and tranquil spaces for relaxation and reflection.

There is a great play park here for younger kids and a skate park for the older ones. Elgin Library borders the park alongside the boating pond. The grounds at Cooper Park are lovely, particularly near Grant Lodge.

Elgin Castle / Lady Hill / Duke of Gordon Monument

Only small traces are left of Elgin Castle, a once grand Royal Castle built atop Lady Hill, which would have given it a commanding vantage point in all directions. Today, all that can be seen is a small section of wall.

Instead, the Duke of Gordon Monument is the main focal point, built in honour of George Gordon, the fifth Duke of Gordon in 1839.

Lady Hill is the best place to get a panoramic view of Elgin, with the rooftops sprawling out in all directions. You can also see Elgin Cathedral from this vantage point.

Moray Motor Museum

Within walking distance of Cooper Park and Elgin Cathedral, Moray Motor Musem is located in an old mill building. The museum has a fantastic selection of vintage classic cars and motorbikes, including a 1904 Speedwell and a 1921 Regent Sport. It's £10 entry for adults, but kids are free.

Elgin Town Centre

Elgin town centre has seen better days, a victim of larger superstores built on the outskirts of town and the advent of online shopping. Many of the shops have closed, and the shop units within the St Giles centre are mostly empty. However, there are still a few gems to be found here:

Cadora Chip Shop  - My favourite place for chips anywhere in Scotland.

Moray Playhouse  - Moray's only cinema, a bit rough around the edges but full of character. I have seen films here for the last 35 years!

The Pancake Place  - Great breakfasts and desserts.

The Gordon & Macphail Shop  - One of the loveliest shops in Elgin, and of particular interest if you like Scottish Whisky, with a selection of more than 1000 available. It is currently under renovation at the time of writing this article.

The Dandy Lion  - A controversial art installation within central Elgin. A half-merman, half-lion, it wears a top hat! Love or hate it, the Dandy Lion has attracted visitors worldwide to see its... weirdness!

Elgin War Memorial can be found a short distance from the Dandy Lion, in front of St Giles Church.

Thunderton House  - This pub dates back to the 1500s and had Bonnie Prince Charlie as one of its guests in 1746, a few weeks before his historic loss at Culloden.

Moray Leisure Centre  - Elgin has the best leisure centre in Moray, offering a swimming pool, ice rink and gym. Moray Leisure Centre has a pool with a flume, which is great if you want to do something with the kids.

Cooper Park, Elgin Museum, Elgin Cathedral and Lady Hill are all within walking distance of the high street.

Glen Moray Distillery

Elgin has its very own distillery -  Glen Moray . Open to visitors all year, the visitor centre on the west side of Elgin gives a fascinating insight into traditional whisky making. There are a few different tours on offer, ranging in cost between £12 and £80, all offer complimentary whisky tastings.

Glen Elgin distillery can be found a short distance south of Elgin, this is a working site however and does not offer tours.

More local distilleries can be found all over Moray, all within about a 30-minute drive of Elgin.

What to see near Elgin:

Duffus Castle  - A medieval castle built in the motte and bailey style, it's a great castle ruin to explore and take in the surrounding landscape.

Spynie Palace - Once home to the bishops of Moray, this impressive house ruin is run by Historic Environment Scotland. Great to take in before or after Duffus Castle.

Lossiemouth  - Known as the "Jewel of the Moray Firth", it's easy to see why the town of Lossiemouth gained its title. Two stunning beaches flank the town, with the east beach accessible by a new footbridge—a wonderful place for a walk on the beach with an ice cream.

Pluscarden Abbey  - A medieval abbey, still home to monastic monks today. It is a place of supreme solitude, a lovely destination for a day trip from Elgin.

Millbuies Country Park  - A short distance southeast of Elgin on the Rothes road, you can find Millbuies Country Park - a man-made loch with beautiful forest walks and breathtaking scenery—an ideal place for a quick picnic near Elgin.

If you're looking for more ideas for places to visit in Moray, why not check out my  5-day Moray travel itinerary ?

A Short History of Elgin

Elgin was historically isolated, bordered by the unbridged River Spey to the east and River Findhorn to the west, with the Cairngorms to the south.

Elgin likely existed by 1040, around the time Macbeth defeated King Duncan's army at Pitgaveney, near Elgin.

Chartered as a Royal Burgh by David I in 1136.

The cathedral was built in 1224 when Pope Honorarius agreed to move the Cathedral of Moray to Elgin on the banks of the River Lossie.

Had a Royal Castle by 1230, possibly on the site of Duncan I's death in 1040.

Edward I stayed at Elgin Castle during his 1296 suppression tours; little remains today except for Lady Hill and the Duke of Gordon Monument (since 1839).

In 1390, the Wolf of Badenoch, Alexander Stewart, attacked Elgin and burned down the cathedral and much of the city in revenge for excommunication.

Elgin was plundered by the Duke of Montrose's Royalists in 1645; the bishop's palace at Spynie was abandoned in 1686.

The late 1700s saw Elgin as a declining town, noted by Boswell, Dr. Johnson, and Robert Southey for its lack of vibrancy and poor meals.

Rebirth in 1820 as a neo-classical city, popular with wealthy Highland landowners and benefiting from overseas investments, especially from India.

Industrial growth, especially in distilling, boosted the economy from the mid-1800s.

Railway connections in 1852 to Lossiemouth and in 1858 to the Aberdeen-Inverness line facilitated growth; Elgin became a notable railway terminus.

Modern Elgin features a new railway station, with the Aberdeen to Inverness journey now much shorter.

Thunderton House, dating back to the 1500s, served as a royal residence and later a nobleman's townhouse, even housing Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746.

Gordon and MacPhail's shop on South Street, founded in 1895, has played a significant role in the popularity of single malt Scotch whisky.

FAQs on Elgin

Is elgin a town or a city.

Elgin is considered a town despite having a cathedral.

Is Elgin classed as the Highlands?

No, you must go west to Nairn or south of the Cairngorms National Park to be in the Highlands.

Is Elgin Scotland worth visiting?

Yes, from great hotels and restaurants, history, and many tourist attractions a short distance away, Elgin is definitely worth visiting! It doesn't have the charm of coastal towns like Cullen and Lossiemouth but has a great deal to offer in terms of amenities.

What is the meaning of Royal Burgh?

A Royal Burgh was a type of administrative area in Scotland before 1975. Historically, it was a town that the monarch had granted certain rights and privileges under a royal charter. These rights could include holding markets, the ability to levy taxes and control over local administration and trade practices. Being designated as a Royal Burgh was a mark of significant prestige and autonomy, allowing these towns to flourish economically and socially.

Where is the cheapest place to buy food in Elgin?

The ALDI and Lidl supermarkets are the cheapest places to buy groceries in Elgin. Aldi can be found in the centre of Elgin, not far from the bus station, and Lidl is on the south side near the railway station. There is also a large ASDA and Tesco superstore for any items you can't get there.

Where is the best place to stay in Elgin?

The Travelodge and Premier Inn are cheap options if booking in advance, but here are a few more suggestions:

The Pines Guest House

Belleville Bed and Breakfast

Elgin Guest House

Sunninghill Hotel

Laichmoray Hotel

Moraybank Guesthouse

Elgin is a fine town to visit while touring Moray and is possibly the perfect base to branch out from to explore everything our beautiful area has to offer. Please consider my articles on the  best things to do in Moray  and  Moray on a budget ,  Moray beaches ,  Moray Castles  and the  Moray Firth .

All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.

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Elgin is the largest community in Moray Speyside with over 24,000 people. Moray’s largest town is convenient and connected by road, bus, and train to both Inverness and Aberdeen. The A96 runs through the town and Elgin’s train station on the ScotRail Network is just a ten-minute walk from the town centre. The bus station is also in the town centre and is the region’s main transfer hub, making it the perfect base for your visit to Moray Speyside

Exploring Elgin

Rich in history, every corner of town has a story to tell – follow the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere trail and uncover the town’s history with your mobile phone. Start at Lady Hill on the west end, crowned by the Duke of Gordon monument. On rare occasions you can climb the 150 steps to the top for an incredible panorama of the town and study what remains of Elgin Castle – destroyed in 1314 after the Battle of Bannockburn.

End the trail on the banks of the River Lossie where you will find yourself at Johnstons of Elgin – one of the world’s leading cashmere manufacturers. The Johnstons Mill Tour is a highlight of any trip to Elgin and Weavers Restaurant offers a wide range of options for all tastes, almost all of it locally produced or sourced.

Make sure to visit the ruins of the imposing Cathedral . The Cathedral (also known as the Lantern of the North) and Spynie Castle (located halfway between here and Lossiemouth) are both maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.

Take a wander through Cooper Park where you can stop at the Visitor Information Centre in the Library and Heritage Centre and pick up a map. Next to the library you can head over the footbridge and turn left (east) to Elgin Museum , Scotland’s continuously independent museum, built in 1842.

From the Museum, walk west down High Street and explore the town centre. Elgin’s ‘closes’ are quirky and full of character. Discover their historic charm on your own (most are thoroughfares and open to the public) or listen to their stories on a guided tour with Elgin Ghost Tours .

Accommodation in Elgin

Elgin is the perfect base – whether young families, explorers, whisky or golf enthusiasts. There is accommodation to suit most needs and budgets.

No matter where you stay, amenities are easily accessed. For a personalised experience, stay in one of the many guest houses and B&Bs .

• The Laichmoray Hotel
• The Royal Hotel
• Sunninghill Hotel
• Eight Acres Hotel & Leisure Club

If space trumps convenience, adventure a bit further out and enjoy the incredible views from a self-catered cottage, a tent, or even a glamping pod .

Things to do in and around Elgin

There is plenty to do here in Elgin. Home to Moray Playhouse the region’s only cinema, and to Moray Leisure Centre which is not only a swimming pool but ice rink and gym, Elgin has plenty to keep you busy. If you are looking for family-friendly activities, then check out Pinz Bowling and Elgin Kart Raceway .

Elgin’s busy town centre offers a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Why not spend some time exploring the shops, lanes, and wee nooks. Outlander fans will delight in Thunderton House – mentioned in the book and TV series. This former royal residence housed Bonnie Prince Charlie in the days leading up to the infamous battle on Culloden Moor.

If golf is your sport, Elgin Golf Course is a popular championship course on the outskirts of town. The nearby Maverston Golf Course offers stunning views and is hugely popular. Travel ten minutes north and test yourself on the links courses in Lossiemouth. Both the Old and the New Course at Moray Golf Course offer world class golf courses.

If you are not a big golfer then there are a number of facilities in the area that you can visit. There are numerous gyms and leisure centres to help you keep fit. Eight Acres Hotel offers its very own gym with a wide variety of equipment. There are also numerous sports and social clubs that actively seek new members.

A Scotch Whisky Immersion

Only two of the seven working distilleries within five miles of Elgin are open to the public. The closest is Glen Moray Distillery . Enjoy a tour and tasting within walking distance of the town centre.

A ten-minute drive towards Speyside, is BenRiach Distillery. BenRiach just opened to tasting sessions in 2021.

The Gordon & MacPhail retail shop is a landmark of the town that dates to 1895. The shop offers whisky-lovers a huge choice of whiskies, gifts, souvenirs and much more.

Elgin is included in our  Malt Whisky Tour Itinerary  which will guide you round the Distilleries in and around the area.

Useful Links

Undiscovered Scotland – A brief history on the town’s history. Elgin Heritage – Castle Cathedral Cashmere website.

See 88 listings in Elgin

Plan Your Trip to Elgin: Best of Elgin Tourism

Essential Elgin

Elgin Is Great For

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Elgin travel guide

Elgin tourism | elgin guide, you're going to love elgin.

With a population of 21.236, Elgin is a must-see destination in Scotland, United Kingdom. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Elgin deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Activities & attractions in Elgin

Where to Eat in Elgin

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Drouthy Cobbler (48A High Street) and Weavers Restaurant (Newmill) are great picks.

When to visit Elgin

How to get to elgin.

Although Elgin doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Inverness Airport (INV), which is located 27 miles from Elgin. Inverness Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from easyJet, British Airways, Loganair and other airlines departing from the United Kingdom. The shortest domestic flight to Elgin departs from London and takes around 1h 40m.

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Elgin, followed by Scotrail. The train journey from Elgin to Aberdeen takes 2h 14m and costs around £12 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Edinburgh, expect to pay about £57 for a 3h 30m trip. The train station in Elgin is called Elgin, and is located 7 miles from the city centre.

Another option to get to Elgin is to pick up a car hire from Edinburgh, which is about 117 miles from Elgin. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in Edinburgh.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Elgin, including Megabus, Scottish Citylink and FlixBus. From Glasgow, the bus ride to Elgin takes 218 miles and will cost you around £25. From Edinburgh, the ticket costs about £32 for a journey of 225 miles.

Airports near Elgin

Airlines serving elgin, where to stay in popular areas of elgin, most booked hotels in elgin, hiring a car in elgin.

Hiring a car in Elgin costs £41 per day, on average, or £81 if you want to hire it for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to hire your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 1% cheaper than airport locations in Elgin.

Expect to pay £1.49 per litre in Elgin (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £17.84 and £23.78. The most frequently booked car type in Elgin is Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Skoda Fabia or similar) is, on average, 77% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

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Visitor guide to Elgin in the North East coast of Scotland. Includes info on transport, accommodation, self catering cottages, eating and even info on Lossiemouth to Burghead.

Nine miles west of Fochabers and 38 miles east of Inverness , is the busy market town of Elgin, which dates back to the 13th century. Elgin has retained much of its medieval streetplan, making it one of the loveliest towns in the country. There's also a good range of shops, and banks with ATMs, in the town centre.

The best place to eat in town is the Mansfield House Hotel. There are plenty of cheaper places in town, including Littlejohn's, 193 High St, a Tex-Mex/Cajun restaurant chain that's child-friendly. Nearby, at 181 High St, is Ca'Dora, a fish and chip shop. Gordon and McPhail, 50-60 South St, is an excellent deli, with a lip-smacking variety of fine foods and a huge range of malt whiskies. A good pub is the 17th-century Thunderton House, in Thunderton Pl, off the High St.

Nearby Places

Travel directions to elgin.

Elgin is well-served by public transport. Trains run hourly every day to Aberdeen and Inverness , stopping at Forres and Nairn . Bluebird Buses, Tel. 01224-212266, run hourly to Aberdeen (3 hrs) and Inverness (1 1/4 hrs) via Nairn (40 mins) and Forres (25 mins). There are buses every 30 mins to Lossiemouth (20 mins) and hourly to Burghead (Mon-Sat, 30 mins). There are buses along the coast to Banff and Macduff, hourly to Dufftown (1 hr) and to Findhorn (Mon-Sat, 20 mins). There's also a bus once a day (schooldays only) to Pluscarden, Tel. 01542-882482. The bus station is central, on Alexandra Rd, 1 block north of the High Street.

The train station is about 750 yds south of town, on Station Rd, off Moss St, which runs south from the High St.

The tourist office is at 17 High St, Tel. 542666. Apr, May and Oct Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1400-1700, Sun 1300-1700; Jun and Sep daily till 1800; Jul and Aug daily till 1900.

Sea Kayaking (coastal) on Moray Coast - Full Day Session

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Local Sights & Activities for Elgin

The main tourist attraction is Elgin Cathedral, on North College Street, round the corner from the tourist office. Though partially ruined, the scattered remains still bear testament to what was once a majestic and beautiful cathedral. Founded in 1224, the cathedral was considered the finest in Scotland until 1390 when it was burned to the ground by the big, bad 'Wolf of Badenoch', the name given to Alexander Stewart, the illegitimate son of Robert II, following his excommunication by the bishop. And if that weren't bad enough, it was rebuilt, only to suffer further damage during the orgy of vandalism that followed the Reformation. There are still some 13th-century features remaining amongst the ruins, particularly the Pictish cross-slab and the octagonal chapterhouse. Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 1400-1830; Oct-Mar Mon-Wed and Sat 0930-1630, Thu 0930-1200, Sun 1400-1630. Tel. 547171.

Also in town is the Elgin Museum, at 1 High Street. It has excellent displays of fossils and Pictish relics, as well as some interesting anthropological collections. Tel. 543675. End Mar-Oct Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1600, Sun 1400-1700.

A new distillery not yet on the Malt Whisky Trail is Glen Moray Distillery , on Bruceland Road on the western outskirts of town. Tours all year every hour 0930-1530 Mon-Fri (Sat Jun-Sep).

Two miles north of Elgin is Spynie Palace, the residence of the Bishops of Moray from the 14th century till 1686, when they were abolished in the Scottish Church. The palace is now a ruin, though the massive tower built by Bishop David Stewart remains, affording spectacular views over Spynie Loch and the Moray Firth . Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1830, Sun 1400-1830; Oct-Mar weekends only till 1630.

Six miles southwest of Elgin, set in a sheltered valley, is the giant hulk of Pluscarden Abbey. The abbey was founded in 1230, but in 1390 became another victim of the incredibly vengeful Wolf of Badenoch (see above). It recovered, but then fell into disrepair after the Reformation, until 1948 when it was rebuilt by an order of Benedictine monks, who still inhabit the abbey, making it the only medieval monastery in Britain that still houses a monastic community. Today it is a residential retreat for men and women and is open all year round. It has 26 single rooms and two doubles. Maximum stay stay is two weeks and charges are by donation. There are also guided tours. Daily 0445-2045. Free. Tel. 890257, www.pluscardenabbey.org

Lossiemouth to Burghead

There are regular buses to Lossiemouth and Burghead from Elgin.

Six miles north of Elgin is Lossiemouth, funnily enough at the mouth of the River Lossie. The old fishing port is blessed with two fine beaches, to the east and west of town, and an excellent golf course, making it a popular seaside resort in summer. The town's real claim to fame, though, is as the birthplace of James Ramsay MacDonald (1866-1937), Britain's first Labour prime minister. Between 'Lossie' and Burghead, south of the coast road, is the scattered village of Duffus. The old part is home to a ruined 14th-century motte and bailey castle and an interesting 13th-century church, while the newer part is better known for its close neighbour, Gordonstoun School, the public school favoured (but not necessarily loved) by the royal family.

Six miles west of Lossie is the fishing village of Burghead, ancient Pictish capital of Moray and site of an important Iron-Age fort. The only real surviving feature is the well in King Street (key from No 69 King Street). The village gave its name to the Burghead Bulls, a series of remarkable Pictish stone carvings, some of which can be seen in the Elgin Museum (the others are in the Royal Museum in Edinburgh and the British Museum in London). The old Pictish New Year is still celebrated in the village on 11 January, when a burning tar barrel - the Clavie - is carried around. To the west of the village a wide sweep of sandy beach stretches all the way west to Findhorn . There's a good chance of seeing the Moray Firth's resident population of bottlenose dolphins from here.

Sleeping and Eating

There are a few campsites between Lossiemouth and Burghead. A couple of miles east of Burghead is Hopeman Sands Caravan Park, Tel. 830880, open Apr-Nov; and overlooking the beach to the west of Lossiemouth there's the Silver Sands Leisure Park, Tel. 813262, open Apr-Oct.

A good pub for food is Skerry Brae, on Stotfield Rd.

Castles Nearby

Delgatie Castle

C15th Castle near Turriff in excellent condition with long, interesting history. Two bedrooms available for B&B so great opportunity to stay.

Duffus Castle

Located 5 miles north-west of Elgin in Moray on the east coast of Scotland. This typical Norman castle was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier wooden construction. Today you can walk across the cobbled causeway and explore the stone ruins. It is in the care of Historic Scotland.

Nearby Ancient Monuments

Buccaneers Service Station

Fill up the car and give the kids something to really stare at - a Buccaneer RAF fighter jet in the forecourt! 

Nearby Distilleries

Miltonduff Distillery

Located on the site of the meal mill of Pluscarden Abbey,near Elgin,Miltonduff distillery  dates back to 1824.

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'.

Glen Moray Whisky Distillery

Located in the pretty city of Elgin, Glen Moray Whisky Distillery is well known for its range of Speyside single malt whisky.

Roseisle Distillery

Huge new distillery opened in 2010 and the first new distillery in Scotland in 30 years. Owned by Diageo

Elgin Hotels & Accommodation

There's a wide range of Accommodation in Elgin . Best of the hotels is the Mansion House Hotel, The Haugh (north of the High St, overlooking the river), Tel. 548811. 23 rooms. Full leisure facilities and a good restaurant in an elegant and comfortable town house.

Also recommended is the Mansfield House Hotel, on Mayne Rd (1 block south of the High St), Tel. 540883. 21 rooms. Centrally located, elegant town house. Its restaurant is very popular with locals and reputed to be the best in town (expensive).

The Lodge, 20 Duff Av, Tel. 549981; The Croft, 10 Institution Rd, Tel. 546004; and Ardgye House, Tel. 850618, which is 5 mins' drive from town on the A96 west to Inverness .

For something a bit different, there's The Old Church of Urquhart, Tel. 843063, a converted church in the tiny village of Urquhart, 5 miles east of Elgin, off the A96 to Aberdeen .

Self catering Cottages Near Elgin

• The Old Farmhouse Sleeps 5

Elgin Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering

Old Salthouse Sleeps 5 Moray Firth

Detached cottage located in the coastal village of Hopeman on shores of the Moray Firth, 7 miles from Elgin. Sleep five people in two bedrooms.

• Cottage details.

Mayne House, Elgin - Sleeps 10-11

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Distillery Tours and Whisky Visitor Centres

Elgin is the capital of Moray and a great base for exploring the Speyside Whisky region of Scotland. There are some 60 malt whisky distilleries in Speyside, many of them offering distillery tours and with visitor centres open to the public and worth a visit.

Glen Moray Distillery and Visitor Centre

In Elgin itself, Glen Moray Distillery offer year-round distillery tours (except for a two week closure over Christmas and New Year). The distillery sits on the western edge of Elgin, about a twenty five minute walk from the town centre. The standard tour includes a tasting of two drams. Specialist tours are also available, including one which looks at wine finishes for which Glen Moray has become known in the last twenty years or so. Advance booking is recommended, and is required for larger groups.

Glen Moray Distillery Visitor Centre Bruceland Road, Elgin, IV30 1YE Phone number 01343 550900 Email [email protected]

Speyside Cooperage

The wood of the cask is such an important part of the whisky making process – and there isn’t a better place to learn about it than Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie. Speyside Cooperage have been operating since 1947 and are now the largest independent cooperage in the UK producing and repairing some 150,000 casks each year. It is also the only cooperage in Britain with a visitor centre. Follow the lifecycle of the cask on a cooperage tour, marvel at the coopers practising their craft with traditional methods and tools. There is a gift shop and café on site to pick up a souvenir or a coffee.

Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre Dufftown Road, Craigellachie, AB38 9RS Phone number 01340 871108 Email [email protected]

Gordon and Macphail Retail Shop

Update: Gordon and Macphail’s Shop is temporarily located on Elgin High Street as the company develop their historic South Street premises into a unique whisky visitor experience .

Gordon and Macphail was founded in Elgin in 1895 as a grocery shop and still occupy the building on the corner of South Street and Culbard Street where they began. The company is no longer based above the shop having grown to become a leading independent bottler and owner of two distiileries. Any serious whisky visitor will want to see the range of 800 whiskies available at the retail shop to or do one of the tasting experiences on offer. Truly a mecca for whisky lovers.

Gordon and Macphail Retail Shop South Street, Elgin, IV30 1JX Phone number 01343 515110 Book a tasting experience

Bluebells in springtime on Inchcailloch island

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