Discover Findhorn: Coast, Nature and History

Findhorn combines a long sandy beach, a village steeped in history and a remarkable natural setting on Findhorn Bay. For your travel planning, this means you can combine days by the water with walks, local history, art and wildlife watching. A holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Findhorn is particularly suited to travellers who do not want to limit their stay to a single attraction, but instead want to discover a range of experiences at their own pace.

Coast and paths for different daily itineraries

Findhorn Beach is a long, uninterrupted beach with fine white sand near the village of Findhorn. It is easily accessible and has plenty of parking spaces. The village itself is easy to explore on foot. This gives Findhorn a clear structure for planning your days: you can include the village and the beach separately in your itinerary without turning every outing into a major undertaking.

Anyone looking for a longer walk will find the Moray Coast Trail, a signposted coastal path of approximately 50 miles (80 km). The path runs from Findhorn to Cullen. Another section follows Findhorn Beach around the bay to Burghead, passing Roseisle Country Park and wooded areas. Take the approximate total length into account when planning and choose the stage that suits your trip. Along the route at Findhorn Beach, there are also large concrete anti-tank barriers from the Second World War – an unusual historical detail in the coastal landscape.

Findhorn Bay: Nature with special protected status

Findhorn Bay is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. It is also part of the Moray and Nairn Coast SPA, which is of national and international importance for overwintering waterfowl. Those interested in landscapes and birdlife have an additional reason here not to view the bay merely as a beach setting. These designations make clear that the natural environment plays an important role in the Findhorn travel experience in its own right.

Village history, harbour and cultural discoveries

The historic village of Findhorn dates back to the late 17th century. Findhorn was once Moray’s most important seaport. The Findhorn Harbour Piers, which are listed as a Category B listed building, also recall this past. Findhorn Church was built in 1843 as a Free Church to a design by John Urquhart. Together, these buildings and the harbour’s history create a village setting that combines well with a leisurely walk through Findhorn.

The Findhorn Heritage Centre & Icehouse presents the history of the village and the surrounding landscape. The centre provides information about Findhorn’s earliest inhabitants and displays a clay burial urn from the Bronze Age. Particularly vivid are the approximately 150-year-old underground vaulted chambers, which were used to store ice that kept salmon cool on their journey to London. When planning your visit, take the opening hours into account: in June, July and August, the Centre is open daily from 14:00 to 16:30; in May and September, it is open on Saturdays and Sundays.

More contemporary culture also has its place. For almost 20 years, the Moray Art Centre has offered an annual programme of local and international exhibitions and events, as well as an extensive programme of courses and weekend workshops for all levels. Anyone who would like to include gardening in their stay is also very welcome to join the Friends of Park Garden.

Water, woodland and choosing your accommodation

Findhorn Watersports is an independent sailing school operated on the grounds of the Royal Findhorn Yacht Club. The Findhorn Watersports Taxi runs from Findhorn’s northern pontoon and carries passengers to Culbin Forest and back. These offerings expand the possibilities beyond the beach and village history. If you are primarily looking for coastal paths and nature, there is much to be said for a stay with enough time for walks and the bay. If cultural discoveries are your priority, you can include the Heritage Centre, church, harbour and art programme in your daily itinerary.

Further places for planning your trip

For your further search for suitable destinations, you can also discover Ballindalloch, Portknockie, Fochabers, Hopeman, Knock, Aberlour, Findochty and Dandalieth.

To the main travel overview: Moray.