Local Interests

Gordon & MacPhail

Under ½ hr away at Elgin is the world’s leading Malt Whisky specialist. Over 800 rare malts, vintages from 1936, tutored tastings. For further details please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com .

Brodie Countryfare

Between Forres and Nairn, ½ hr to the west at Brodie Castle, Brodie Countryfare combines quality shopping with a traditional Scottish Foodhall. Gifts & interiors, ladies fashion, children designerwear, kitchen & tableware, delicatessen. Situated in a relaxing rural environment. For further details please visit www.brodiecountryfare.com .

Brodie Castle

16th century tower house set in peaceful parkland, containing fine French furniture, a major portrait collection and a library with 6,000 volumes. Castle open all summer, grounds open daily all year. For further details please call 01309 641371.

Spynie Palace

Impressive medieval residence of the Bishops of Moray at Elgin. Visited by Mary Stuart. Open all summer, weekends only in winter. For further details please call 01343 546358.

Cawder Castle

Located at Nairn about ¾ hr west of the hotel, Cawder is forever linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. A fairy-tale castle, steeped in medieval Scottish history but also home to The Dowager Countess Cawder. For further details please visit www.cawdercastle.com .

Duff House

About ½ hr east of the hotel at Banff , Duff House is one of Scotland's most important historic houses with world class collections of fine art and furniture. Events and exhibitions throughout the year. Open daily during summer, 4 days a week during winter. For further details please visit www.duffhouse.com .

Falconry Visitor Centre

About half an hour from the hotel at Huntly, the Centre displays spectacular Peregrine Falcons, Owls and Eagles with daily flying demonstrations. The public facilities include a picnic area, gift shop and café with Red Deer roaming nearby. For further details please call 01466 760328.

Findhorn Heritage Centre & Icehouse

About 40 mins from the hotel, the centre run by volunteers is set in the vast underground chambers of the icehouse built over 150 years ago and is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the net salmon fishing industry. The icehouse is a designated Ancient Monument. For further details please call 01 309 690659.

Strathspey Steam Railway

Running from Aviemore to Grantown on Spey about ¾ hr south of the hotel, trains operate daily throughout the season and offer 1st & 3rd travel and a range of refreshments in the dining car. For further details please visit www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk .

Keith & Dufftown Railway

Experience the Malt Whisky country by rail. Trains run every Fri, Sat & Sun during the summer from Keith to Dufftown, the Whisky Capital, the return trip taking 90 mins. For further details please visit www.keith-dufftown.org.uk .

Highland Wildlife Park

Near Kincraig. For further details please visit www.highlandwildlifepark.org .

Landmark Forest Theme Park

Located ¾ hr south of the hotel at Carrbridge. For further details please visit www.landmark-centre.co.uk .