Forres: Discover Culture, History and Nature

At the eastern edge of Forres stands Sueno’s Stone, accessible via the old Findhorn Road. It is considered the tallest and most complex surviving example of early medieval sculpture in Scotland. On its west side, a relief bears a ringed cross; the shaft is filled with intricate spiral interlace. The monument combines a striking location on the edge of town with a detail worth looking at more closely.

Historic buildings and their stories

Buildings in the town centre also offer a way to distinguish between different layers of history. Forres Market Cross was designed by Thomas Mackenzie in 1844 and modelled on the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. The present Forres Tolbooth, by contrast, dates from 1838. Its building contains a courtroom, chambers and prison cells. A building of particular significance has stood on the site of the Tolbooth for around 800 years—a longer history for the site than that of the present structure.

St Laurence Church extends this historical perspective further back: Christian worship at the site is thought to date to the mid-13th century, while the present church building was completed in 1906. Its windows form the largest collection of works by the artist Douglas Strachan. The church thus brings together the presumed early origins of worship at the site and a much later building, complemented by a significant collection of glasswork.

Along a different historic trail, Nelson’s Tower commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson. The Forres Trafalgar Club had the tower built in the early 19th century to honour Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The route there passes through the woodland of Cluny Hill. An observation platform was added to the roof in 2018: it can be reached via 96 narrow steps and offers uninterrupted views of Forres, Findhorn Bay and the surrounding landscape. Access arrangements may vary seasonally.

Trails through varied landscapes

The Dava Way is a long-distance walking and off-road cycling route, and one of Scotland’s Great Trails. It follows the former Highland Railway Line for 24 miles (38 km) between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. Farmland, woodland and moorland characterise the route. For a shorter circuit, the Town Walk offers a different kind of route: this short circular trail passes through Forres and its surroundings. Check current trail conditions locally.

Grant Park and Cluny Hill offer another focus for walks in green surroundings. Together, they form a public park dedicated to recreation and nature conservation. Several footpaths lead into and through Grant Park; the northern slopes of Cluny Hill overlook the town. Sanquhar Loch adds another local attraction to the landscape. The loch was created in the early 20th century and has become a haven for birds and wildlife. Sightings vary by season.

Whisky history and museum visits

Dallas Dhu is a well-preserved record of the art of distilling. Visitors can see remnants of the historic production process, from the kiln, where barley was dried over a lightly peated fire, to the large mash tun. Check access arrangements before visiting.

At Benromach, the Exploration Tour offers an impression of the sights, sounds and smells of craft whisky-making. Access to tours may be restricted during modernisation work in 2026. Whisky tasting flights from the Signature range are also part of the visitor experience; offerings may change.

The Falconer Museum is closed until a new operator or operating model is in place. Check its status before visiting. Permanent exhibitions include social history, geology, natural history and archaeology; the exhibitions may change if the museum reopens under a new operating model.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Onich, Portskerra, Shieldaig, Isle Of Skye, Tomatin, Totscore, Ardvasar, Talmine.

Go to the main travel overview: Highland.