Forres brings together cultural history and trails through varied landscapes. Sueno’s Stone is a striking example of early medieval sculpture; the options range from the short Town Walk to the 24-mile Dava Way, from a circuit around the town and its surroundings to a designated long-distance route. Parks, a loch and experiences related to whisky-making offer further highlights for your explorations.

Art and History in Forres

Sueno’s Stone is the tallest and most complex surviving example of early medieval sculpture in Scotland. On its west face, a relief depicts a ringed cross; the shaft is filled with interlaced spiral knotwork. The stone stands on the eastern outskirts of Forres and can be reached via the old Findhorn Road. Its details make looking closely at the sculpture an experience in its own right.

St Laurence Church stands on a Christian place of worship whose origins are thought to date back to the mid-13th century. The present building was completed in 1906; its windows form the largest collection of works by Douglas Strachan. Forres Market Cross offers a different historical connection: Thomas Mackenzie designed it in 1844, based on the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. Local history, architectural history and a deliberately chosen monument as a model can thus be explored through different examples.

A building of particular significance has stood on the site of Forres Tolbooth for around 800 years. The present Tolbooth was built in 1838 and houses a courtroom, chambers and prison cells. The site’s long history and the rooms in the present building are two distinct aspects of the place.

Founded in 1871, the Falconer Museum is currently closed until a new operator or operating model is in place. Check its status before planning a visit.

Trails, Parks and Views

Grant Park and Cluny Hill form a public park dedicated to recreation and nature conservation. Several footpaths lead into and through Grant Park; from the northern slopes of Cluny Hill, you can look out over the town of Forres. The short Town Walk is a circular route through Forres and its surroundings. Check trail conditions locally. This short circuit contrasts with a much longer route: 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. The landscape includes farmland, woodland and heathland.

Another trail leads through the woodland of Cluny Hill to Nelson’s Tower. The Forres Trafalgar Club built the tower in the early 19th century to commemorate Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The rooftop viewing platform, installed in 2018, is reached by climbing 96 narrow steps and offers uninterrupted views of Forres, Findhorn Bay and the surrounding landscape. Access conditions may vary seasonally; check before your visit.

Sanquhar Loch was created in the early 20th century and is a local scenic attraction. It has since become a retreat for birds and wildlife; sightings vary by season. This gives the loch a different character from the paths through the park and woodland: wildlife is the focus here, while the routes differ in their form and length.

Whisky Making and Visitor Experiences

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

At Benromach, the Exploration Tour lets you experience the sights, sounds and smells of craft whisky-making. The visitor experience also includes tasting flights from the Signature range. Access restrictions may apply during refurbishment work in 2026; the tasting options may also change. Check tour dates and offerings before your visit. Dallas Dhu and Benromach thus offer different highlights: here, the focus is on the remains of historic distilling; there, on a tour and tastings.

Discover more destinations: Strathpeffer, Lybster, Contin, Lochinver, Gairloch, Duntulm, Knockbain, Glenelg

For the regional travel overview: Highland.