Forres offer’s a wide range of popular attractions of historical interests, guided walks, fishing, varied wildlife and shops, restaurants (including Italian French Indian Thai), cafes, pubs with food, take-a-ways, pizzas.
The coastline is one of the most inviting to be found anywhere in Scotland with picturesque old fishing villages like Findhorn and sandy beaches and coves just waiting to be explored.
Malt Whisky Trail was established to promote a select group of the distilleries that were open to visitors. Forres is home to 2 of the distilleries included in the trail, the Benromach and the Dallas Dhu, see the whisky page for more info.
Both local and surrounding areas are steeped in history from the Pictish era when the mysterious 'Suenos Stone' which stands over 22 foot tall was erected. It is the largest know Pictish sculptured stone in the world and can be seen at the east end of Forres town.
Opened in 1812 to commemorate Admiral Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 it was the first memorial in Britain to be built in honour of Lord Nelson.
Nelson's Tower on the top of Cluny hill offers spectacular views over Forres and the Moray Firth.
Nelson's Tower has 96 steps taking you to the viewing area at the top of the tower, there are two upper floors where you can catch your breath and have a look at the small exhibition of Nelson memorabilia and local photographs.
Open seasonally, May to September 2pm to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday.
A Flag is flown (weather permitting) when the Tower is open.
There are many interesting castles and historic monuments to visit,
St Laurence Church a magnificent neo-Gothic building overshadows the centre of town. Rodney Stone is a Pictish symbol stone situated in the grounds of Brodie Castle. The last battle on British soil was fought in 1746 at Culloden battlefield just outside of the Highland city of Inverness, about a 30-mile drive from Forres.
The historic Witches Stone in Forres dates back to Pictish times and now marks the spot where Shakespeare refers to one of three witches who placed in barrels and rolled down Cluny Hill came to rest and were burned.
About 3 miles east of Forres is Kinloss Abbey remains, the Abbey was founded in 1150 by King David and was colonised by Cistercian monks. These days the area is very different with the Abbey grounds forming part of the local cemetery and surrounded by the local RAF Airbase.