Nairn

Nairn is a coastal town on the Moray Firth with fine views across to the Black Isle peninsula and extensive sandy beaches. The town’s old harbour is now an active sailing club and you can often view boats arriving into the busy harbour.

When at the beach or harbour area, look out for the seals and dolphins which live in the Firth. These are the most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins in Britain.

The town itself is split between the former ‘fishertown’ with its old fishing cottages and the later Victorian part of town with its fine houses, churches and town centre.

There are numerous walks in the area taking in beaches, the river and woodland, and Culbin Forest.

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Nairn High Street and Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain

Where to visit

NAIRN BEACHES AND THE LINKS

Known as the 'Brighton of the North', Charlie Chaplain used to holiday here with his family. There are four sandy beaches at Nairn stretching for around 6 miles in total, all with sand dunes and marram grass. See Nairn tide times.

Central Beach covers west of the harbour as far as the leisure centre. It is one of the winners of Scotland’s Beach Awards 2026.

The beach runs along the promenade, and past The Links with its cricket pitch and bandstand, then West Links and Leisure Park. There are cafes and children's play areas.

For a warm up afterwards there is Sauna Ostara, a wood-fired sauna in a converted horsebox overlooking Central Beach.

West Beach covers west of the leisure centre as far as Whiteness Beach, going past the golf club. It is popular for swimming and rockpooling.

East Beach covers from east of the harbour wall to Culbin Forest and includes the RSPB Culbin Sands reserve (see below).

Whiteness Beach covers from west of the golf club to Whiteness Point. It is also known as the Secret Beach due to being secluded and only accessible at low tide.

The Links cricket pitch and bandstand in Nairn

CULBIN SANDS RSPB RESERVE

The highlight of Nairn is the Sands. The area was part of an estate until it was overrun by sands in 1694. It was not until the Forestry Commission planted trees in 1922 that the area was stabilised.

Today it is a great place to view wildlife and get away into the countryside. There are many walks and places to relax. It is especially good for watching birds, with the RSPB looking after the site.

It is 10 minutes' walk from the harbour to the East Beach car park, followed by half a mile of footpath to reach the reserve.

NAIRN MUSEUM

This independent museum dating from 1860 is located in the Regency-era Viewfield House. It has exhibits of maritime history and farming history.

The museum is located in the attractive Viewfield Park, which contains Nairn Town Community Orchard and one of the trees planted for The Queen's Green Canopy project to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen's Green Canopy tree in Viewfield Park, Nairn

RIVER NAIRN CIRCUIT

This scenic three mile circuit walk takes you from the harbour along the banks of the river and back. Keen walkers can extend the walk all the way to Cawdor, a distance of about 5.5 miles each way.

NAIRN LEISURE CENTRE

This facility has a 25 metre swimming pool and steam room, plus an outdoor leisure park with outdoor gym and seasonal splash pad and putting green.

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Walking distances given from the train station.