Wondering what the 5 best things to do in Nairn are?
Great! You have found what you were looking for so let’s have a look at what Nairn has to offer…
1. Six Miles of Beaches
Yes Nairn has 6 miles of golden sandy beaches. In fact we have so much beach we have had to break it into sections and give them all different names!
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is perfect for those who want pristine sanddunes, gently sloping into the blue sea of the Moray Firth. You will get solitude for romantic beach walks or exercising your four legged family.
Altonsyde is perfectly placed for walking, cycling and golfing in Nairn. We often walk to Secret Beach and the Ice House from Altonsyde. A walk that incorporates, Secret Beach, West Beach, farmers fields and Golf Course.
West Beach
This area is the only area of our 6 miles of beaches which has rock pools. At low tide the low lying sandstone, interspersed with our soft golden sand is perfect for exploring. Children can bring a bucket and net and see what little creatures they can discover, sheltering for the next tide to arrive.
Also watch out for the clever rooks and crows. These clever corvids search along this section at low tide, looking for mussels which have come free of their moorings. The lift up the mussel and then drop them on Nairn’s promenade to break open the hard surface. Even if you don’t see the clever crows in action, don’t be surprised to step over open mussel shells as you walk or cycle along Nairn’s promenade.
Central Beach
This area is popular with families. Again this area offers sheltered golden sands with nearby parking and toilets at Nairn Links. Not only is Central Beach perfect for family picnics there are a lot of tempting places to get an ice cream or gorgeous lunch. Why not try Strathnairn Beach Cafe (try their tacos!), James on the Putting Green (amazing ice cream), Basils Harbour Cafe (fantastic breakfast and lunches), Sundancer (amazing views and food).
The splashpad is something the kids of all ages will love. With water jets and pirate ships, this fun safe area will allow the kids to cool off on a lovely summer’s day.
East Beach
East beach is located at the other side of the pictureque Nairn Harbour and Historic Fishertown. Nairn East Beach offers sheltered bathing, easy access to the Nairn Lochloy Caravan park and parking at the Maggot Carpark (named after the tradition of the local fisher people harvesting bait from this area). The East Beach is adjacent to the Nature Reserve of the Culbin Forest with walks for all abilities. Don’t forget to take your binoculars!
2. Nairn Kayak Centre (Highland Experiences Ltd)
Get out on the water! Nairn Kayak Centre offers beginner’s kayak sessions on #kayakthursdays. Every Thursday throughout the summer months, you can enjoy a friendly fun session on sit on top kayaks. All the gear is provided, kayak, life preserver, over trousers, paddle and our friendly guide to ensure you have a fun, safe time on the water.
Depending on the tide and winds, your guide will take you East or West along our spectacular beaches. Telling you a little about the history, birdlife and keeping their eyes peeled for any seals or dolphins in the distance. Ever held a Jelly Fish? Aren’t they all stingers? No! If we are lucky enough to see a Moon Jelly Fish we will let you know all about these non-stingy Jelly Fish, which some years entice Basking Sharks into the sheltered waters of Nairn’s Moray Firth!
3. Visit Nairn Museum
Nairn Museum is located near the town centre of Nairn and offers a unique peak into the fascinating history of Nairn. learn all about Nairn’s Fishertown History, the hidden villages under the Culbin Sands and Forest and much more. Nairn Museum is child friendly and has a wheelchair available to borrow and a lift for those with limited mobility. Nairn Museum offers a great cultural experience in the heart of Nairn.
What about Isobel Gowdie the Witch of Auldearn?
Military and war in and around Nairnshire?
Life in Nairn? Schools? Curling? Burgh houses?
This little gem of a museum will offer something for everyone.
4. Walk along Nairn River
This riverside walk can be as long or as short as your desire or ability. Perhaps the easiest starting point is at the Nairn Fisher Wife. You can explore Nairn Harbour and see the ducks and swans on the little Island in the River Nairn. Keep your eyes peeled for the huge mooring rings which were used to secure the fishing boats. At one time their were so many fishing boats on the River Nairn that a man could pass from one side of the river to the other without getting his feet wet.
The River takes in beautiful park land, where red squirrels frequent and you might be blessed for a rare glimpse of a kingfisher. More details of a short Nairn River Walk can be found here on the Nairn Scotland website.
For those with more stamina, why not walk up the river as far as Cawdor Castle? The River Nairn to Cawdor walk is 5.5 miles along the beautiful River Nairn. This is a reasonably gentle walk, with no great elevation gain but it isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility. If you don’t fancy visiting Cawdor Castle you might want to stop at the Cawdor Tavern for a pint instead. A bit of refreshment before walking back home again to Nairn.
5. Nairn Community and Arts Centre and Nairn’s Little Theatre
Nairn Community and Arts Centre has a lot to offer visitors and locals of all ages. From regular film nights, exhibitions, galleries and shows, there will always be something on offer if you fancy a little bit of culture. Their live events and tickets can be bought online, so you can plan your fun in advance.
Nairn’s Little Theatre can be found in the Fishertown area of Nairn. It is a little hidden gem with an amazing mosaic on it’s outside wall. Nairn’s Little Theatre is now run by a charity, Nairn Drama and offers theatre, drama and music. An amazing eclectic mix, as well as being one of the venues of the amazing Nairn Book Festival.
