
The coastline of the Moray Firth is rich in wildlife; you'll find otters, ospreys, seals and even bottlenose dolphins leaping out of the clear waters. Famous attractions in Moray include The Castle Trail, The Speyside Way, The Coastal Trail, The Victorian Heritage Trail, and The Malt Whisky Trail.
Elgin is the main city and its narrow lanes yield a wealth of medieval buildings, cosy pubs, cafes and restaurants. Moray's rich farmland provides restaurants with an abundance of produce while the sea is a constant supply of fresh fish and seafood.
Archiestown HotelA striking building occupying the village square in Archiestown, this traditional hotel is warm and comfortable; a log fire burns in the sitting room where you can lose an hour or two browsing the huge book collection.
Archiestown, Aberlour, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Dowans HotelBuilt as a private residence over a century ago, The Dowans Hotel still looks beautifully baronial – although it has been fitted out with all the mod cons of a first-class country hotel.
, Aberlour, Moray - Cuisine: Scottish
Craigellachie HotelThis grandiose Victorian mansion surrounded by acres of parkland enjoys uninterrupted views over the dramatic Moray landscape. A country house ambience prevails, and rooms are tastefully furnished with period furniture.
, Craigellachie, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Cullen Bay HotelStanding on the site of Farksane House - once home to the lairds of Gordon - this seventeenth-century residence was converted into a hotel in 1924, and now operates as a congenial family-run set-up.
, Cullen, Moray - Cuisine: Scottish
The Seafield Arms HotelBuilt by the 'earl of the manor' in 1822, this fine old building stands proudly in a little coastal village right on the doorstep of the famous Seafield Estate.
17 - 19 Seafield Street, Cullen, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
La FaisanderieAs you might guess from the name, seasonal Scottish game with a pronounced French accent is one of the attractions at this two-tiered, bistro-style restaurant in the town square.
2 Balvenie Street, Dufftown, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Taste of SpeysideThis modest pine-furnished eating house is dedicated to all things regionally Scottish. Top billing goes to The Speyside Platter – a cornucopia of smoked salmon, whisky-laced chicken liver pâté, local farmhouse cheese, smoked venison, sweet-cured herrings, oatcakes and whole bread plus some fresh salad.
10 Balvenie Street, Dufftown, Moray - Cuisine: Scottish
The Duffus InnAn excellent choice for travellers and families, the Durrus Inn is conveniently located within easy reach of Elgin, Lossiemouth and Forres.
1 Hopeman Road, Duffus, Moray - Cuisine: International
Mansion House HotelNestling in its own grounds by the banks of the River Lossie, this upgraded nineteenth-century baronial mansion combines the grace of a bygone age with all today's comforts and facilities.
The Haugh, Elgin, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
The Mansefield HotelSet in the west end of Elgin near the city centre, The Mansfield is a beautifully refurbished manse dating from around 1839, but now operates as a swish hotel with a prestigious conference centre and many other facilities for business and pleasure.
2 Mayne Road, Elgin, Moray - Cuisine: International
Cluny Bank Hotel, Franklin's RestaurantBuilt as a private residence in early Victorian times, Cluny Bank is set in the best residential area of Forres beneath Cluny Hill, and is now in the capable hands of Lloyd and Julia Kenny.
69 St Leonard's Road, Forres, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Knockomie HotelSituated four miles from the Moray coast, this carefully preserved Arts & Crafts house is tucked away just off a country road on the outskirts of Forres.
Grantown Road, Forres, Moray - Cuisine: Scottish
Minmore House HotelThe world-renowned Glenlivet Crown Estate provides a magnificent backdrop for this elegant stone country house set in four acres of landscaped gardens.
Glenlivet Crown Estate, Glenlivet, Moray - Cuisine: European
Craggan MillA converted 300-year-old mill (complete with a working wheel) is the atmospheric setting for this carefully fashioned country restaurant-cum-art gallery.
, Grantown on Spey, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Culdearn HouseIntimacy is a virtue at this personally run, Victorian villa in the heart of Speyside. Built of locally quarried granite, it puts on a sturdy face, and inside it looks the part with original wood panelling, fine moulded ceilings and marble fireplaces.
Woodlands Terrace, Grantown on Spey, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Muckrach Lodge Hotel'Muckrach' comes from the Gaelic meaning 'haunt of the wild boar' and this one-time Victorian sporting lodge is still surrounded by the woods and farms of the original Estate.
Dulnain Bridge, Grantown on Spey, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
The Glass House RestaurantAptly named, this stylish contemporary restaurant occupies a converted bungalow, with the living room and glassed-in conservatory now serving as the two dining areas.
Grant Road, Grantown on Spey, Moray - Cuisine: Modern Scottish