The very best places to stay in
Moray
Winding along the edge of the northeast Highlands, the Moray Coast is a quietly magical slice of Scotland — all golden sands, rugged cliffs and charming fishing villages with colourful boats bobbing in tiny harbours. Moray feels like a secret — known best by those who love its raw beauty and unspoilt calm.
You might not come for showy sights, but you’ll stay for the understated richness of it all. Think slow mornings watching the North Sea glitter, wild swims and evenings spent under vast, star-flooded skies. See our Kip tips for the region below.
A romantic A-frame cabin, a cosy cottage for 4, ancient castles and coastal adventures await with our best places to stay in Moray.
Featured stays in
Moray
Curate your Moray stay
Kip tips
WITH KIDS.
This coastline is one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins, and you often don’t need a boat. Head to Chanonry Point (near Fortrose) or Spey Bay for the best chance — bring a flask, perch on the rocks, and watch the magic unfold.
ARCHITECTURE.
Crail and Anstruther might get more press, but the Moray Coast has its own fairytale harbours. Findochty, with its candy-coloured cottages and peaceful quay, is postcard-pretty. Cullen is famous for its creamy haddock soup and sea glass-strewn beach, while Portsoy is a gem of 17th-century stone and salty air.
MUST DO.
Speyside — the heart of Scotland’s whisky country — begins right here. From big hitters like The Glenlivet and Macallan, to smaller, family-run distilleries like Benromach in Forres, the region is steeped in tradition. Many offer tastings and behind-the-scenes tours (book ahead in summer).
FOODIE TREAT.
Food is taken seriously here. Visit Brodie Countryfare or Roseisle Gardens for local produce, or book into a foraging walk with Wild Things!, where you’ll gather edible seaweed and coastal herbs. For a treat, The Bothy Bistro in Burghead serves exquisite local seafood with a view.
BEST ACTIVITY.
A lesser-known long-distance path, this 50-mile trail runs from Forres to Cullen, passing through hidden coves, pine woods and seal-populated shores. Break it into gentle segments, or pick a section that ends near a cosy pub (we love the Harbour Inn at Burghead for sunset drinks).
SECRET KIP TIP.
The beaches are stunning, but the sea can be brisk. The locals swim year-round at Hopeman. Another great in-the-know secret is Bow Fiddle Rock — a dramatic sea arch near Portknockie that looks like, well, a fiddle’s bow. It’s a spectacular sunset spot, especially in spring when the seabirds nest.
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Why book a Moray holiday with
Kip Hideaways?
We endlessly research and curate the very best places to stay across the UK: all gorgeous and great value. Beautiful, unique style is a must for us but it’s the thoughtful detail and owners who really care that make our hideaways so special.
Our design-led hideaways include cabins with hot tubs, dog-friendly cottages, romantic treehouses and family-friendly houses.
