The Daily Record has named Nairn in the Scottish Highlands as its best town to visit during autumn, praising its gorgeous beaches, picturesque coastal walks and enchanting forests
A town in the Scottish Highlands has been named the best place to visit in autumn.
The seaside town of Nairn is known as a stunning spot for summer getaways, but it’s believed to be even more beautiful during the autumn months. VisitScotland has dubbed it the “Highland Playground” for its friendly and tranquil coastal atmosphere. It’s lined by gorgeous beaches and there are several enchanting forests to traipse through just outside the town. Wildlife lovers are also drawn to Nairn for the marine animals, like dolphins and seals along the coast, and the rare birds, like cormorants, gannets, and ospreys, that touch down there. Golfers will also have a great time in the town, with two championship courses offering magnificent views over the coast while you’re teeing off.
There are also plenty of places to refuel after a long day exploring the charming streets. No trip to the seaside would be complete without stopping in at a chippy. Nairn’s best is the Strathnairn Beach Cafe which looks out over the water, according to the Daily Record, which gave it its Town of the Month honour for October. When arriving in the town, its worth first checking out the scenic harbour. Once an ancient fishing port, it’s now popular among sailors and dolphin spotters. Take a small trip outside Nairn and you’ll find Cawdor Wood – a charming forest with hiking trails and even a medieval castle to get lost in. The forest looks straight out of an autumn postcard.
Without the sun to line the shores, wandering along the beach may seem out of place in autumn, but Nairn’s coastal trails and dolphins make a visit well worth it. And while you’re there, you can stop in at the Strathnairn Beach Cafe and sample its delicious, locally-sourced grub. Recent visitors have praised the “friendly staff”, “great views” and “lovely fish and chips” on Google reviews.
Another spot for glorious views is the Wallace Bandstand, which is still standing nearly 150 years after being built. The bandstand sits on a stretch of manicured lawn sloping down to the sea. Earlier this month, another English town was also hailed as a great autumn getaway. Nestled within the stunning Norfolk coastline, Holkham’s beach is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful stretches of sand in the country. With the sand extending for miles when the tide is out and bordered by vast pine woods, the beach is perfect for a morning stroll, reportsthe Express.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow even walked across the Holkham sand at low tide during the closing scenes of the film ‘Shakespeare in Love’. Extremely popular in the summer, on a fresh autumn day you may be lucky enough to have the boundless sands to yourself, with the beach described as “beautiful” and “clean”.
