Nairn is a pretty seaside town, just 17 miles from Inverness, on the picturesque Moray Firth. Look out to sea and there are sandbanks and rolling oceans, and inland is the sandy-floored Culbin Forest. The best places to stay in Nairn make a perfect base for a beach break, a walking or cycling holiday, or a golfing break. Our picks here include an elegant country house conversion, which is arguably one of the most romantic hotels in the Highlands.

Nairn’s northern position means its summers offer long, light days, which are an ideal match for the long, long sandy beaches of this stretch of coastline. Yes, eventually the midges come out in force, but between May and June it’s cool but sunny, and almost midge free. In the peak summer months it's harder to avoid the pests, but you will be rewarded for the inconvenience by the possibility of seeing whales, dolphins, seals and an amazing array of birdlife.

Don't forget to plan ahead...The best places to stay in Nairn will be very busy come July and August!

The Best Places to Stay in Nairn

For an Elegant Escape

• Boath House is an elegant Georgian manor conversion set on beautifully manicured grounds just outside Nairn. Its 22 rooms and suites have been individually decorated by owners dutifully restoring the house to its former glory. Original features are on show, and there’s a nice collection of antiques, as well as all the mod cons travellers expect. If you’re planning a special occasion consider one of the four-poster rooms, with their grand beds, artworks and impressive bathrooms. The hotel also now has a spa, and a very popular restaurant. They’re pet friendly, but not family-friendly.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Nairn is Inverness Airport, which is a very simple 15 minutes away by car. Aberdeen International Airport may be more practical from some destinations, and is a two hour rail journey from Nairn, or about an hour and a half in the car. If you’d prefer to arrive in Nairn by rail you’re looking at a journey of about ten hours from London.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Climate-wise the best time to visit Nairn is during the late spring or summer months, between about May and September. It’s the driest period, with long, long sunny days. May and June are the best months as far as the midges go — they’re not really out in full force yet. Winter is crisp, with an occasional dusting of snow, but you will definitely see snow on the hills and mountains, and this can be an idyllic time for walkers to visit. Snowsports are on the table too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Inverness-shire or just to the best places to stay in Inverness, just 17 miles to the east
• Consider our Gurus recommendations in the Highlands and Islands
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.