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EuropeUnited KingdomScotland

Nairn

Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe

About Nairn

Nairn works well as a base: 20 minutes from Ardersier, 43km from Loch Ness.

Nairn is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 10,190, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Nairn sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Nairn to your route.

About Nairn

Nairn (; Scottish Gaelic: Inbhir Narann) is a town and former royal burgh in the Highland Council area of Scotland. It is an ancient fishing port and market town around 17 miles (27 km) east of Inverness, at the point where the River Nairn enters the Moray Firth. It is the traditional county town of Nairnshire. At the

Read more 2022 census, Nairn had a population of 9,394, making it the third-largest settlement in the Highland Council area, behind Inverness and Fort William. Nairn is best known as a seaside resort, with two golf courses, beaches, a community centre and arts venue, a small theatre (The Little Theatre) and a small museum, providing information on the local area and incorporating the collection of the former Fishertown museum.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Nairn

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Nairn?

Nairn offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Nairn?

Plan your road trip to Nairn with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Nairn as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Nairn located?

Nairn is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 57.5809 latitude, -3.8797 longitude.

What is the population of Nairn?

Nairn has a population of approximately 10,190 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
10,190
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
57.5809, -3.8797

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomScotlandTown

Worth the detour from Nairn

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

scenic viewpoint

Chanonry Point

One of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.

13 km · about 25 min drive

landmark

Culloden Battlefield

The moor where the 1746 Jacobite rising was crushed, now a moving memorial and visitor centre near Inverness.

17 km · about 20 min drive

ancient ruins

Clava Cairns

A serene cluster of 4,000-year-old burial cairns and standing stones near Inverness, beloved by Outlander fans.

17 km · about 20 min drive

landmark

Glenmorangie Distillery

A famed Highland single malt distillery on the Dornoch Firth near Tain, offering tours and tastings on the NC500.

29 km · about 35 min drive

natural wonder

Loch Ness

Scotland's most legendary loch, containing more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined and home to the fabled monster Nessie.

43 km · about 50 min drive

castle

Urquhart Castle

Atmospheric ruins on the shores of Loch Ness with one of the best monster-spotting vantage points, dating back to the 13th century.

44 km · about 50 min drive

castle

Dunrobin Castle

A fairytale French-château-style castle with formal gardens and falconry displays on the NC500's east coast.

45 km · about 50 min drive

waterfall

Rogie Falls

A series of waterfalls crossed by a bouncy suspension bridge where salmon leap, an easy forest stop near Contin.

45 km · about 50 min drive

Driving roads near Nairn

  • Right hereChanonry PointOne of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.
  • 53 kmCairngorm Mountain FunicularA funicular railway climbing high into the Cairngorms near Aviemore for panoramic alpine views and winter snowsports.
  • 57 kmThe Lecht (A939 Old Military Road)Notorious high crossing of the eastern Cairngorms on the 18th-century military road between Cockbridge and Tomintoul, climbing to 637m with roller-coaster gradients: often the first UK road closed by snow.
  • 69 kmGlen AffricOften called Scotland's most beautiful glen, a wilderness of ancient Caledonian pines, lochs and red deer.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

May to September

Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Nairn.

Ardersier

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 1,110

Fortrose

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

15 km awayPop. 1,400

Forres

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

16 km awayPop. 9,900

Balloch

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

17 km awayPop. 1,440

Culloden

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

19 km awayPop. 4,240

Kinloss

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

19 km awayPop. 1,250

Balintore

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

19 km awayPop. 1,090

Smithton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

20 km awayPop. 2,090

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence