Nairn - A Tropical Paradise Close To Home
Mexico...Turkey...Patagonia...Scotland? It may seem out of place in a list of tropical destinations, but Nairn – a small seaside town near Inverness – recently scooped second place in Tripadvisor’s coveted ‘Top 5 World Destinations for 2010’. And with its beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery, it is not hard to understand why.
Nairn is said to enjoy some of the sunniest weather in Scotland, and its position on the Moray Firth makes it the perfect base for exploring the Highlands: spend the day shopping in Inverness; take a trip up the Funicular Railway for breathtaking views from the top of the Cairngorms, or try to catch a glimpse of Nessie on one of the many boat tours around the famous Loch Ness. Those looking to discover the rich historical heritage of the Highlands can visit the various castles around the area (Cawdor, Urquhurt, Brodie), take a trip to Culloden Battlefield – the scene of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s last stand – or explore the army barracks at Fort George.
In Nairn itself, enjoy a day relaxing on the stunning sandy beach – a Seaside Award winner – or check out the town’s two championship golf courses, and maybe even see the famous Moray Firth dolphins. Make the most out of your holiday by basing it around summer events: in August, Tilda Swinton - a current Nairn resident - will be leading the Scottish Road Movie Film Festival across the country, ending with a final showing in Nairn on the 9th, and the Nairn Games (21st August) – complete with caber tossing, highland dancing and the march of the massed pipe bands – always proves to be a fantastic day out. The fun continues at the local pubs on Games night, so head to the Shambles or the Havelock for a drink (or several) in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
As far as accommodation goes, Lochloy Caravan Park is in a beautiful spot, situated between the harbour and the beach – perfect for a family holiday, but unfortunately they don’t cater for single-sex groups under 25 years. There are, however, various B&Bs – a couple overlooking the Links – and if you have a car and are willing to travel that little bit further, the Old Mill Caravan Park in Brodie – about 5 miles outside of Nairn - offers lovely accommodation for reasonable prices.
With the recession in full swing, more and more Brits are discovering the benefits of holidaying a little closer to home - why not save yourself some money and do the same.
