Elgin Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Elgin Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Elgin sits at the heart of Moray, making it perfect for exploring northeast Scotland. The town's crowning glory is Elgin Cathedral (IV30 1HU, open daily 10am-4pm), once Scotland's most beautiful medieval building. Even in ruins, it's spectacular and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Whisky fans can't miss the distillery tours. Glen Moray (IV30 1YE) offers excellent tours from £10 with generous tastings and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The Macallan Distillery is a 30-minute drive and worth every minute for its architectural wonder and world-class whisky experience (4.5/5).

Johnston's of Elgin (IV30 4AF) shows how cashmere is made from raw material to finished product. Their free factory tour explains the 220-year history of this Scottish institution and the onsite café serves excellent scones (4/5 on TripAdvisor).

For beach lovers, Lossiemouth's East Beach is 15 minutes away - a stunning stretch of sand with dunes and clean swimming water. The coastal path offers brilliant walking with dolphin spotting opportunities - over 130 bottlenose dolphins live in the Moray Firth.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Elgin! The surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities without restrictions. Cooper Park in town has wide open spaces for ball games and a pond with ducks (just keep your dog on a lead near the water).

Lossiemouth's beaches welcome dogs year-round with no seasonal restrictions. The East Beach is particularly good as it stretches for miles, perfect for energetic pets who need a proper run.

Many local pubs welcome dogs, including The Drouthy Cobbler (IV30 1EH) which provides water bowls and treats. The Malt Room on Thunderton Place allows dogs in the bar area and offers a fantastic whisky selection for you to sample after walkies.

Winding Walks at Fochabers (IV32 7PQ) provides excellent forest trails where dogs can explore safely. The paths are well-marked and there's a dedicated dog exercise area where they can run off-lead.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - the Scottish weather means muddy paws are likely! Many cottages with hot tubs also provide outdoor taps for cleaning up before heading inside.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Elgin

Elgin Cathedral (IV30 1HU) isn't called the 'Lantern of the North' for nothing. This 13th-century ruin shows the incredible craftsmanship of medieval builders. The octagonal chapter house remains intact with its stunning central pillar. Climb the towers for views across Elgin and check out the collection of medieval stone carvings. The cathedral's violent history includes being burned by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390 - look for the scorch marks still visible on some stones!

Moray Motor Museum (IV30 1AP) houses an impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles in an old mill building. It's small but packed with interesting vehicles including rare Bentleys and locally-built Argylls. The owner often chats with visitors, sharing stories about the exhibits. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "A hidden gem with more character than the big national museums."

Spynie Palace (IV30 5QG), just outside Elgin, was home to the bishops who ran the cathedral. The massive David's Tower stands 22 metres tall - the largest surviving medieval tower house in Scotland. Visitors love spotting the resident falcons that nest in the ruins. One family reported: "Our kids spent hours playing knights and dragons here - much more fun than a regular castle as they could really explore."

What's the best time to visit Elgin?

May to September offers the best weather, with July and August being warmest (average 18°C). The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in late April/early May is brilliant for whisky lovers. Winter visits mean you'll have attractions to yourself and your hot tub will feel even better in the crisp air!

Do I need a car in Elgin?

While Elgin has good train connections to Inverness and Aberdeen, a car is best for exploring the countryside, beaches and distilleries. Many cottages are in rural locations without public transport.

Is Elgin good for families?

Absolutely! Younger kids love the Moray Leisure Centre's pool with its flumes, while Lossiemouth's beaches provide endless entertainment. The Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay offers family-friendly wildlife watching.

What should I pack for an Elgin hot tub cottage break?

Bring layers whatever the season - Scottish weather changes quickly. Walking boots are essential for countryside exploration. Don't forget swimwear for your hot tub sessions and binoculars for dolphin spotting.

Where can I buy good local food?

Johnstons Butchers on Commerce Street sells excellent local meat. The Elgin Food Hub runs weekly collections of produce from local farms. For eating out, try Twenty One Church Street for Scottish produce with modern flair.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Elgin?

Yes! Moray's northern location and low light pollution make aurora viewing possible between September and March. Your cottage hot tub could provide the perfect viewing spot on clear nights.

1. Visit Scotland's Elgin Guide
2. Walking Routes Around Elgin
3. Moray Speyside Whisky Trail