Elgin Cathedral


Many people think that the ruins of Elgin Cathedral, known as the 'lantern of the north', are the most beautiful and evocative in Scotland; its octagonal chapter house is the finest in the country. Consecrated in 1224, the cathedral was burned down in 1390 by the infamous Wolf of Badenoch, the illegitimate son of Robert II, following his excommunication by the Bishop of Moray. Guided tours are available on weekdays.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Elgin Museum

0.21 MILES

Scotland's oldest independent museum is an old-fashioned cabinet of curiosities, a captivating collection artfully displayed in a beautiful, purpose-built…

2. Spynie Palace

1.82 MILES

This palace 2 miles north of Elgin was the residence of the medieval bishops of Moray until 1686. The massive tower house commands lovely views over…

3. Scottish Dolphin Centre

8.02 MILES

Based in a historic icehouse that used to store ice for preserving local salmon catches, this wildlife centre is one of the best land-based dolphin…

4. Findhorn Foundation

10.65 MILES

The Findhorn Foundation is an international spiritual community founded in 1962. There’s a small permanent population of around 200, but the community…

5. Findhorn Heritage Centre

11.55 MILES

Findhorn Heritage Centre, housed in a former salmon-fisher’s bothy at the northern end of the village, records the history of the settlement. The beach is…

6. Macallan Distillery

12.08 MILES

Macallan is famous for making excellent sherry-casked malt whiskies; a new distillery and visitor centre opened in 2018. The 1¾-hour tours (maximum group…

7. Speyside Cooperage

12.51 MILES

Here you can watch the fascinating art of barrel-making during a 45-minute guided tour. It’s a mile south of Craigellachie on the Dufftown road.

8. Knockando Woolmill

12.92 MILES

Hidden in a fold of the hills 5 miles west of Aberlour, Knockando is a rare survival of an 18th-century woollen mill that has been lovingly restored to…