One does not come to Scotland and be taken aback by the rain. It is as much a part of the scenery here as the hills, an atmospheric punctuation mark that lends its moody beauty to Moray and the Highlands. But for those in Forres, the familiar drizzle should not be cause for any letdown. A wet day has a way of showing you another side of the town, one that is more reflective and at a slower pace than when the sun is out, with its own small pleasures. From a good whisky to heritage sites and cafés, there is plenty to put some character into your itinerary.
You might have come with the intention of staying put until the skies clear, but you will likely find otherwise. Below are ten things to do in Forres on a rainy day that are as practical as they are enjoyable.
1. The House of Automata
The weather outside can be grey and uncooperative, but this singular attraction makes for a fine refuge, drawing one in with its mechanical artistry and quiet sense of wonder.
You could do worse than to head here on a day when outdoor activities are washed out; the place is an indoor destination par excellence. The array of automated figures and the care put into their construction are a testament to the ingenuity of times gone by.
In fact, the rain has a way of improving the visit. It puts a damper on any urge to rush from one spot to the next, so that visitors might take their time and really see what is on offer. There is a shop, guided tour , exhibition and workshop. Check opening hours.
2. The Tolbooth tour
You can get a compact yet telling view of the area’s history, architecture and civic traditions at the Forres Tolbooth. A guide will put you through the building’s past as an administrative hub and old courthouse, detailing how it has been part of the town’s governance and public life. There is much to be learned on such a tour about justice and market goings on, and what the Tolbooth means to Forres’s identity over time.
The tour includes the old police station and jail cells, the sumptuous courtroom, with its impressive paintings. Youngsters can have their fingerprints taken and mugshot, before slamming the door on a prison cell.
Stepping inside, one can see for oneself the hallmarks of its age and purpose in the thick masonry, stone stairways and the like. The guides will point out historic rooms and other architectural flourishes. The atmosphere makes it simple to picture the community life that has gone on here over the centuries. Those with an inclination for heritage will find the Tolbooth an engaging way to get to know the enduring character of the town. Fridays only, booking essential.
2. Put in for a café break
Rain and café culture go hand in hand. Forres has its share of welcoming rooms where you can escape the elements and be greeted by the smell of fresh baking, coffee and soup. A good café can make a dull afternoon restorative, whether you want to lose yourself in a book at a quiet table or be in the middle of the conversation.
Make it a point to savour the hospitality. Have a hot chocolate or a piece of cake and let the rain be nothing more than background noise. For the traveller, it is a useful pause to see off the dampness of your coat and plan what comes next before you head out again.
3. Head to Logie Steading
Only a short way from Forres, Logie Steading is perhaps the finest spot in the area for a wet day. It is all under one roof, so to speak, with a mix of shopping, dining and culture set in some attractive grounds. Even when it is grey outside, the rural atmosphere here has a relaxed quality to it that is a change from the town.
You can put in an hour or so among the independent shops for some books and gifts, then make yourself comfortable in the restaurant or café for a meal. It is the sort of variety that means you do not feel hemmed in by the rain. Logie Steading is a destination in itself, not just a refuge.
4. See what a distillery has to offer
There is no point in being in Scotland on a rainy day without considering whisky. The Moray area has some fine distilleries and Forres is well situated for a visit. There are three in and around the town: Benromach, Dunpail and Dallas Dhu. All operate tours, whisky shops. A tour is an indoor activity done right: it is informative and has its own atmosphere, usually with a tasting to boot.
Even if you are not a connoisseur, it is worth the time to learn about the malting, fermentation and maturation. You come away with a better understanding of what is in the bottle. And there is something fitting about the scent of oak and spirit in a working distillery when the weather is damp; it is a reminder of how long Scotland’s climate and its best drink have been of a piece.
5. Some slow shopping in the centre
The rain gives you leave to shop at your own speed. Dash from door to door, and take time in the local shops. The town centre in Forres is pleasant enough, with independent retailers stocking everything from the practical to the crafty.
Use the time to put your hands on something distinctive, be it a memento of your trip or a present of local make. These are the kind of places where you can find the creative streak of the town, often in items that have a connection to the local heritage or food scene. One does not have to make a purchase to find pleasure in the ebb and flow of shopfronts; the mere act of it can put a pleasant spin on an otherwise wet afternoon.
6. Put in for a warm meal at a pub or restaurant
A good, solid meal has a way of turning the day around when the rain becomes unrelenting. Forres is home to establishments where you can put your feet up and have some comfort food, be it fish and chips, a proper roast, a bowl of hearty soup or something with a more modern bent. An early dinner or a lunch in a pub is ideal after you have been out in the wind or doing some sightseeing.
There is a deep satisfaction in coming in damp and going out warm. Local inns and restaurants are adept at providing that sense of refuge: think low lights, large portions, a fine cup of coffee and an atmosphere that lets time slow down. On a day like this, it is perhaps the most underrated of all attractions.
7. Make time for a local art or craft space
You will find that rainy days and creativity are often companions. Any gallery, exhibition or craft shop in or about Forres is worth making the effort to visit. They provide shelter of a sort, from the weather as much as from the hurry of things, and they encourage a bit of reflection and a closer look at the region.
Much of the local art is a mirror to the landscape, its coastal light and rural character. Even under a dull sky the pieces on view tend to be full of life and colour. It is an opportunity to get a feel for the cultural side of Moray while putting in a good word for the local makers.
8. Find a bookshop or library
Forres is an agreeable place to hunt down a good book, which is about the best company one can have in the rain. Whether you are with family or in need of an hour or so of quiet downtime, a library or bookshop is the spot for it. You might peruse some local history or fiction, or whatever else presents itself.
After an active outing such a pause is restorative. It gives you a chance to sit and take in the town in another manner altogether. Some will remember the small bookshop they found on a wet afternoon as the highlight of their trip.
9. A scenic drive with the odd indoor stop
Instead of shunning movement on account of the rain, it can be better to plan it. A short drive through the countryside of Forres and Moray between the showers is quite pleasant, particularly if you have arranged to call in at a distillery, a café or Logie Steading en route.
The idea is to make do with the weather you have rather than chase after something perfect. From the car you can see how the mist softens the hills and fields; the scenery is no less beautiful for being wet, and you can enjoy the mood without any fuss.
10. Go for a walk and let the rain be
Then again, there is merit in just getting out there. Put on a sensible attitude and your waterproofs and even a short stroll can be invigorating. Forres has its share of green spaces and nice streets to be had in damp conditions, provided the rain is not too heavy.
It is a way of tuning into the town’s rhythm, the sheen on the pavement, the hush that comes with the weather. You may not be in the mood for a long hike but a modest walk will do to clear your head before you go in for tea or a dram.
There is still much to like in Forres on a rainy day
Do not let the forecast put you off. The appeal of Forres is not contingent on fine weather; in fact, it suits the place. Between the museums, the cafés and the various attractions, the town offers a welcome experience come what may. A drizzle is no inconvenience but an invitation to take things at a slower, cozier pace. So put on your gear and head indoors when you are ready, and let Forres demonstrate how agreeable a Scottish rainy day can be.