The United Kingdom (U.K.) is a lovely place to visit and one of the most accessible gateways into Europe from North America.
We have all seen the double-decker busses in the movies and put that on our travel wish list for our European adventures.
But there is a lot more to discover outside of London and the big cities which, of course, are awesome to visit in their own right.
Some may think of the U.K. as a cold and dreary place, as that’s how it can often be depicted. However, that’s not always the case.
Not every destination has sweater weather. In fact, there are some really nice beach towns on the U.K.’s underrated coastlines.
One particular coastal region in Scotland has lofty goals to become the next tourist hotspot.
Welcome to The Beautiful Moray Coast
The Moray Coast is a narrow inlet of scenic coastal land (known as Moray Firth) in the northeastern region of Scotland. The closest major city is Inverness.
Not to go full Al Roker here, but this area of Scotland has some very unique weather that gives them an advantage over the U.K.’s gloomy reputation.
A weather phenomenon called a rain shadow occurs, which results in warmer sunny weather and less rainy days. This makes for a lovely seaside getaway, unlike some colder areas around the nation.
Given the geography of the Moray Coast, there are also fewer winds so tourists can simply enjoy just the typical sea breezes one would expect.
A Less Crowded Alternative To The U.K.’s Top Seaside Getaway
Ever heard of Cornwall? This is one of the premier coastal getaways in the U.K., but some days just aren’t fit for the beach.
With high-end waterfront resorts and gnarly surf spots, it can rain on your parade, as the old saying goes.
Cornwall can become gray and rainy with strong winds ruining your fun in the sun. The Moray Coast wants to be your alternative with more predictable weather catered to a beach escape.
If you time it right, Cornwall is a postcard-worthy destination, but that’s the risk. You may not time it right. Who believes weather reports anyway?
The Moray Coast averages less rainfall. Many who have paid a visit here would agree it’s just as beautiful, if not more.
Cornwall may be the go-to place for many beachgoers in the U.K., but the Moray Coast is the place to be for better beach weather and more elbow room on the beach.
Most beachgoers here are considered ‘locals’, but the news is spreading that this is the next place for tourists to discover.
What Else Does The Moray Coast Have To Offer?
Unless you happen to live in the area or went on a wild Scotland coast-to-coast adventure, chances are you haven’t stepped foot on the Moray Coast.
It’s a relatively remote off-path destination. Yet, it’s easier to reach than you might expect. Scotland has incredible public transit services, such as the Service 35 double-decker bus, with free wi-fi and USB ports.
Getting here won’t be an issue and it’s actually quite an enjoyable experience looking out your window at Scotland’s stunning scenery.
Once here, one of the top draws is the bottlenose dolphins. It is estimated up to 200 bottlenose dolphins call these seas home, along with seals, minke whales, and porpoises.
In fact, if you visit before this place becomes more popular, there might be more dolphin sightings than people on the beaches.
Along the picturesque coastlines are centuries-old charming fishing villages, such as Portknockie, Portsoy, and Findochty, to name a few.
It’s not hard to find some cozy mom-and-pop accommodations for a comfortable stay, including Airbnbs.
For an even better view, the Moray Coast Trail stretches 50 miles across the scenic coastlines. Obviously, that would be quite a trek!
The trail stretches from Cullen to Forres with various access points to see the jaw-dropping views of the coast and surrounding landscape.
If your gateway into this region is Inverness, you are in for a treat! Some of Scotland’s most magnificent castles are a must-see.
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