Lossiemouth is a bright seaside town on the Moray Firth, wrapped by two long sandy beaches that give it the nickname the jewel of Moray. The East Beach, reached across the estuary, and the West Beach draw families, surfers and walkers to some of the finest sands on the northeast coast.
Beyond the beaches, a working harbour, coastal paths and the wider Moray Firth make it a prime spot for watching bottlenose dolphins offshore. It is an easy, open day out with big skies and plenty of room to roam.
Location & Getting There
Lossiemouth lies on the Moray coast about 6 miles north of Elgin and roughly 65 miles northwest of Aberdeen, a drive of around 90 minutes. Trains run to Elgin from Aberdeen, with local buses onward to Lossiemouth. Parking is available near both beaches and the harbour.
What to See & Do
Split your time between the two beaches, walk the harbour and seafront, and scan the firth for dolphins, which are often seen from the shore. The town has cafes, a small local museum and coastal paths in both directions. It is a relaxed base for exploring the wider Moray Firth coast and Speyside beyond.
Who It Suits & Best Time
Lossiemouth suits families, beach walkers and wildlife watchers. Summer is best for swimming, surfing and the busiest dolphin-watching, while spring and autumn are quieter for long walks. Check current access arrangements for the East Beach before you go, as the footbridge across the estuary has seen closures and repairs.
Practical Tips
- Check current East Beach footbridge access before travelling
- Bring binoculars for dolphin watching from the shore
- Parking is available near both beaches and the harbour
- Layers and wind protection help on the open sands
- Combine with Elgin or a wider Speyside coast tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there two beaches at Lossiemouth?
Yes. Lossiemouth has the East Beach, a long sandy stretch reached across the estuary, and the West Beach near the town. Both are known for their fine sand and space.
Can you see dolphins at Lossiemouth?
Often, yes. The Moray Firth is home to a well-known population of bottlenose dolphins, which are regularly spotted from the shore and harbour, especially in the warmer months. Bring binoculars for the best chance.
