As winter wraps begins to make it’s way around Moray Speyside and the businesses begin to wrap up for the season, it’s good to remember that there is still lots to see and do in our region.
Winter in Moray Speyside brings a unique charm as some places are open shorter hours and the paths may be a bit icy at times but it is still the perfect destination for a short winter break, an snowy adventure or a christmas shopping trip and of course there are still a plethora of attractions open and waiting to be explored.
Find out a bit more below….
Moray Speyside Winter Festival
Running from November 2023 to January 2024, the Moray Speyside Winter Festival Programme promises a magical experience for locals and visitors alike with events across the region.
From Christmas Markets to Light Festivals, Meetings with Santa to Scottish Heritage events, there is something for everyone in Moray Speyside.
Visitor Attractions / Activities
Winter in Moray Speyside doesn’t mean hibernating. Explore the regions’s top attractions, where the chilly air adds a touch of magic to your adventure at the following locations.
| Visitor Attractions / Activities | Winter Opening |
| Brodie Castle | Castle and playful gardens closed for the season. Castle café open Wed – Sun: 10am – 4pm 1st Sep – 23rd Dec. Closed 24th Dec – 2nd Jan 2024. Open 3 Jan–3 Mar, Wed–Sun, 10am – 4pm |
| Byres Farm | Mon – Wed: Closed Thur – Sun: 10am – 4pm |
| Duffus Castle | Open all year round. |
| Elchies Estate | Farm shop open 24 – hours |
| Elgin Cathedral | 1 October to 31 March: Daily, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm). Closed 25th and 26th December and 1st and 2nd January. |
| Elgin Kart Raceway | Mon- Tue: Closed Wed: 12noon – 4pm Thu: 11am – 4pm Fri: 11am – 5pm Sat: 10am – 6pm Sun: 11am – 5pm |
| Gordon Castle and Walled Gardens | Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then on New Years Day and the 2nd of January. |
| Johnstons of Elgin | 7 days a week from 9am – 5:30pm with the following exceptions: 24th & 31st December – 9am to 3pm 25th & 26th December and 1st & 2nd January – Closed |
| Knockando Woolmill | The Mill’s historic buildings and retail shop are open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. Red Roof Coffee is now closed for the season and will re-open in May 2024. |
| Lecht Ski Centre | The Centre is now closed until the winter season starts. Check condition reports and cameras before travelling. Opening is dependant on weather. |
| Logie Steading | Open 7 days a week: October – 24th December, 10am to 4pm. 28th-31st December 11am-3pm. Re-open 4th January 2024 10am-4pm |
| Moray Art Centre | Mon – Thur: Closed Fri-Sun: 10am – 4pm until 17th December. Open February 4th 2024 |
| North 58 Sea Adventures | November – March: Private charter trips run on a demand basis only. |
| Outfit Moray | Requires booking on website. |
| Pinz Bowling | Mon-Tue: 10:30am – 9pm Wed: 10:30am – 9pm Thurs: 10:30am – 10pm Fri-Sat: 10:30am – 11am Sun: 10:30am – 9pm |
| Pluscarden Abbey | Opening hours – 4:30am to 8:30pm, every day. |
| Speyside Cooperage | Open Mon – Thur 9am – 4pm, Fri 9am – 3pm. Booking must be done online, no walk ins. |
| WDC Dolphin Centre | Closed December 1st – open February 8th (opening hours will be 10.30am – 4pm days not confirmed). |
| Wild Things! | Requires booking on website. |
Welcome to (Winter) Whisky Country
For those looking to warm up from the winter chill, Moray Speyside has a spirited lineup of distilleries, ready to keep you entertained and a nice dram will be waiting for you.
Check out their winter opening times and dates below:
| Distillery | Winter Opening |
| Aberlour Distillery | Tuesday – Saturday from 10am until 4pm between November 1st & 29th February. Closed over Christmas on Friday 22nd December at 4pm and then reopen on Thursday 4th January at 10am. |
| Ballindalloch Distillery | Distillery shop is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm tours can be booked online. Ballindalloch Castle, Gardens and Grounds closed for the season. |
| Balvenie Distillery | The distillery closes on Friday 22nd December and re-opens on Thursday 4th of January. |
| Benriach Distillery | Benriach will be open 7 days a week through the winter, closing on the 23rd December and reopening on the 12th January. |
| Benromach Distillery | Closed 12noon on Friday 22nd December, and will remain closed until Monday 8th January. |
| Cardhu Distillery | During November and December they are open 7 days a week from 10am until 5pm, we are closed on 25th, 26th and 31st December. |
| Cragganmore Distillery | Trial opening by appointment only during November and December. Tours on Thursdays, closed if no bookings. |
| The Macallan Distillery | The Macallan Estate will be closed from 18th December, reopening to the general public on Friday, 26th January 2024. |
| Dunphail Distillery | Open until 23rd of December (last tour is 1pm that day), re-open on 3rd of January 2024. |
| The GlenAllachie Distillery | The distillery is open Monday to Saturday from 1st November till end of March 10am to 5pm. They are closed 23rd December and reopen on 27th December. Closed again from 31st December until 3rd January. |
| Glenfiddich Distillery | The distillery tour runs until the 24th December and then re-opens on the 3rd January. |
| Glenfarclas Distillery | Tours are available up until the 21st of December and then the distillery re-opens on the 8th of January. |
| Glen Grant Distillery | November-March (inclusive): Monday-Saturday: 9.30am – 3:30pm, Sunday: Closed. Book online. |
| The Glenlivet Distillery | Christmas/Festive closure: Saturday 23/12/23 to Tuesday 09/01/24. |
| Glen Moray Distillery | The Visitor Centre closes for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period from the 22nd of December. |
| Tomintoul Distillery | Closed to public in Winter, tours start in April. |
| Speyburn Distillery | Closes Thursday 21st of December, re-opens Thursday 4th of January. Tuesday – Saturday: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm. |
| Strathisla Distillery | Strathisla is open 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Saturday. Closed for Christmas from 21st December – 9th January. |
Golf The Winter Blues Away
Even in the heart of winter, Moray Speyside’s microclimate extends a warm invitation to golf enthusiasts. Tee off against the backdrop of snow-dusted landscapes, as this region embraces year-round golfing, making it a haven for those seeking an unforgettable golfing experience amid the winter chill.
Get Your Christmas Shopping Done
Amidst your winter adventures, don’t forget to check off your Christmas shopping list in Moray. Explore unique boutiques and bustling christmas markets, ensuring your holiday season is not only filled with winter delights but also with the joy of thoughtful gifting. Dive into our a blog from earlier this year to see what ThankFiFi bought on her trip to Moray Speyside.
