You're coming to Elgin? Great news we can't wait to show you around Pencil Me In and our sister shop Seasgair Store. While you are here you may be wanting to know what else you can do... and rather than send you a DM on Instagram we thought let's make a dedicated space on our website for you to check any time. We've also created a guide to the rest of Moray and other spots around Scotland, and our fave independent shops.
I really hope you find it useful, I have only added places I have personally been to and I'll be adding in more as new places pop up or I try out more. I've added in details on where is good for kids, I have a 2 and 5 year old so they are well tested.
I have linked in the business social media pages where there is one, please always do check that places are open, there is a little bit of a lack of options sometimes in rural areas on Monday/Tuesdays, almost all are independent owned businesses and last minute changes to opening hours can happen. So lets get stuck in... also if there is anything you think is missing let me know.
Worth just noting, I do not drink tea or coffee so I have not personally drank the hot drinks in any of the coffee outlets.
Parking
Closest to us is the Batchen Lane Multi-storey it is £1 all day, by cash or PaybyPhone App, location no. 805524. Lossie Green carpark is also £1 all day behind Aldi. You can park for free down by the library after Midday. Moray Street Carpark you can park for up to 4 hours, rates a bit more. There are other car parks around the town centre these are the main ones.
Batchen Street Eats
Batchen Street Coffee (closed Wednesdays)
19 Crepes & Coffee (Great for Families)
Manna Great food, ideal for takeaway
Planta Pizzeria Burrata & Pizzas (some evenings too)
Against the Grain Tap Room open from 4pm most days (no kids)
Batchen Street Shop Neighbours
Seasgair Store - our sister shop, 2 doors up
Sirology - a shop for blokes opposite PMI
Alluring Boutique - beautiful clothes & accessories
Elgin Eats
The Deli Next Door good for take out but also sit in area
Scribbles (also open into the evenings, good for families & groups)
The Ditsy Teacup Laura's flavoured Scones are pretty famous
Harry Gow Bakery (out of town on the A96) Try the famous Dream Ring
Drouthy Cobbler - local institution super nice pub, food from noon till late, cocktails.
Badenochs - large venue, good for groups, food from noon till late
Ada - superb turkish food 12noon-3pm and 5pm to late
Orrin - Fine Dining, live music Wednesdays,
Qismat - Indian Cuisine, (lookout for their banging street food truck too at events)
Northern Fish Bar - is my go to as they have chippy sauce IYKYK
Humble Burger - Take away or grab a seat and a drink in Foggies (who have high chairs)
What else to do in Elgin?
I'd be heading along South Street to Sound & Vision which is an old school music shop, then into Yeadons Bookshop, the oldest in Scotland. The team at Highland Bikes always have something to tempt me and if you are after some of the local whisky then head to Gordon & Macphail who are in their temporary shop at the St Giles Centre. You have to take a look at the Dandylion Statue and grab a selfie. Toy Toon is a great spot to check out if you have pre-schoolers, especially if it was a wet day, usually prebooking required.
A short walk up Ladyhill at the end of the High Street gives great views of the town (& Tesco!) Head down to cooper park for lots of green spaces, skate park and large play park. The Library is also at Cooper park with a handy cafe for a sweet treat or ice cream. My kids love the library they have a range of toys and big play area as well as lots of great books.
Out of town there is PINZ, which is a bowling alley, restaurant, bar and soft play (Planet Pinz) sometimes during school holidays prebooking is needed for sessions.
There is also Moray Leisure Centre in Elgin if you fancy a swim, ice skating or gym sesh while you are here, and Moray Sports Centre on New Elgin is a great spot for exercise too, no pool, but daily Tots classes are great for preschoolers.
Elgin is on the Sustrans no.1 cycle route so it is great for a starting point to explore other towns and villages near by and get out to the coast.
Elgin Events
The last weekend in weekend in April is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Saturday 19th August 2023 Elgin Food & Drink Festival
Christmas Light Switch On November 25th 2023
(Around June 24th for the Moray Blue Light Festival each year)