Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A few of those who came to see the phenomenon stayed to help out and tune into the
spiritual aspect of daily life at the nascent community. With its emphasis on inner
discovery and development, but unattached to any particular doctrine or creed, the
Findhorn Foundation
has today blossomed into a permanent community of a few
hundred people, with a well-developed series of courses and retreats on subjects ranging
from astroshamanic healing to organic gardening, drawing another eight thousand or
so visitors each year. he original caravan still stands, surrounded by a whole host of
newer timber buildings and eco-homes employing solar power and earth roofs.
he foundation is not without controversy: a community leader once declared that
“behind the benign and apparently religious front lies a hard core of New Agers
experimenting with hallucinatory techniques marketed as spirituality.” Findhorn is also
accused of being overly well-heeled, a glance into the shop or a tally of the smart cars
parked outside the well-appointed eco-houses does give some substance to such a view.
However, the community continues to prosper and it is well known around the world.
he reputation of the place is such that it attracts visitors both sympathetic and
sceptical - and both find something to feed their preconceptions.
10
Moray Art Centre
The Park, within the Findhorn Foundation • Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm • Free •
T
01309 692426,
W
morayartcentre.org
Don't miss the
Moray Art Centre
, on the edge of the Findhorn Foundation but not
o
cially a part of it. he centre is located in a terracotta-hued eco-friendly building; it
hosts eclectic and imaginative temporary exhibitions and regular (often free) art classes.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
THE FINDHORN FOUNDATION
By bus
The foundation is located on the B9011 about five
miles northeast of Forres and served by Stagecoach bus #31
(every 1-2 hrs; 15min). The service connects Forres High
Street with Findhorn and Elgin.
Visitor centre
The foundation's visitor centre (Mon-Fri
10am-5pm, also open Sat & Sun 1-4pm from May-Sept;
T
01309 690311,
W
findhorn.org) .
ACCOMMODATION
The
visitor centre
near the foundation's main entrance (see above) can provide you with information on staying within
the community, either as part of an introductory “
Experience Week
” (cost based on your income), or simply overnighting.
There are a number of
eco-houses
within the area around the Moray Art Centre offering good-value B&B accommodation.
Findhorn Bay Holiday Park
At the entrance to the
foundation
T
01309 690203,
W
findhornbayholiday
park.com.
Despite enormous growth, the Foundation is
still situated on the same land as this caravan and camping
park, which has pitches (April-Oct only), stationary
caravans (Dec-Oct) and unusual eco-chalets (year-round).
£16
/pitch; caravan
£388
/week; chalet
£729
/week
Sunflower
404 The Field of Dreams
T
01309 692080,
W
sunflower-findhorn.co.uk.
Right in the heart of the
community,
Sunflower
is an attractive wooden house with
two twin rooms
and
a singl
e. Th
ey serve a good organic
breakfast. Single
£40
; twins
£65.
EATING AND DRINKING
Bakehouse
91-92 Findhorn Rd
T
01309 691826,
W
bakehousecafe.co.uk
. In Findhorn village, this moderately
priced café sells food freshly prepared on site, from organic
local cheeses to divine chocolate brownies (£2). There are
picnic benches for alfresco dining.
Daily 10am-4pm, with
extended hours in summer.
Ì
Blue Angel
At the entrance to the Universal Hall
T
01309 690110
,
W
phoenixshop.co.uk.
Be sure to stop
off at the community's excellent café, which serves healthy
soups, herbal teas (£1.50) and irresistible organic cakes
produced by the community's bakery.
Daily 10am-5pm.
ENTERTAINMENT
Universal Hall Arts Centre
A short walk north of the
visitor centre
T
01309 691170,
W
findhorn.org.
Connected to the
Blue Angel
café is the Universal Hall Arts
Centre,
an occasional venue for stand-up comedy, drama,
and good touring folk and jazz bands.
Most events begin
at 7.30/8pm (see website for show times).
