Local Attractions
Among the many places of interest in the immediate vicinity, you might like to consider visiting some of the following:
- The Castle of Mey (the private home of the late Queen Mother)
(Closed September 30 to end of April)
- John O’Groats
- The Orkney Islands
- Various cairns and burial mounds, most thousands of years old
- Historic Wick and it’s links to the herring fishing industry, and the Wick Heritage Museum.
- Old Pulteney whisky distillery www.oldpulteney.com
- Boat trips from Wick harbour to view the dramatic coastline from the sea, www.caithness-seacoast.co.uk
- Dunrobin Castle (at Golspie) www.dunrobincastle.co.uk
- The magnificent coast of the Pentland Firth
- Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of the UK mainland) www.dunnethead.co.uk
- Lybster Harbour and the Waterlines Visitor Centre (centre closes end of Sept)
- Latheronwheel harbour
- Dunbeath harbour and Visitor centre
- The scenic drive from Helmsdale to Melvich or via Strathnaver
- The surfing beaches near Thurso (amongst the best in Europe) www.pentlandcanoeclub.org.uk
- RSPB reserves and sanctuaries
- Highland Games (various locations usually held July / August)
- Halkirk Highland Games www.halkirkgames.co.uk
- Royal British Legion Mey Highland Games
- Helmsdale & District Highland Games
- Astronomy: The United Nations has declared 2009 an International Year of Astronomy. For those without powerful telescopes but more than a passing interest in our universe, what better place to view the clear night skies than in the Far North of Scotland where light pollution is virtually zero.
For those seeking traditional outdoor Highland pursuits, we can arrange hunting, shooting and fishing trips (including tuition if required). These activities need to be requested and confirmed when making your room reservation, allowing sufficient time for any necessary licences to be arranged.