Best Landmarks Near Castle Varrich (Caithness)
Planning a trip to Castle Varrich? Discover the best landmarks nearby with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks near Castle Varrich
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31 landmarks
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Tourist attraction4.4★6,338 reviews
John O'Groats Signpost
Scotland's most iconic landmark, the John O'Groats Signpost marks the northeastern terminus of the legendary Land's End to John o' Groats route—Britain's longest overland journey spanning 874 miles. Installed in 1964 on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the Pentland Firth, this freely accessible monument has become one of the most photographed signs in the UK, attracting cyclists, walkers, and travelers completing epic personal challenges. The windswept location offers sweeping coastal views, opportunities to spot seals and seabirds, and serves as the perfect endpoint for adventurers traversing the length of Great Britain.
Mon–Fri 8:00–20:00 · Sun 13:00–16:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Castle4.6★1,755 reviews
Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle stands as a haunting ruin on a rocky promontory jutting into Loch Assynt in the Scottish Highlands. Built around 1490 by the Macleods of Assynt, this 15th-century tower house witnessed one of Scotland's most infamous betrayals when Royalist leader the Marquis of Montrose sought refuge here in 1650, only to be handed over to his enemies. Today, the fragmentary remains reveal the castle's original three-storey design, while the surrounding landscape offers some of central Sutherland's most spectacular mountain vistas.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Historical landmark4.8★691 reviews
Fyrish Monument
The Fyrish Monument, built in 1782 atop Fyrish Hill near Alness in the Scottish Highlands, is a striking stone structure inspired by the Gate of Negapatam in India. Commissioned by General Sir Hector Munro, it served both as a tribute to his military victory and a practical employment scheme during the turbulent Highland Clearances. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Cromarty Firth and Ben Wyvis after a rewarding woodland hike.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
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Hotel4.3★493 reviews
Mackays Hotel
Mackays Hotel is a charming, family-run 3-star hotel located in the heart of Wick, Scotland. Known for its warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and excellent locally sourced cuisine, it offers a welcoming atmosphere ideal for travelers seeking authentic Scottish charm. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, conference facilities, and pet-friendly accommodations, making it suitable for families, business travelers, and visitors exploring Caithness.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Hotel4.6★341 reviews
Stoer Lighthouse
Stoer Lighthouse is a fully furnished self-catering lighthouse accommodation perched on Stoer Head, north of Lochinver in the Scottish Highlands. Offering two well-appointed flats with cozy interiors and modern amenities, it provides a unique and peaceful escape with breathtaking panoramic views over the sea to the Outer Hebrides. This remote location is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility amid dramatic coastal landscapes.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Historical landmark4.6★239 reviews
Lybster Harbour
Lybster Harbour is a charming historical landmark located in the village of Lybster, Caithness, Scotland. Once a bustling herring fishing port, it now offers visitors a peaceful seaside atmosphere with scenic views, rich maritime heritage, and access to local coastal walks. The harbour's quaint character and surrounding natural beauty make it a delightful spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Historical place4.6★195 reviews
Castle Varrich
Castle Varrich is a historic ruined tower house perched on a rocky promontory near Tongue in the far north Scottish Highlands. Believed to be over 500 years old and possibly built atop an older Norse fort, it was the ancient seat of Clan Mackay chiefs. The castle offers commanding views over the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal, and Ben Hope mountains, with a recently added spiral staircase and viewing platform enhancing visitor access.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–2 hrs
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Historical landmark4.7★148 reviews
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber nestled on the slopes of Cuween Hill in Orkney, Scotland. This miniature version of the famous Maeshowe features a central chamber with four smaller cells and a narrow, atmospheric passage carved into bedrock. Excavations revealed the remains of at least eight humans and 24 dog skulls, offering tantalizing clues about ancient burial practices and beliefs in the afterlife. The site commands sweeping views over the Bay of Firth and sits near the remains of the Stonehall Neolithic settlement, making it an essential destination for those seeking to understand Scotland's earliest agricultural communities.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.8–1.5 hrs
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Cathedral4.5★127 reviews
Dornoch Cathedral
Scotland's most northerly mainland cathedral, Dornoch Cathedral is a 13th-century architectural gem set in the heart of the Highland town of Dornoch. Founded in 1224 by Bishop Gilbert de Moravia and first used in 1239, this cruciform stone structure showcases remarkable resilience through centuries of conflict, destruction, and restoration. Today, it serves as an active Church of Scotland parish church, welcoming visitors to admire its 27 stunning stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, and peaceful interior. The cathedral's honey-coloured sandstone exterior and serene ambiance make it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual reflection.
Daily 10:00–20:00Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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Historical landmark4.3★118 reviews
Old Keiss Castle
Old Keiss Castle is a dramatic 16th-century ruin perched on cliffs overlooking Sinclair's Bay near Wick in Caithness, Scotland. Once a stronghold of the Sinclair family, it features a distinctive Z-plan tower house design with round towers and bartizans. Though unsafe to enter due to its crumbling condition and cliff erosion, the castle remains a striking historical landmark embodying centuries of Scottish noble history and coastal ruggedness.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Duke Of Sutherland Monument
The Duke of Sutherland Monument, locally known as 'The Mannie', is a towering 30-meter statue atop Ben Bhraggie hill near Golspie in the Scottish Highlands. Erected in 1837 to commemorate the first Duke of Sutherland, it stands as a prominent landmark visible for miles around, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The monument is entwined with the complex history of the Highland Clearances, reflecting both grandeur and controversy.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Broch Dun Dornaigil
Dun Dornaigil Broch is a striking Iron Age drystone roundhouse located in the remote Scottish Highlands near Lairg. Standing up to 7 meters high, this well-preserved broch features a distinctive triangular lintel entrance and overlooks the Strathmore River, offering dramatic views. Built over 2,300 years ago, it reflects the complex social and defensive needs of its time, though its interior is now filled with rubble and inaccessible.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Cairn of Get
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered burial cairn set within an exceptionally rich prehistoric landscape near Lybster in the Scottish Highlands. Originally standing over 3 metres high with massive stone lintels, this well-preserved monument allows visitors to step inside the burial chamber and view the original portal stones and antechamber. First excavated in 1866, the cairn remains one of the finest examples of Orkney-Cromarty type architecture in northern Scotland, surrounded by hut circles, hill forts, and other ancient monuments.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Dingwall Castle Doocot
The Dingwall Castle Doocot is a historic dovecote that once formed part of the medieval Dingwall Castle complex in the Scottish Highlands. This distinctive octagonal tower, featuring gun loops and a vaulted roof with nest holes, stands as a rare remnant of a castle largely lost to time. It reflects the castle’s strategic importance and the adaptations made during the 16th century, offering visitors a tangible link to Scotland’s turbulent history and architectural heritage.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Hermit's Castle
Hermit's Castle is a tiny concrete folly built in 1950 by architect David Scott on a rocky peninsula overlooking Achmelvich Bay in Scotland. Often called Europe's smallest castle, this Brutalist-style shelter features a single room with a bed platform, fireplace, and shelves. Its remote, rugged setting and enigmatic history make it a captivating hidden gem blending into the natural coastline.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Cannon
Situated on a grassy verge along Ness Road in Stromness, The Cannon is a historic landmark originating from the American privateer Liberty, captured in 1813. It offers visitors a scenic spot overlooking Stromness harbour, where the cannon was traditionally fired to welcome Hudson’s Bay Company ships, embodying the town’s rich maritime heritage.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Caithness Inn
Caithness Inn is a welcoming 4-star hotel located on High Street in the heart of Wick, Scotland. Known for its clean, spacious rooms and attentive service, the inn offers free WiFi, room service, and nearby parking. Just a short distance from Wick John O’Groats Airport and local attractions like Sinclair's Bay, it provides a convenient base for exploring the rugged beauty of Caithness and the wider Highlands region.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Rennibister Earth House
Rennibister Earth House is a remarkable underground archaeological site near Kirkwall, Orkney, dating back to around 400 BC. This stone-lined souterrain features a narrow passage leading to a small chamber, notable for the discovery of human remains of about 18 individuals. Its mysterious origins and later use as a burial vault make it a unique glimpse into Iron Age life and death in Scotland.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Wee Hoose
The Wee Hoose is a quaint miniature cottage perched on a tiny islet in Little Loch Shin near Lairg, Scotland. Known for its whitewashed walls, red door, and rustic slate roof, this whimsical structure is a beloved cultural landmark and local curiosity. Though too small for habitation, it offers a picturesque and unique glimpse into Highland folklore and craftsmanship, set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Shin and surrounding hills.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Tinker's Cave
Tinker's Cave, located on the southern shore of Wick Bay in Caithness, Scotland, is a historically significant site once inhabited by the 'tinkers'—itinerant tinsmiths and craftspeople who lived in coastal caves. This landmark offers a poignant glimpse into a marginalized community's lifestyle, crafts, and struggles during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a unique chapter of Scottish social and cultural history.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Clach an Tiompain
Clach an Tiompain, known as the Eagle Stone, is a striking Pictish symbol stone located in Strathpeffer, Scotland. Dating back to the 7th century AD, this ancient monument features detailed carvings of an eagle and an arch-shaped symbol. Steeped in local legend and historical significance, it stands as a testament to the region’s rich Pictish heritage and clan history, surrounded by scenic Highland landscapes.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)
HMS Tern, also known as Royal Naval Air Station Twatt, is a historic WWII naval airfield near Twatt, Orkney. Established in 1941, it served as a key training and operational base for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, supporting squadrons from the Home Fleet. Many original buildings remain, including a distinctive bomb-defended control tower, offering a poignant glimpse into wartime aviation history amid Orkney’s rugged landscape.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Craig Castle
Craig Castle, also known as Castlecraig, is a 16th-century fortification perched on the northern shore of Scotland's Black Isle near Cromarty. This historic castle, associated with the Urquhart family and later the Mackenzies, offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich feudal past and the region’s maritime heritage. Surrounded by picturesque farmland and overlooking the Cromarty Firth, Craig Castle is a captivating site for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Whitegate broch
Perched on a dramatic coastal headland near Keiss in Caithness, Whitegate Broch is a well-preserved Iron Age tower that offers a rare glimpse into ancient Scottish life. Built between the 2nd and 3rd century BC, its massive stone walls rise above the sea, surrounded by sweeping views and a sense of deep history. The broch’s circular chamber, thick walls, and stone features hint at a complex past of habitation, defense, and ritual. Accessible via a coastal path, it’s a quiet, atmospheric site perfect for history lovers and those seeking a connection with Scotland’s prehistoric past.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Eagle Stone Path
The Eagle Stone, or Clach an Tiompain, is a small but striking Class I Pictish symbol stone located on the northern outskirts of Strathpeffer, Scotland. Dating from 500–700 AD, it features intricate carvings of an eagle and a horseshoe-shaped arc, believed to commemorate a historic clan battle. Steeped in legend and local prophecy, this ancient monument connects visitors with the mysterious Pictish past and the cultural heritage of Easter Ross.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Hoy High Lighthouse
Hoy High Lighthouse, built in 1851 by Alan Stevenson, stands on the northeast point of Graemsay in Orkney. This historic lighthouse, alongside its companion Hoy Sound Low Lighthouse, served as a vital maritime navigational aid guiding ships safely through the treacherous Hoy Sound towards Stromness. Its 108-foot white tower is a prominent landmark reflecting Orkney’s rich maritime heritage and the importance of safe passage in these northern waters.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Mackay Country Landmark
The Mackay Country Landmark in Thurso, Scotland, is a historical site honoring the legacy of Clan Mackay, one of the ancient Scottish Highland clans. Situated along the A836, this landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and turbulent history of the region, including the Highland Clearances. Surrounded by stunning northern landscapes, it serves as a tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Mackay people.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Walkhighlands
Walkhighlands is the ultimate online platform dedicated to walking and hiking across Scotland. Offering thousands of detailed routes, maps, and guides, it serves as an essential resource for walkers of all levels seeking to explore Scotland’s diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to tranquil lochs. The site also promotes walking routes free of charge, fostering a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–3 hrs
Monument to Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland
The Monument to Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland, located in Golspie, Scotland, commemorates the influential 19th-century political hostess and social reformer. Laid by Queen Victoria in 1872, this historic landmark honors Harriet's legacy in championing liberal causes and her lasting impact on the region’s social progress. The monument stands as a dignified tribute amidst the scenic Highland surroundings, reflecting both her prominence and the complex history of the Sutherland estate.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Braal Castle
Braal Castle is a 14th-century ruined tower set on the banks of the River Thurso near Halkirk in Caithness, northern Scotland. Once the principal seat of the Earls of Caithness, this historic fortress has been granted royal patronage and stands as a testament to medieval Scottish architecture. Today, the castle remains a striking landmark in the Highland landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland's feudal past.
Time to spend 0.8–2 hrs
Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))
St. Coomb Chapel, located near Castletown in Thurso, is a historic site dating back to the 6th century. Though only ruins remain, it marks an early Christian presence in northern Scotland and is linked to St Coomb (or Colum), reflecting the region's rich ecclesiastical history and early medieval Christian heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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Castle Varrich travel guide
Explore the ancient seat of Clan Mackay atop a rugged promontory with sweeping views of Kyle of Tongue and the majestic Highland mountains.
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Discover Caithness, Scotland's northern gem, where rugged coastlines, ancient history, and vibrant wildlife come together in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
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