Camps Bar Travel Guide

Free Guide: Wick’s oldest pub where historic charm meets lively local spirit and affordable drinks in a welcoming Highland setting.

A brief summary of Camps Bar

Wick’s oldest pub where historic charm meets lively local spirit and affordable drinks in a welcoming Highland setting.

Camps Bar, located at 128-132 High Street in Wick, is the town’s oldest pub, blending historic charm with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from mid-afternoon to late night, it offers affordable drinks, local ales, and occasional live music, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The bar also features upstairs rooms for accommodation, providing a unique stay in the heart of Wick.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$Budget
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
3.7 Good · 111 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon2 pm–11 pm
  • Tue2 pm–11 pm
  • Wed2 pm–11 pm
  • Thu2 pm–12 am
  • Fri2 pm–1 am
  • Sat2 pm–1 am
  • Sun2 pm–11 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
128-132 High St, Wick KW1 4LR
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Local bus services connect Wick town center with regional hubs; from Wick bus station, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Camps Bar. Buses run regularly but check schedules for frequency. A single fare typically costs around £2-£4.

Car

Driving to Camps Bar is straightforward via the A99 road. Parking is limited in the town center, so expect to use public parking areas nearby. Parking fees vary but are generally affordable, around £1-£3 per hour.

Walking

If staying or exploring nearby, Camps Bar is easily accessible on foot from most central Wick locations, with flat terrain and paved streets. Walking times range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on your starting point.

Discover more about Camps Bar

A Storied Past in the Heart of Wick

Camps Bar holds the distinction of being the oldest pub in Wick, a historic town in the Scottish Highlands. Its location on High Street places it at the center of local life, where generations have gathered for conviviality and community. The pub’s walls echo with decades of stories, blending a sense of heritage with the vibrancy of modern-day socializing. This combination makes Camps Bar a living piece of Wick’s cultural fabric.

A Welcoming Atmosphere and Local Flavors

Inside, Camps Bar offers a warm and inviting environment where patrons can enjoy a range of affordable drinks. The bar is known for its selection of local ales, providing an authentic taste of the region’s brewing traditions. Friendly staff engage with guests, often sharing tales of the pub’s history and the local area. On weekends, live music events add an extra layer of entertainment, drawing lively crowds and creating a festive atmosphere.

Accommodation Above the Bar

Upstairs, Camps Bar offers simple rooms for guests seeking convenient lodging in Wick. Though modest, these rooms provide a practical base for travelers exploring the town and surrounding Highlands. Guests have noted the clean sheets and basic amenities, though some have mentioned that the rooms are not en suite and can be affected by noise from the bar below. The accommodation’s affordability makes it a budget-friendly option for those prioritizing location and local experience.

Local Tips and Social Scene

Visitors are encouraged to visit during happy hour to enjoy the best drink deals and to try the local ales for a true regional flavor. The outdoor seating area is a pleasant spot when weather permits, offering a chance to soak in the town’s atmosphere. Fridays and Saturdays often feature live music or karaoke nights, making these evenings particularly lively and fun. The bar’s dog-friendly policy and chatty staff add to its friendly, community feel.

Setting and Surroundings

Situated on Wick’s main street, Camps Bar is close to several dining options and local attractions such as the Wick Heritage Centre and Pulteney Distillery. This central location makes it an ideal stop for both locals and tourists looking to relax after a day of sightseeing. The bar’s historic façade and interior details reflect its long-standing presence in the town, contributing to its charm and appeal.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

While Camps Bar embraces its historic roots, it also adapts to contemporary tastes and expectations. The bar has transitioned to offering bottled beers alongside traditional draught options and hosts events that keep the social calendar vibrant. Despite some mixed reviews about the accommodation and occasional operational quirks, Camps Bar remains a beloved fixture in Wick’s nightlife and hospitality scene.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · at 1am or at 8am or at 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 33% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 33% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 44% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 56% of the busiest month
  5. May: 67% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 78% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 89% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 78% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 56% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 44% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 33% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 20% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 8am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 9am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 10am: 10% of the busiest hour
  6. 11am: 20% of the busiest hour
  7. 12pm: 30% of the busiest hour
  8. 1pm: 40% of the busiest hour
  9. 2pm: 50% of the busiest hour
  10. 3pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  11. 4pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  12. 5pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  13. 6pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  14. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  15. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  16. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  17. 10pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  18. 11pm: 40% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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