Best Attractions in Caithness
Planning a trip to Caithness? Discover the best attractions in Caithness with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best attractions in Caithness
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
61 attractions
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Castle4.7★7,310 reviews
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Dunrobin Castle, perched on the east coast of Scotland’s Northern Highlands near Golspie, is a majestic French château-style castle with 189 rooms and a history dating back to the early 1300s. As the largest and most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into aristocratic heritage, featuring opulent state rooms, expansive formal gardens inspired by Versailles, a Victorian museum, and captivating falconry displays.
Daily 10:00–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 2–3.5 hrs
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Scenic point4.6★4,807 reviews
Chanonry Point
Chanonry Point, located on the Black Isle between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, is one of the best land-based sites in the UK to watch wild bottlenose dolphins. This narrow peninsula juts into the Moray Firth, creating a natural feeding channel that draws dolphins close to shore, especially during rising tides. Visitors can enjoy spectacular coastal views, a historic lighthouse, and the chance to see dolphins just meters away in their natural habitat.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1.5–4 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.7★1,893 reviews
Duncansby Head Lighthouse
Duncansby Head Lighthouse, perched on the most north-easterly point of the British mainland near Wick, Scotland, is a striking square tower built in 1924. Standing 11 meters tall atop 67-meter cliffs, its light shines 21 nautical miles out to sea. The site offers dramatic coastal views, rich maritime history, and proximity to the iconic Duncansby Stacks sea formations, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
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Castle4.6★1,831 reviews
Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle, perched on a rocky promontory in the Scottish Highlands, is a haunting ruin of a 15th-century tower house built by Clan MacLeod. Known for its dramatic role in Scottish history, including the betrayal and capture of the Royalist Marquis of Montrose in 1650, the castle offers stunning views over Loch Assynt and a glimpse into the turbulent past of the Highlands. Nearby lies the ruins of Calda House, the 18th-century mansion that replaced Ardvreck but was abandoned after clan conflicts and Jacobite upheavals.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Cathedral4.4★1,878 reviews
Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew
Inverness Cathedral, the most northerly Anglican cathedral in the UK, stands majestically on the banks of the River Ness. Built between 1866 and 1869 in Gothic Revival style by architect Alexander Ross, it features intricate stone and wood carvings, vibrant stained glass windows, and a serene interior. As the Mother Church of the Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness, it remains a vibrant place of worship and cultural events, welcoming visitors year-round with free entry and guided tours.
Daily 9:00–18:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Castle4.7★1,191 reviews
Castle Acre Priory
Castle Acre Priory, located in the picturesque village of Castle Acre in Norfolk, England, is one of the largest and best-preserved monastic sites in the country. Founded around 1090 by William de Warenne II, it offers extensive ruins including the priory church, prior’s lodgings, and cloister buildings, alongside a recreated herb garden. Managed by English Heritage, the site provides a tranquil glimpse into medieval religious life with informative displays and peaceful grounds.
Daily 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.8★1,123 reviews
Whaligoe Steps
Whaligoe Steps is a remarkable man-made staircase of approximately 330 to 365 stone steps descending a 250-foot cliff to a tiny natural harbour on Scotland’s northeastern coast. Once a vital fishing station used by fisherwomen hauling heavy baskets of fish, the steps offer dramatic views, rich history, and a unique glimpse into Caithness’s maritime heritage. The site features a grassy picnic area and is surrounded by nesting seabirds and towering cliffs, making it a scenic and atmospheric destination.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.6★1,186 reviews
Castle Acre
Castle Acre is a historic village in Norfolk, England, famed for its remarkably preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castle and medieval earthworks. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest by William de Warenne, the castle offers visitors atmospheric ruins set within a tranquil rural landscape. Nearby, the village features the impressive Bailey Gate and the ruins of Castle Acre Priory, reflecting centuries of rich medieval history.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Castle4.5★1,223 reviews
The Castle & Gardens of Mey
Nestled on Scotland's northernmost mainland coast near Thurso, The Castle & Gardens of Mey is a historic 16th-century castle famously restored by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Visitors can explore its charming interiors, beautifully maintained gardens, an animal centre, and enjoy panoramic views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. The site offers a unique blend of royal heritage, natural beauty, and tranquil atmosphere.
Wed–Sun 10:30–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3 hrs
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Botanical garden4.7★968 reviews
Dawyck Botanic Garden
Nestled near Stobo village in the Scottish Borders, Dawyck Botanic Garden spans 65 acres of woodland and riverside walks. Renowned as one of the world’s finest arboreta, it features towering ancient trees, vibrant seasonal floral displays including snowdrops, bluebells, rhododendrons, and azaleas, plus the world’s first Cryptogamic Sanctuary dedicated to mosses and fungi. This garden blends rich botanical heritage with stunning natural beauty throughout the year.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
Carn Liath
Perched on a grassy terrace overlooking the Moray Firth, Carn Liath Broch is a remarkably preserved Iron Age tower near Golspie in the Scottish Highlands. Dating from the last century BC or first century AD, this dry-stone broch features thick walls up to 12 feet high, a well-preserved entrance passage, guard cell, and internal steps. Surrounded by traces of an ancient settlement, it offers a rare glimpse into sophisticated Iron Age architecture and daily life, all free to visit and open year-round with panoramic sea views.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Castle Of Old Wick
Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea near Wick, the Castle of Old Wick is a striking medieval ruin dating mainly from the 14th century. Known locally as the 'Old Man of Wick,' this four-storey tower castle offers spectacular views of towering cliffs and sea, surrounded by deep rock-cut ditches and earthworks. Its exposed coastal position and rich history as a Norse and Scottish stronghold make it a captivating heritage site to explore.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Camster Cairns
The Grey Cairns of Camster are two large Neolithic chambered cairns located in the windswept moorlands of Caithness, Scotland. Dating back over 5,000 years, these remarkable stone monuments feature corbelled dry-stone roofs and internal burial chambers accessed through narrow passages. Situated in the remote Flow Country, the cairns offer a rare glimpse into prehistoric funerary practices and are surrounded by boggy peatland, with wooden walkways aiding visitor access.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Wick Heritage Museum
Located at 20 Bank Row in Wick, Scotland, the Wick Heritage Museum offers a rich exploration of the region’s cultural and maritime heritage. This engaging museum features furnished rooms and exhibits that vividly portray Wick’s herring fishing past and local life. Open seasonally from April to October, it provides visitors with interactive displays, knowledgeable volunteers, and a glimpse into Caithness’s unique history.
Mon–Sat 10:00–15:45Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Robert Burns House
Robert Burns House in Dumfries is the historic sandstone home where Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, spent his final years until his death in 1796. This intimate museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century life with original manuscripts, personal belongings, and period rooms. It is a pilgrimage site for Burns enthusiasts worldwide, featuring interactive family trails and a rich cultural legacy in the heart of Dumfries.
Tue–Sat 10:00–13:00, 14:00–17:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Duncansby Stacks
The Duncansby Stacks are towering sea stacks rising 60 meters off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland near John o’ Groats. These dramatic red sandstone pillars, carved by millennia of sea and storm erosion, stand beside the iconic Duncansby Head Lighthouse and offer sweeping views across the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands. Accessible by a gentle clifftop walk, the stacks are a haven for seabirds and marine wildlife, making them a spectacular natural attraction in the Highlands.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Durness Beach
Durness Beach, located on Scotland’s remote north coast in the village of Durness, offers stunning turquoise waters, expansive golden sands, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Known for its wild natural beauty, this beach is a haven for walkers, surfers, and wildlife enthusiasts, framed by some of the highest cliffs on the British mainland and backed by rugged landscapes.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–4 hrs
Lybster Harbour
Nestled on the rugged northeast coast of Scotland, Lybster Harbour is a historic fishing port with a dramatic cliffside setting and a rich maritime past. Once a bustling herring hub, today it offers a peaceful, windswept charm with sweeping sea views, a working pier, and a quiet, authentic Highland atmosphere. The harbour is easily accessible on foot from the village and is ideal for a scenic stroll, photography, or simply watching the waves crash against the breakwater. It’s a place where history, nature, and community life quietly converge.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Old St Peter’s Church, Thurso
Old St Peter’s Church in Thurso is a remarkable medieval ruin dating back to at least 1125, once serving as the principal church of Caithness. Located near Thurso Bay, this roofless stone church features imposing aisles, a tower once used as a prison, and a burial ground surrounded by a stone wall. Its rich history includes Norse connections, use as a courthouse, and a role as a proto-cathedral, making it a captivating site for history enthusiasts and visitors exploring northern Scotland.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Old Pulteney Distillery
Located in Wick, Caithness, Old Pulteney Distillery is one of Scotland’s northernmost whisky producers, famed for its distinctive maritime single malts. Established in 1826, it crafts award-winning whiskies matured in oak casks influenced by the coastal climate. Visitors can explore traditional production methods, witness uniquely shaped copper stills, and enjoy tastings in a well-appointed visitor centre that celebrates the distillery’s rich history and seafaring heritage.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Ackergill Tower
Ackergill Tower is a striking early 16th-century coastal castle near Wick, Scotland. This five-storey stone tower house with an 18th-century wing has a turbulent history marked by clan feuds, sieges, and legends. Now a beautifully restored heritage building, it serves as a wedding venue and hotel, offering guests a glimpse into Scotland’s dramatic past amid stunning Sinclair’s Bay scenery.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Castle Varrich
Castle Varrich is a historic ruined tower house perched on a rocky promontory near Tongue in the far north of the Scottish Highlands. Believed to date back to the 14th century or earlier, it was the ancient seat of the Clan Mackay chiefs. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal, and Ben Hope mountains. Recent conservation efforts have added a steel spiral staircase and viewing platform, enhancing visitor access to this evocative landmark.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–2 hrs
Caithness Seacoast Ltd
Caithness Seacoast Ltd offers exhilarating boat tours along the rugged East Caithness coastline from Wick Harbour. Operating since 2008, this family-run company provides intimate, guided tours aboard the Geo Explorer, a 10m RIB seating up to 12 passengers. Explore dramatic sea caves, towering cliffs, historic sites, and abundant wildlife including seals and seabirds, all with expert commentary and a focus on safety and local knowledge.
Daily 10:30–18:30Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
Caithness Glass
Located within the Crieff Visitor Centre in Perthshire, Caithness Glass offers a captivating experience showcasing traditional Scottish glassmaking. Visitors can watch skilled artisans craft exquisite paperweights and glassware in a close-up studio environment, explore a diverse gift shop featuring Caithness Glass and other quality brands, and enjoy creative activities like glass painting. The centre also includes a café and exhibits on local history, making it a multifaceted cultural destination.
Daily 9:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Tesco Superstore
Tesco Superstore in Wick is a large, modern supermarket located on North Road, offering a comprehensive range of groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials. Open daily from early morning until midnight, it features additional services such as a Tesco Café and a petrol filling station, making it a convenient one-stop shop for locals and visitors alike.
Mon–Sat 6:00–24:00 · Sun 8:00–20:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Castlehill Heritage Centre
Nestled in the historic fishing village of Castletown near Thurso, Castlehill Heritage Centre is a community-run museum preserving the rich maritime, industrial, and social history of Caithness. Housed in a former school, it features engaging exhibits on local archaeology, shipbuilding, and the area’s role in the herring trade. Knowledgeable volunteers bring stories to life, and the centre also hosts educational workshops and stargazing events. Open limited afternoons, it’s a quiet, authentic stop for those interested in Scotland’s northern heritage.
Wed 14:00–16:00 · Sat–Sun 14:00–16:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Reiss Sands
Reiss Sands, also known as Sinclair’s Bay, is a spectacular white-sand beach near Wick in the Scottish Highlands. Renowned for its expansive soft sands, low dunes, and historic castles at either end, this tranquil coastal spot offers stunning views of the North Sea, opportunities for surfing, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for walks, wildlife watching, and family outings. The beach is dog-friendly year-round and accessible via a path from Wick Golf Club.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–4 hrs
Geise Farm
Geise Farm, located on the scenic River Walk in Thurso, offers a peaceful farm environment combined with nature reserve qualities and picnic grounds. This inviting rural retreat provides visitors with opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy riverside walks, and relax in a serene setting just minutes from the town center.
Daily 9:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Hill O' Many Stanes
The Hill O' Many Stanes is a striking prehistoric site in Caithness, Scotland, featuring around 200 small standing stones arranged in tapered rows down a gentle hill. Dating back approximately 4,000 years to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, this mysterious monument offers a rare glimpse into ancient ritual or ceremonial practices. Visitors can explore the atmospheric stone rows while enjoying sweeping coastal views in a tranquil Highland setting.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 15–30 min
North Coast Visitor Centre
Located in the historic former Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie Library, the North Coast Visitor Centre offers a rich museum experience showcasing Caithness history from the Devonian period to modern times. Visitors can explore archaeological finds, local natural history, and the cultural impact of Dounreay. The centre also features an art gallery, theatre, café, and gift shop, all accessible across four floors with lifts and ramps, making it welcoming to all visitors.
Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Dornoch Cathedral
Dornoch Cathedral, founded in 1224 by Bishop Gilbert de Moravia, stands as the northernmost cathedral on mainland Great Britain. This active Church of Scotland parish church combines medieval origins with 19th-century restorations, featuring serene Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, and a rich history intertwined with the Sutherland family and Scottish heritage. Visitors can explore its peaceful interior, unique graveyard artifacts, and the legacy of a building that has endured centuries of change.
Daily 10:00–20:00Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Burns Mausoleum
Resting place of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, this historic churchyard in Dumfries is a peaceful, atmospheric site of national significance. Surrounded by centuries-old monuments and mature trees, it offers a quiet space to reflect on Burns’s life and legacy. The adjacent St Michael’s Church, with its fine stained glass and deep local history, enhances the sense of place. A must-visit for literature lovers and those interested in Scottish heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Robert Burns Ellisland Museum & Farm
Step into the world of Scotland’s national poet at Ellisland Farm, the 18th-century riverside home Robert Burns built for his family. Explore the preserved farmhouse, outbuildings, and peaceful woodland and riverside paths where Burns wrote classics like 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Tam o’ Shanter'. The museum displays personal items, manuscripts, and insights into Burns’s life as a farmer and poet, set in a tranquil, heritage-rich landscape beside the River Nith near Dumfries.
Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Broch of Mousa
Mousa Broch, located on the remote island of Mousa in Shetland, Scotland, is the tallest and best-preserved Iron Age broch in Europe. Built around 300 BC, this remarkable drystone round tower rises 13 meters high with walls nearly 5 meters thick at the base. It served as a fortified residence and refuge, featuring a narrow entrance and an internal spiral staircase leading to the top. The broch’s coastal position offers commanding views over Mousa Sound and the North Sea, blending ancient history, Norse legend, and natural beauty.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Nybster Broch
Nybster Broch is a remarkable Iron Age circular stone tower located on the rugged Caithness coast near Wick, Scotland. Built around 2,000 years ago, it served as a defensive stronghold and community hub, showcasing impressive ancient engineering. Visitors can explore its thick drystone walls and remnants of internal structures while enjoying stunning views over the North Sea. The nearby Caithness Broch Centre offers deeper insights into the broch's history and the wider prehistoric heritage of the region.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Broch Dun Dornaigil
Dun Dornaigil Broch is a striking Iron Age drystone roundhouse located in the remote Strathmore valley of Sutherland, Scotland. Dating back over 2,000 years, this broch features walls rising up to 7 metres with a distinctive triangular lintel above its blocked entrance. Set beside the Strathmore River and backed by Ben Hope’s dramatic slopes, it offers a glimpse into ancient Scottish engineering and social prestige amid wild Highland landscapes.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Mary Ann's Cottage
Mary Ann's Cottage, located near Thurso in Caithness, Scotland, is a beautifully preserved 19th-century crofter's home. Built in 1850 and inhabited until 1990 by Mary Ann Calder, it offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Highland crofting life with original furnishings and belongings intact. The museum provides guided tours that immerse visitors in the history and culture of rural Scotland, set in a tranquil coastal environment.
Tue–Sat 14:00–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Cairn of Get
Cairn o'Get is a remarkable 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered burial cairn near Lybster, Scotland. This roofless round cairn features a central burial chamber and distinctive stone 'horns' forming forecourts. Set in a rich prehistoric landscape, it offers visitors a glimpse into ancient ritual practices and the lives of early farming communities in northern Scotland.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Cabin
Nestled at John O'Groats Harbour, The Cabin is a beloved fish and chips eatery offering fresh, flavorful seafood in a cozy, rustic setting. Known for its friendly service and some of the best gluten-free chips around, it’s a popular stop for travelers exploring Scotland’s northernmost point. Open daily from noon to 7 pm, The Cabin serves up traditional British fare with a welcoming atmosphere and scenic harbor views.
Daily 12:00–19:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
Dunnet Head Lighthouse, perched atop 300-foot cliffs on Scotland’s northernmost mainland point, offers breathtaking views over the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. Built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson, this historic lighthouse remains operational and is surrounded by a nature reserve rich in seabirds and marine wildlife. Visitors can explore dramatic coastal paths, wartime ruins, and enjoy solitude amid spectacular natural beauty.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Midhowe Broch
Midhowe Broch is a well-preserved Iron Age drystone structure located on the island of Rousay in Orkney, Scotland. Dating from the later centuries BC, this broch sits on a coastal promontory overlooking Eynhallow Sound. It features intact internal fittings such as a water tank, fireplace, and room partitions, offering a vivid glimpse into prehistoric life. The site is free to visit year-round and lies close to the ancient Midhowe Chambered Cairn, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Bucholie Castle
Bucholie Castle, perched dramatically on a narrow headland in Caithness near Nybster, is a striking 15th-century ruined fortress with deep Norse roots. Its sheer cliffs and rock-cut ditch made it nearly impregnable, serving as a defensive stronghold and noble residence for the Mowat family. Though now a ruin, the castle’s remote, windswept setting offers haunting views and a tangible link to Scotland’s medieval and Viking past.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Peerie Cafe
Peerie Cafe is a charming, small café nestled at the harbour in Scrabster, Thurso. Known for its friendly staff and quality food, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Open weekday mornings until early afternoon, it serves as a perfect spot for a relaxed breakfast or light lunch with views of the bustling harbour.
Tue–Sat 8:30–13:30Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Caithness Broch Centre
The Caithness Broch Centre in Auckengill is a unique museum dedicated to Scotland’s Iron Age brochs—ancient drystone towers found in abundance in Caithness. Housed in a historic old school building, it offers interactive exhibits, artefacts, and aerial imagery that illuminate broch construction, archaeology, and their cultural significance. Nearby, visitors can explore Nybster Broch’s dramatic coastal ruins, making this centre a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families alike.
Tue–Thu 10:00–16:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Clachtoll Broch
Clachtoll Broch is a remarkable Iron Age drystone tower located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Bay of Stoer in the Scottish Highlands. Built around 2,000 years ago, this broch was a multi-storey domestic structure with thick double walls and a central hearth, providing insights into ancient community life. Its dramatic collapse by fire around AD 50 preserved a unique archaeological time capsule, revealing rare artefacts including iron tools and organic remains. Today, it stands as a captivating ruin offering scenic coastal views and a glimpse into prehistoric Scotland.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Sinky's Beer Garden & Grill
Sinky's Beer Garden & Grill, located near Thurso in Caithness, Scotland, offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience focused on premium Scottish beef steaks. Nestled on a farm at Lochend, this micro-restaurant emphasizes communal dining with generous shared plates featuring 400g of meat per person, including a prime steak and a selection of random cuts. The setting celebrates local produce, tradition, and genuine Scottish hospitality in a relaxed outdoor environment.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Dunbeath Heritage Museum
Set in a charming converted schoolhouse in Dunbeath, Caithness, the Dunbeath Heritage Museum offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich archaeological, cultural, and literary heritage. Discover Neolithic tools, Viking artifacts, Pictish stones, and a tribute to Scottish author Neil M. Gunn, all within accessible, well-curated exhibits that bring the local past vividly to life.
Tue–Wed 10:00–16:00Price level $Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Lichen Caithness Reindeer Centre
Nestled in the scenic Highlands near Halkirk, Scotland, Lichen Caithness Reindeer Centre offers a unique opportunity to encounter the UK's most northerly reindeer. Visitors can engage in immersive experiences with reindeer such as Sven, Levvi, and Mr Antlers, learning about their Arctic heritage and the passion behind bringing these majestic animals to Caithness. The centre hosts evening herder sessions and weekend encounters, set against the tranquil backdrop of Harpsdale’s natural beauty.
Mon–Fri 18:00–19:30 · Sat–Sun 10:00–11:30, 13:00–14:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Whitegate broch
Whitegate Broch, near Wick in Scotland's Caithness region, is a striking Iron Age structure perched 100 meters above sea level. Dating from the 2nd to 3rd century BC, it features thick stone walls and an impressive circular interior. The broch offers panoramic coastal views and reveals fascinating archaeological finds, including stone tanks and ancient artifacts, showcasing Scotland’s rich prehistoric heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archive
Located at Wick Airport, Nucleus is the national archive for the UK civil nuclear industry and the historical archives of Caithness. It houses over seventy years of nuclear records alongside documents dating back to 1469 from the Caithness region. Visitors can explore plans, photographs, maps, and family history resources in a modern facility open Monday to Friday, offering a unique insight into both local heritage and the UK's nuclear legacy.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Pulteneytown and Thrumster Church
Pulteneytown and Thrumster Church, located in Argyle Square, Wick, is a historic Church of Scotland parish known for its Victorian architecture and deep community roots. United with the rural Thrumster parish since 1961, it serves as a spiritual and cultural beacon in Caithness, offering visitors a glimpse into local religious heritage amid tranquil surroundings.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Peebles Library
Peebles Library, Museum & Gallery is housed in the historic Chambers Institution on High Street, Peebles. Gifted in 1859 by William Chambers, this cultural hub features a library, museum, and gallery with exhibits on local history, art, and textiles. The building showcases remarkable plasterwork friezes and hosts a lively programme of exhibitions year-round, making it a key cultural attraction in the Scottish Borders.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Things Va
Things Va is a remarkable Iron Age broch located just outside Thurso in northern Scotland. This 2000-year-old stone tower offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Scottish and Norse history, believed to have been a site for local governance and community gatherings. Its sturdy drystone construction and scenic coastal setting make it an accessible and evocative historical attraction for visitors interested in archaeology and Viking-era heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Bay of Sannick
The Bay of Sannick, located near the village of John o' Groats in the Scottish Highlands, offers dramatic coastal scenery at one of mainland Britain's northernmost points. Known for its rugged cliffs, panoramic views over the Pentland Firth, and proximity to wildlife-rich waters, this tranquil bay is a gateway to exploring the wild landscapes and cultural heritage of Caithness. Visitors can enjoy coastal walks, wildlife spotting, and the unique atmosphere of this iconic northern coastal setting.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
First and Last in Scotland
The First and Last in Scotland is a historic octagonal building located in John o' Groats, Wick. Known as a souvenir shop today, it holds deep cultural significance linked to the legendary Dutch ferryman Jan de Groot, who shaped the area’s identity. The unique eight-sided structure reflects a family legacy and serves as a symbolic gateway at the northeastern tip of mainland Britain, offering visitors a tangible connection to Scotland’s northernmost traditions and coastal heritage.
Daily 10:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Meadow Well
Tucked away on Manson’s Lane in central Thurso, The Meadow Well is a charming 19th-century wellhouse that once served as the town’s main water supply. Built in 1823 around a historic well, this circular stone structure with its conical roof and simple ashlar detailing offers a quiet glimpse into Thurso’s everyday past. Though no longer in use, the well and its pump remain visible through the doorway, making it a subtle but evocative stop for those exploring the town’s history and character.
Time to spend 15–30 min
Ord of Caithness
Ord of Caithness is a broad, lofty granite mountain rising to 202 meters above sea level on the border of Sutherland and Caithness in the Scottish Highlands. Known for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the North Sea, it offers panoramic coastal views and a glimpse into Scotland’s rugged natural beauty and historic travel routes. The Ord’s steep slopes and historical significance make it a captivating destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Caithness Agricultural Society
Founded in 1830, the Caithness Agricultural Society is a historic membership organisation based in Watten, near Thurso and Wick, Scotland. It coordinates and runs the annual Caithness Show, a vibrant event celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the region with livestock competitions, equestrian events, and community activities. The society serves as a hub for farming enthusiasts and visitors interested in rural traditions and culture.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–6 hrs
Caithness Reindeer
Caithness Reindeer, located at Victoria Cottage near Lybster in the Scottish Highlands, offers a unique animal park experience where visitors can meet and feed friendly reindeer amidst stunning Highland landscapes. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, this family-friendly attraction also features other animals and provides an immersive natural setting along the North Coast 500 route.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
John O’Groats Trail - Wick to Keiss
The John O’Groats Trail from Wick to Keiss is a scenic and historic coastal hiking route in the Scottish Highlands. Stretching across rugged cliffs, sandy bays, and dramatic sea stacks, this trail offers walkers spectacular views of the North Sea and access to notable landmarks such as Castle Girnigoe and Keiss Castle. The route combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, passing through small villages and ancient ruins, making it a rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 5–6 hrs
Harold’s Tower
Harold’s Tower is a distinctive hexagonal mausoleum near Thurso, Scotland, built in the late 18th century by Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster. It commemorates Earl Harold of Caithness, a Viking-era figure who died in battle around 1190. The tower stands on the site of a former chapel and serves as the Sinclair family mausoleum, blending local history with architectural curiosity in the far north of mainland Britain.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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