Best Landmarks in Caithness

11 landmarks

1. 
   01
   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

   728 min drive · 364 km·John o' Groats, Wick KW1 4YR

   Show on map John O'Groats Signpost
2. 
   02
   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

   682 min drive · 341 km·Union St, Wick KW1 5ED

   Show on map Mackays Hotel
3. 
   03
   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

   649 min drive · 325 km·Lybster KW3 6AH

   Show on map Lybster Harbour
4. 
   04
   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

   704 min drive · 352 km·Keiss, Wick KW1 4XF

   Show on map Old Keiss Castle
5. 
   05
   Historical landmark4.4★65 reviews

   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

   662 min drive · 331 km·Lybster KW2 6AA

   Show on map Cairn of Get
6. 
   06
   Hotel4.2★39 reviews

   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

   683 min drive · 341 km·101 High St, Wick KW1 4LR

   Show on map Caithness Inn
7. 
   07
   Historical landmark4.3★29 reviews

   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

   680 min drive · 340 km·1 S Head, Wick KW1 5TN

   Show on map Tinker's Cave
8. 
   08
   Historical landmark4.5★8 reviews

   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

   703 min drive · 351 km·Wick KW1 4XB

   Show on map Whitegate broch
9. 
   09
   Historical landmark3.3★4 reviews

   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

   708 min drive · 354 km·A836, Thurso KW14 7YJ

   Show on map Mackay Country Landmark
10. 
    10
    Apartment building

    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

    699 min drive · 349 km·Braal Castle, Halkirk KW12 6XE

    Show on map Braal Castle