Guidebook for The Bungalow
Eating Out
Reid's Fish Bar (Thurso) Ltd
7 Riverside PlBest fish and chips
The Ferry Inn Scrabster
Captains Galley Seafood Restaurant
Scrabster Seafood Bar and Takeaway
Ulbster Arms Hotel Ltd
Bridge StreetForss House Hotel
Essentials
Tesco Superstore
Millbank RoadThurso Launderette and Dry Cleaners
Riverside PlaceLidl
South RoadEntertainment & Activities
Thurso Swimming Pool
Millbank RoadLybster Golf Club
Main StreetMerlin Thurso Cinema, Bar & Kitchen
Ormlie RoadHarpers Fly Fishing Services
57 High StWill provide any fishing equipment and guidance on where to go
Getting Around
Scrabster station
Ferry Terminal
The Bike Shop
35 High StNorthLink Ferries
Ferry RoadSightseeing
The late Queen Mother enjoyed visiting the beautiful and windswept Caithness area and, whilst visiting in 1952, shortly after the death of her husband King George VI, she saw the Castle of Mey for the first time. The isolated charm of the Castle and Gardens, which was on the verge of being abandoned, is what drew the Queen Mother to come to its rescue.
She renovated the property between 1953 and 1955 and the castle is still set out in the style specified by the Queen Mother. The rooms are filled with the Queen Mother’s personal belongings and you get a sense of the things she enjoyed.
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Kasteel en tuinen van Mey
The late Queen Mother enjoyed visiting the beautiful and windswept Caithness area and, whilst visiting in 1952, shortly after the death of her husband King George VI, she saw the Castle of Mey for the first time. The isolated charm of the Castle and Gardens, which was on the verge of being abandoned, is what drew the Queen Mother to come to its rescue.
She renovated the property between 1953 and 1955 and the castle is still set out in the style specified by the Queen Mother. The rooms are filled with the Queen Mother’s personal belongings and you get a sense of the things she enjoyed.
Most northerly point of Scotland with superb views. A great birdwatching areas where you can walk around the clifftop (with care) from Brough to the lighthouse and see birds such as Peregrine Falcon, Gannett, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Puffin
Dunnet Head Educational Trust
Most northerly point of Scotland with superb views. A great birdwatching areas where you can walk around the clifftop (with care) from Brough to the lighthouse and see birds such as Peregrine Falcon, Gannett, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Puffin
Located by Staxigoe outside Wick, this castle sits precariously on a cliff edge! Park next to Ross Head Lighthouse and walk to the castle – there are some fascinating information boards along the way. The castle can be reached by a new footbridge and is a great place to explore. It’s safe for older children too – as the dangerous parts are fenced-off.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe was an impressive defensive castle in its day, which was transformed into a grand mansion during the Renaissance period. Unfortunately in 1651 the Castle was seized by Cromwell and this was the start of its decline.
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Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
Located by Staxigoe outside Wick, this castle sits precariously on a cliff edge! Park next to Ross Head Lighthouse and walk to the castle – there are some fascinating information boards along the way. The castle can be reached by a new footbridge and is a great place to explore. It’s safe for older children too – as the dangerous parts are fenced-off.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe was an impressive defensive castle in its day, which was transformed into a grand mansion during the Renaissance period. Unfortunately in 1651 the Castle was seized by Cromwell and this was the start of its decline.
This is nothing less than spectacular. The winding 5 mile single track road over rough moorland to the lighthouse is an experience in itself. On occasion you might journey through 4 seasons' worth of weather, enjoying the coastal views on the way and close up contact with shaggy ginger Highland cows, as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding moorland dotted with derelict First and Second World War barracks buildings and gun emplacement sites. It was also a wartime radar station.There's a good car park by the lighthouse at the top, but no shops or tearooms so take a sandwich and a drink.The views are stunning from the cliff tops, including Orkney and the Pentland Firth
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Dunnet Head Lighthouse
This is nothing less than spectacular. The winding 5 mile single track road over rough moorland to the lighthouse is an experience in itself. On occasion you might journey through 4 seasons' worth of weather, enjoying the coastal views on the way and close up contact with shaggy ginger Highland cows, as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding moorland dotted with derelict First and Second World War barracks buildings and gun emplacement sites. It was also a wartime radar station.There's a good car park by the lighthouse at the top, but no shops or tearooms so take a sandwich and a drink.The views are stunning from the cliff tops, including Orkney and the Pentland Firth
Parks & Nature
RSPB Dunnet Head
Stunning views, educational RSPB staff
Thurso Beach
1-16 Pentland CresFantastic surfing
Use Google Earth...find the landmarks to get there. THERE ARE NO SIGNS. Once there, walk past the cafe to the steps. Amazing piece of work that leads from the bluff down to the sea. It's an amazing piece of history and testimony to what people can do when they set their minds to a task.
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Whaligoe Steps
Use Google Earth...find the landmarks to get there. THERE ARE NO SIGNS. Once there, walk past the cafe to the steps. Amazing piece of work that leads from the bluff down to the sea. It's an amazing piece of history and testimony to what people can do when they set their minds to a task.
Oldshoremore beach is simply stunning.As you would come to expect on Scotland's West Coast the sand is beautifully light, and the water turquoise in colour.
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Oldshoremore Beach
Oldshoremore beach is simply stunning.As you would come to expect on Scotland's West Coast the sand is beautifully light, and the water turquoise in colour.
Sited just below the Sango Sands Oasis camp site; this beach is another in a long list of stunning beaches. Well worth a visit
Sango Bay view point
Sited just below the Sango Sands Oasis camp site; this beach is another in a long list of stunning beaches. Well worth a visit
“Exhilarating and Fascinating Tours”
Suitable for all ages. Down the coast to Whaligoe Steps and harbour via the stacks, geos (small fjords) and caves which define the spectacular Caithness coastal scenery and make it totally unique. In May the cliff nesting birds are nearing their peak with fulmars, terns, guillemots, shags and even the elusive puffin present in abundance at very close quarters. Others to be seen at times at peregrine falcons, bonxies (arctic skua) and sea eagles. The detailed local history with a guide.
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Caithness Seacoast Ltd
Harbour Road“Exhilarating and Fascinating Tours”
Suitable for all ages. Down the coast to Whaligoe Steps and harbour via the stacks, geos (small fjords) and caves which define the spectacular Caithness coastal scenery and make it totally unique. In May the cliff nesting birds are nearing their peak with fulmars, terns, guillemots, shags and even the elusive puffin present in abundance at very close quarters. Others to be seen at times at peregrine falcons, bonxies (arctic skua) and sea eagles. The detailed local history with a guide.
This is the best venue to see Atlantic salmon leaping the falls. There are viewing platforms above the river and you will experience the thrill of watching the fish make their way up the torrent of water created by the falls of shin. The best time to visit is Autumn when large numbers of salmon are returning to the River Shin to spawn. The original visitor centre was destroyed by fire a few years ago,but construction has now started on a new building which will be completed in 2017.
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Falls of Shin
This is the best venue to see Atlantic salmon leaping the falls. There are viewing platforms above the river and you will experience the thrill of watching the fish make their way up the torrent of water created by the falls of shin. The best time to visit is Autumn when large numbers of salmon are returning to the River Shin to spawn. The original visitor centre was destroyed by fire a few years ago,but construction has now started on a new building which will be completed in 2017.
Visit Cape Wrath
This beach can only be reached on foot or by boat. It is well worth the four mile walk from Blairmore car park.The beach itself is one of the most beautiful beaches, with huge sand dunes, crashing waves and fantastic views. Totally unspoilt and clean, and the hot chocolates and cakes from the little kiosk at the car park are highly recommended.
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Sandwood Bay Beach
This beach can only be reached on foot or by boat. It is well worth the four mile walk from Blairmore car park.The beach itself is one of the most beautiful beaches, with huge sand dunes, crashing waves and fantastic views. Totally unspoilt and clean, and the hot chocolates and cakes from the little kiosk at the car park are highly recommended.
Dornoch Beach
Large swathes of golden sands set in beautiful surroundings
Arts & Culture
In the centre of Thurso is an excellent new museum, Caithness Horizons, which is definitely worth a visit. With free admission (though donations are appreciated), Caithness Horizons offers a fascinating insight into the history, pioneering industrial past, wildlife and ecology of Caithness. The story of Dounreay – which shaped the recent economy and history of Caithness – is also featured.
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Caithness Horizons Museum and Art Gallery
High StreetIn the centre of Thurso is an excellent new museum, Caithness Horizons, which is definitely worth a visit. With free admission (though donations are appreciated), Caithness Horizons offers a fascinating insight into the history, pioneering industrial past, wildlife and ecology of Caithness. The story of Dounreay – which shaped the recent economy and history of Caithness – is also featured.
The ruins and history of the flagstone industry really interesting and set in a gorgeous location with views of Dunnet Head, fishing boats etc. On a sunny day (as we had) it was a couple of wonderful hours learning about the industry that was so popular and understanding why field fences around here are made of flagstones! A great visit.
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Castlehill Heritage Centre
Harbour RoadThe ruins and history of the flagstone industry really interesting and set in a gorgeous location with views of Dunnet Head, fishing boats etc. On a sunny day (as we had) it was a couple of wonderful hours learning about the industry that was so popular and understanding why field fences around here are made of flagstones! A great visit.
Dunrobin Castle has been called home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century and was first mentioned as a stronghold of the family in 1401. The gardens were laid out in 1850 by the architect Sir Charles Barry, who was responsible for the Victorian extension to the Castle and who designed the Houses of Parliament.
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Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle has been called home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century and was first mentioned as a stronghold of the family in 1401. The gardens were laid out in 1850 by the architect Sir Charles Barry, who was responsible for the Victorian extension to the Castle and who designed the Houses of Parliament.
This is what a local museum should be like. It is put together, in a local building (a redundant church), by local people, with the help of a few qualified historians, and looked after by enthusiastic volunteers. Browsing in this setting, with good write-ups, enjoying a warm drink as we did so, made for a perfect cold afternoon...
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Strathnaver Museum
ClachanThis is what a local museum should be like. It is put together, in a local building (a redundant church), by local people, with the help of a few qualified historians, and looked after by enthusiastic volunteers. Browsing in this setting, with good write-ups, enjoying a warm drink as we did so, made for a perfect cold afternoon...