Founded by Vikings, who most likely came for the peaceful natural harbour and abundance of herring, Wick is a breathtaking spot, and one of the main towns on the north coast of Scotland. Herring has always been a key part of this area’s appeal, and many of the grand residences and buildings that Wick has today were built off the back of the herring caught during the mid. 19th century. The history of herring fishing may not seem like a reason for choosing a holiday destination, but Wick’s location is spectacular: on a really dramatic section of coastline, with great access to the Scottish Highlands and Islands. So the best places to stay in Wick will also appeal to travellers looking for a base for seeing the best of the whole region.
Wick Bay is the focus of town, overlooked by the atmospheric, clifftop ruins of a castle called the Old Man of Wick, which was believed to have been built in the 12th century, and has long been used as a navigation point for fishermen. The bay is a beautiful place, in a triangular shape with the Wick River at its apex, and breakwaters separating the Outer Harbour, the Inner Harbour and the River Harbour. If this sounds like an engineering lecture, imagine how arresting it looks… The best places to stay in Wick are ideal for sailors looking for an option on land, as the Inner Harbour is a marina. Wick’s main other castle ruins are a little further outside town, and called Sinclair and Girnigoe. They’re also close to the coast, and you can walk to them from town - it’s about three miles, via the Noss Head Lighthouse and the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe. This route is great for birdwatching, with the possibility of seeing a puffin! It’s also a useful recommendation for windsurfers, who will pass by the ideal conditions of Sinclair Bay.
If you are interested in Wick’s fishing heritage visit the Wick Heritage Centre. As well as herring and castles, Wick has the local airport, with regular flights to the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands. Wick is also a key station on the rail line between John O’Groats and southern Scotland and Britain, and links Thurso to the rest of the country. Even if you’re just passing though, and looking for just a few nights accommodation in one of the best places to stay in Wick, it’s really worth seeing some of the local sights, it’s a spectacular part of the world.
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Wick (Caithness)
This country estate a few miles from Wick offers 2 B&B rooms, 6 self-catering cottages and an apartment, set in acres of gardens and woodland. Quaint rooms feature floral wallpaper and antique furniture, plus there's an Iron Age Broch structure and pond in the grounds. A traditional highland escape.
