Caithness is the northernmost part of Scotland, a jut of wilderness on the edge of mainland Britain reaching towards Orkney. It’s known for John O’Groats, for its raw and untamed-feeling coastline that seems like a series of high stone cliff-walls and for its boggy moorland interior. Caithness has a stark, unpolluted beauty, and some seriously ancient history. It’s one of those places that entices with its lack of invitation, but is perfect for a walking holiday, or a romantic escape. For us, the best places to stay in Caithness are those that sit within the most spectacular of landscapes, so we're recommending a seriously atmospheric country house hotel and a wonderful B&B on a castle estate.
Wick and Thurso are the largest centres in Caithness. Thurso is the main ferry link to the Orkney Islands, and has a fabulous museum that traces the history of the region and its Viking heritage, while Wick has a wonderful old castle — one of Scotland’s oldest — plus a brewery and an award-winning whisky distillery. Between Wick and Thurso are the Grey Cairns of Camster, which look like two bleak and beautiful piles of rubble, but which are buildings dating back to 3500BC. Walkers exploring the whole region will likely come across standing stones and the remains of prehistoric fortifications. If you hike inland you’ll enter Flow County, a vast expanse of peatland and wetland that’s the largest area of blanket bog in Europe.
The coast of Caithness is not without its beautiful beaches, and arguably the nicest is Dunnet Head, close to John O’Groats. As well as sand, and a forest, Dunnet Bay has the Rock Rose Distillery, an award-winning gin distillery.
As one of the main stretches of Scotland's NC500 circuit, the best places to stay in Caithness can be busy whatever the season. So do your research and book well ahead.
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Thurso (Caithness)
A charming 1810 country house hotel set in 20 acres of Scottish woodland. The perfect launchpad for all outdoor pursuits particularly walking, shooting and fishing. Spend the evenings with a choice whisky in hand by the fireplace. A great country escape.
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.
Caithness (Gills)
A former croft house, this B&B is in Gills, between Dunnet Head and John O’Groats. Rooms are homely and spacious, with wonderful views of the wild landscape. The Grey Suite has fun bunkbeds for kids, while The Pig Shed, a studio for two, offers self-catering facilities. An idyllic highland escape.
Caithness (Caithness)
A boutique country B&B set on the grounds of the late Queen Mother's home, the Castle of Mey. Interiors are grand with traditional artworks, grandfather clocks, & chintz fabrics. With friendly service, a coastal location, & great rates — this is a perfect rural getaway for families or couples.
