Wick

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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Travel Information

• Want to fly to Wick?

• Though small, Wick has it’s own airport, called Wick John O’Groats Airport, which is only about five minutes away from the town part of Wick. To give a bit of an idea of flight times, the journey between Wick and Heathrow is four and a half hours. Wick’s next closest airport is Inverness Airport, which is about four hours away by train, or two by car. You my also want to consider catching the train up from London? it takes about 13hours, but it’s a spectacular journey.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s always a chance of rain in this part of the world, so whatever time of year you choose to visit be prepared for any possible weather combinations. This far north it’s probably the light that makes the most difference to your visit? closer to mid-Summer the days are a lot longer, so our Gurus recommend May through September. Wick is actually further north than the southernmost point of Norway. Unless you like it brisk and a bit wild! There’s nothing like a wild coastline walk to blow out the cobwebs, followed by a fortifying drink in a cosy pub.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Caithness?
• consider our recommendations in nearby Thurso?
• or browse some of our Gurus recommendations for Scotland’s Highlands and the Islands?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Wick