Caithness

Photo of Caithness
Credit: Flickr user penwin
Photo of Caithness
Credit: Flickr user Gordon Thomson
Photo of Caithness
Credit: Flickr user Robert Orr
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About Caithness

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.

The Best Places to Stay in Caithness

For a Countryside Escape

  • Forss House is an atmospheric country house, built in 1810, set in 20 acres of relatively remote Scottish woodland. This is the perfect launchpad for fishing, walking, cycling, stalking and shooting, and other outdoor pursuits — there are a number of rivers, and Scottish links golf courses within easy reach of the hotel. Forss House has 14 rooms and suites, a good selection of which are dog friendly, plus communal areas with welcoming fireplaces and a great selection of whisky.

Best B&Bs

  • Granary Lodge is a cute B&B in the grounds of the Castle of Mey, which is where Queen Elizabeth’s mother lived. The B&B offers ten rooms and suites which have a rather grand feel, with traditional decor that includes artworks and grandfather clocks. Two of the rooms have fold-out sofa beds providing enough space and mattresses for a family of four. There’s a lot to do in the grounds of the Castle of Mey, they even have a little farm, which is very family friendly.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Caithness has its own airport, Wick John O’Groats Airport, which is close to both Wick and John O’Groats. If you’re looking for a larger airport, try Inverness Airport. If you’re coming from London, or surrounds, you may want to consider taking the train. it takes about 13 hours, but the journey is spectacular.
  • 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 we recommend May through September. Some of Caithness is actually further north than the southernmost point of Norway! 

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The best hotels in Caithness

Forss House
Forss House

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.

  • Back to Nature - A rugged coastline on one side and the inland forests and mountains on the other gives plenty of outdoor space to explore
  • Great walks - The local coastline and hills make for some excellent walking for both the ambler and the serious walker
  • Fishing - Both rivers and coastal fishing are accessible from the hotel
  • Full of character
from $126 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Thrumster House
Thrumster House

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.

  • Back to Nature - Nature lovers will love the wild landscape, the rich and varied wildlife, and some of Britain's rarest flora and fauna
  • Local exploring - Discover castles, museums, beaches and birdlife, or take a day trip on the ferry to Orkney (40 minutes' drive away)
  • Groups - The accommodation options are perfect for small groups (and their dogs!) wanting to get away from it all
  • Great walks - The rugged coastline promises some wonderful walks and stunning scenery; the Yarrows Archaeological trail is just 2 miles away
from $127 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Burnside Cottage
Burnside Cottage

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.

  • Local exploring - The B&B is between Wick and Thurso, plus it's handy for those travelling to the Orkneys as the ferry is nearby
  • Back to Nature - Immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery with its rugged cliffs, amazing sea-stacks, and magical moors
  • Great walks - It's close to the John O’Groats Trail which is a long distance and challenging walking route from Inverness to John O’Groats
  • Sights nearby - The area offers a host of interesting archaeological sites which include the Nybster Brochs
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Granary Lodge
Granary Lodge

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.

  • Country Escape - With the coast, rugged countryside, and the Castle of Mey as your surrounds, rural escapes don't get much better than this
  • Families - With plenty of outdoor space and two rooms offering a sofa bed setup for kids, this is a great family option
  • Great walks - There are endless walking routes to explore along the coast and inland
  • Sights nearby - Take a guided tour of the castle and grounds
from $197 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees