Sutherland and Caithness Visitor Attractions
Dunrobin Castle near Golspie
Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.
The Castle, which resembles a French chateau with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer. The Castle was used as a naval hospital during the First World War and as a boys’ boarding school from 1965 to 1972.
Castle of Mey
The Castle of Mey was the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996, when Her Majesty generously gifted it with an endowment to the Trust.
The castle is situated on the north coast of Caithness, about six miles west of John O'Groats and only a few miles from St John's Point. Visit Scotland awarded it the highest 5 star rating for the last two years. There is a tearoom, shop and animal centre as well as the castle, walled garden and wild garden.
Caithness Horizons Thurso
Through telling the fascinating story of Thurso town and the county of Caithness, the museum aims to explore humanity's impact on the natural world. We show how people have used its resources to provide food, shelter and energy over the generations. We then examine what has been learned about the long term effects some of these activities have had on that environment and what we can do - and are doing - to ensure long term sustainability.
John o'Groats Ferry and cruises
Passenger ferry service from John O' Groats in the Far North of Scotland to Orkney. Runs every day all summer from 1st May to 30th September
Enjoy one of our spectacular 90 minute afternoon wildlife cruises.Pass rugged cliff scenery and see arctic skuas, storm petrels, colonies of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, Atlantic grey seals and much more!
Historylinks Museum Dornoch
The museum is dedicated to the history of Dornoch parish. The permanent exhibition shows the Cathedral, feuding clans, the shameful burning of Scotland’s last condemned witch and the treachery and violence of Picts and Vikings. Current displays show a golf professional’s workshop where Donald Ross honed his skills, an unusual insight into Andrew Carnegie at home in Skibo and historic objects and local tales to give a precious insight into the lives of ordinary, and not so ordinary Dornoch folk.
Carn Liath Broch near Golspie
Just off the A9, 3 miles east of Golspie, Carn Liath is a good example of a Sutherland broch. The double-walled circular structure is still visible to first floor level and the access and the remains of the associated settlement can still be made out. Park on the north side of the A9 which is signed and follow the signs to carefully cross the road to visit the broch. Or it can be visited as part of Brora to Golspie coast walk - click on photo for details.