Caithness Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in Caithness to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in Caithness helps you with your holiday planning.
1. The Caithness Broch Centre - The Old School House, Auckengill, Caithness, KW1 4XP - Tel No: 01955 631377
This new museum in north-east Caithness focuses on brochs and the communities associated with them. Brochs are tall circular drystone towers built over 2,000 years ago and Caithness is home to them. The centre explores the late 19th to early 20th century communities that first excavated the brochs, the communities that lived in them and the legacies they bring to present day communities. They are open April-September, Monday-Friday, 10.30-4.30, Saturdays in July and August and admission is free.
2. The Castle of Mey - Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8XH - Tel No: 01847 851473
Gifted to the Trust by Queen Elizabeth in 1996, this castle is located on the north coast of Caithness and is surrounded by a 12 feet high wall, known as the "Great Wall of Mey" that protects it from salt spray and severe gales. A stop here takes visitors through the castle and its history, the beautiful gardens, the visitor and animal centres as well as the tea room and gift shop.
3. Laidhay Croft Museum - Laidhay, Dunbeath, Caithness, KW6 6EH - Tel No: 07563 702321
Prior to the 18th and 19th centuries, longhouses were familiar features across agricultural landscapes. Laidhay Museum is a 200 year old longhouse which includes the main dwelling with the stable and byre at each end, the original cruck roof, a detached barn and cart shed. In a modern shed the museum houses a large collection of farming implements that are sure to appeal to anyone interested in rural or farm life, crofting history or the history of local communities and peoples.
4. RSPB Dunnet Head - Dunnet, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8XS - Tel No: 01463 715000
Mainland Britian's most northerly point, Dunnet Head is the ideal place for nature lovers and World War II history buffs. A car park and a few interpretational panels are the only visitor facilities here but what it lacks in that area it more than makes up for in scenery and wildlife. Along with the several old military buildings on site, enjoy the breathtaking sea cliffs, various seabird species and diverse coastal grassland and heathland habitats.
5. Caithness Horizons - Old Town Hall, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 8AJ - Tel No: 01847 896508
Caithness Horizons is a museum built from the Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie Library. The aim of the museum is to show humanity's impact on the natural world by showing how people have used natural resources to provide food, shelter and energy over generations. The musuem consists of a tourist information centre, shop, cafe and reception gallery as well as an open learning centre and spaces for temporary exhibitions. There is also a main museum housing various artefacts.
6. Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre - Huddart Street, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5BA - Tel No: 01955 602371
The Pulteney Distillery is the most northerly on the mainland and still makes its malt whiskey using traditional methods that are two centuries old. A visitor centre full of products and souvenirs brings the history of the distillery to the visitor. Tour the facility and sample a complimentary dram while experiencing first hand how this whiskey is crafted. Upon taking leave of the centre, be sure to purchase a hand-filled bottle from their cask collection.
7. Caithness Seacoast - South Quay, Wick Harbour, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5HA - Tel No: 01955 609200
Enjoy the Caithness Seacoast by boat and experience the land from a completely new perspective. Seacoast tours will show visitors seven clearly visible castles, sea caves and stacks, wildlife, harbours and lighthouses. There are frequent seal sightings, close-up views of bird colonies and the occasional dolphin or whale sighting. Boats can be privately chartered and tours run from 1st October through the 30th April, weather permitting. Trip is suitable for children ages four and up and warm clothing is advised.
8. Castle of Old Wick - Shore Road, Wick, Caithness, 58.42349166670,-3.08146388889 - Tel No: 01667 460232
Dating from the 12th century, the Castle of Old Wick is one of the oldest keeps in Scotland. It sits upon steep cliffs overlooking the sea and is thought to have been a military building. It has gone through many various owners over history and is a terrific visit for those interested in castles and history. The castle is open to view at all reasonable times and there is no admission.
9. Forse Castle - Forse, Lybster, Caithness, KW3
Located 50 metres above sea level and surrounded on all sides by steep rocks Forse Castle was once cut off from the mainland by a natural ditch at the neck of the peninsula is rests upon. It is 800 years old and was held by 17 generations of Sutherlands from 1350 to 1771 when it was abandoned. The castle is rapidly deteriorating but can still be visited by history and castle lovers.
10. Cairn O'Get - nr Ulbster, Caithness, 58.35328611110,-3.17507777778 - Tel No: 01667 460232
A burial cairn dating back to prehistoric times, this cairn has a horned entrance forecourt that leads to two chambers. It stands amid numerous other prehistoric remains and is of great archeological interest. Nearby are further chambered cairns, cist burials, hut circles, a pair of Iron Age brochs, several stone rows, the remains of a hill fort and about 3 miles away is the famous Hill O'Many Stanes. It is recommended that waterproof footwear be worn, as the access to these sites is apt to be very wet.
