See & Do

Things to do in Caithness

When one jumps over the edge, one is bound to land somewhere. Land right here. Wick sits within the beautiful county of Caithness, in the north of Scotland. We’re lucky to have so many beautiful areas on our doorstep. From mountains to coast, whatever outdoor experience you are looking for, we’re sure to have it here. There are loads of things to do in Wick for every visitor. You might be coming alone, with a partner or with family and friends and are on the lookout for some adventures. Well, here are some ideas to get you started.

Framed by sea

Caithness is framed by the sea on two sides and the mountains of Sutherland on the third. Like a small triangular-shaped piece of heaven on Earth, it has a strong identity, which looks northward to Orkney and Shetland as much as south to the highlands. Beneath stunning, expansive skies, its windswept landscape contains nearly 5,500 archaeological features of all periods. It’s an absolute treasure trove of history, land, and sea and it’s here for you to discover. Pop across to Orkney for an organised day trip from John O’Groats or take your car and tour yourself from Thurso.

We’ve barely scratched the surface…

There’s so much here to see and do that you are sure to want to stay awhile. It makes sense to find somewhere comfortable to stay that is close to so many fantastic attractions. That’s one of the reasons why Mackays Hotel is so popular. Being in Wick, we’re perfectly placed for stopping as people travel around the North Coast 500. We also have great access to the rugged Scottish coastline. And if it’s a trip to the mountains you are after, we’re nearby them too!

We are near John O’Groats!

There’s still so much more to see and do in terms of Wick attractions and things to do in Caithness. For example, did you know we are near John O’Groats? This is not the most northerly mainland spot in the UK as many people believe. Instead, it is one endpoint of the longest distance between two inhabited villages in the UK (Lands End in Cornwall is at the other end, some 876 miles away). However, it’s still a great place to come for your photo with what must be the most northerly signpost!

And there is more…

If you are looking for the most northerly point in the UK, then you will want to go to Dunnet Head. This is a great place for a day trip, with plenty of seabirds to view and you’re sure to get some bracing sea air too! We’re a short drive away from here, and just down the coast from there is Dunnet Beach. If you’ve never been before, this place will take your breath away. If you thought you had to go thousands of miles away to find a wide, sweeping white-sands beach, then think again. It’s a great place to come for a walk, and even better with a dog who can run and run and run! There’s plenty of birdlife to view here too.

Stay at Mackays Hotel on your holiday

So make sure you plan your itinerary in advance. There’s so much to see and do near Wick that you’ll want to be organised! And if you would like any local advice when you arrive, our friendly staff will be more than happy to help. We hope you enjoy all these things to do in Caithness when you stay here. Make sure you take a look at all our rooms, and book your stay with us today!