Highland Winters Reimagined: Fireside Comforts & Flavours at Mackays Hotel Wick
Winter in the Scottish Highlands has a quiet magic all of its own. As the crowds of the warmer months fade, and the landscape settles into a slower rhythm, Wick becomes a place of stunning skies, bracing coastal air, and truly memorable experiences. For those seeking a Highland winter escape that blends scenic adventure with warmth, flavour and true Scottish hospitality, Mackays Hotel offers the perfect base to elevate your trip.
Discover Wick & The Scottish Highlands in Winter
Set on the rugged Caithness coastline, Wick is transformed during the winter months. Frosted beaches, moody seascapes and wide, open skies make it a perfect destination for walkers, photographers and anyone craving some space to breathe the freshest of air.
Winter coastal walks are especially rewarding here. Stroll along Sinclair’s Bay, where pale sands meet rolling waves, or explore the cliffs around Noss Head Lighthouse for sweeping views across the North Sea. The crisp winter air sharpens every colour and sound, making each walk feel invigorating and immersive.
Despite its remote feel, Wick remains rich in culture and heritage. Spend an afternoon exploring the town’s maritime past or venture a little further afield to uncover historic castles and ancient sites that feel all the more atmospheric under the Highland winter skies.
Distillery Days & Highland Heritage
No winter break in the Highlands would be complete without a taste of the finest local whisky. Caithness and the wider North Highlands are home to world-renowned distilleries, with many offering guided tours throughout the winter season too.
A distillery visit is the perfect cold-weather activity, combining warm warehouses, rich aromas, bold flavours, and stories steeped in history and tradition. Paired with scenic drives through frost-dusted landscapes, it’s an experience that feels both indulgent and deeply rooted in place.
After a day of exploration, returning to Wick as dusk falls brings a comforting sense of homecoming, warm lights glowing, the fire lit, and the guarantee of a relaxing evening ahead.
Fireside Comfort at Mackays Hotel Wick
At the heart of Wick, Mackays Hotel is a welcoming retreat from the winter chill. With its warm interiors and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a place where guests can truly unwind after a day outdoors.
Whether you’re visiting for a romantic winter break or a peaceful solo escape, the hotel offers the kind of Highland hospitality that feels genuine and unhurried. Sink into a comfortable chair, enjoy a dram or a glass of wine in the bar, and let the pace of winter slow you down.
Our rooms are designed with comfort in mind, ideal for cosy nights in after fresh and frosty days out, making Mackays a true Highland home-from-home during the colder months.
Winter Flavours at No.1 Bistro
Winter is a season for comfort food, and No.1 Bistro at Mackays Hotel delivers this beautifully. With a focus on local produce and seasonal flavours, the menu celebrates the best of Highland dining during the colder months.
Expect hearty dishes crafted with care, rich sauces, hot slow-cooked meats, the freshest local seafood, and fulfilling vegetarian meals that satisfy after a day in the elements. Seasonal specials reflect what’s best at this time of year, bringing depth and warmth to every plate.
Dining at No.1 Bistro is about more than just the food. It’s about atmosphere, with soft lighting, welcoming service, and the pleasure of fine dining whilst the winter chill waits patiently outside.
A Romantic Winter Escape
There’s something undeniably romantic about the Highlands in the winter months. Quieter roads, darker nights and dramatic weather create a sense of closeness that’s perfect for couples looking to create and spend some quality moments with one another.
Days spent walking hand-in-hand along empty beaches or exploring local heritage are followed by evenings of great food, wine and conversation. Mackays Hotel offers an ideal setting for romantic winter breaks: relaxed, welcoming, and full of character.
Reimagine Winter in Wick
January is the perfect time to embrace a slower, more mindful way of travelling. Wick invites you to experience winter not as something to escape, but something to savour – the landscapes, the flavours, the stillness and the warmth found indoors.
With its prime location, comforting atmosphere and exceptional dining at No.1 Bistro, Mackays Hotel is the perfect place to reimagine your Highland winter break. Wrap up warm, slow down, and discover just how magical winter in Wick can be.
