Family Adventures in Wick: Why Mackays Hotel is Perfect for All Ages

A family holiday in the Highlands should have a little something for everyone. Space to explore, new places to discover, good food at the end of the day and, perhaps most importantly, somewhere comfortable to return to when everyone is ready to put their feet up.

Wick offers all of this without the need to fill every moment of the day. Beaches, castles, coastal scenery, local history and some of the most recognisable destinations in the far north of Scotland are all within easy reach.

Set in the heart of town, Mackays Hotel makes a welcoming base for families discovering Caithness together. Whether you are travelling with younger children, teenagers, grandparents or several generations at once, there is plenty here to turn a few days away into a memorable Highland adventure.

A Family Base in the Heart of Wick

One of the pleasures of staying in Wick is having so much of Caithness within reach while still being based somewhere with the conveniences of a town. From Mackays Hotel, families can spend one day exploring Wick itself and the next heading along the coast in search of beaches, dramatic viewpoints and some of the far north’s best-known landmarks.

The hotel is within reach of attractions including Wick Heritage Museum, Reiss Beach, John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Dunnet Head and the wider Caithness coastline. Reiss Beach is around a 15-minute drive away, while John O’Groats is approximately 17 miles from the hotel. For more information on all the available activities in the local and wider area, visit our Things To Do page.

That variety can be particularly useful on a family holiday. There is no need for every day to follow the same pattern. An energetic morning outdoors can be followed by a quieter afternoon, while longer days exploring Caithness can be balanced with time discovering Wick at a gentler pace.

Comfortable Family Accommodation in Wick

After a day spent exploring, having enough space to settle in makes all the difference.

Mackays offers dedicated family rooms in Wick, with different sleeping arrangements available depending on the needs of your group. One family room includes a double bed, single bed and sofa bed, while another can be arranged with three single beds or a king-size bed and a single bed.

For families who prefer a little more independence, Mackays also offers self-catering accommodation. The Silver Darlings Townhouses can accommodate up to six people across three bedrooms and include a fully equipped kitchen, making them particularly useful for larger families or longer stays.

It means a family break can take the shape that works for you, whether that is the ease of a hotel room with breakfast waiting in the morning or the extra space and flexibility of a self-catering stay.

Adventures for Every Generation

The Highlands can feel like one enormous outdoor playground, and Caithness offers plenty for every generation to enjoy.

A trip to the beach is always great for family walks, sandcastle building and time beside the sea, while the dramatic coastline around John O’Groats, Duncansby and Dunnet Head makes for a memorable day out. Younger explorers can discover local stories at Wick Heritage Museum or explore the harbour and Pulteneytown, while the ruins and historic sites dotted around Caithness add a little extra adventure.

There is even something unusual to discover right beside Mackays Hotel. Ebenezer Place, recognised as the shortest street in the world at just 6 feet 9 inches, makes for an easy family photo and a fun fact to take home.

The variety of things to see and do also makes Caithness well suited to multigenerational family holidays in the Highlands. From gentle coastal stops to longer walks and days spent exploring, families can plan each day around different ages, interests and energy levels.

Family-Friendly Food, Comfort and Four-Legged Guests

After a busy day exploring, having somewhere welcoming to eat and relax can make family travel that little bit easier.

No.1 Bistro at Mackays Hotel offers relaxed dining with fresh ingredients and family-friendly options for younger guests, while breakfast at the hotel provides a convenient start before another day of adventures.

And if the family includes a four-legged traveller, they do not have to miss out. Mackays is dog-friendly across its hotel rooms and self-catering accommodation, with dogs also welcome in designated public areas including Mackays Bar.

With beaches, coastal walks and open countryside all within easy reach, Caithness offers plenty of opportunities for the whole family – paws included – to enjoy the outdoors.

Discover Caithness at Your Own Pace

Family holidays often work best when there is enough to keep everyone interested without every day feeling like a timetable.

Wick makes that balance easy. Families can head north for a full day exploring the coast, spend a quieter afternoon discovering the town or simply follow the road and see where the Caithness landscape takes them.

Back at Mackays, comfortable accommodation, family-friendly dining and a central location provide a welcoming place to return to at the end of the day.

For those looking for family-friendly hotels in Wick, family accommodation in Caithness or a relaxed base for a family holiday in the Highlands, Mackays Hotel puts plenty of memorable experiences within easy reach.

The best family trips are often remembered for the moments in between – an unexpected beach, a fascinating local story, a spectacular view or conversations around the dinner table after a day exploring.

Plan your family stay at Mackays Hotel Wick and discover how much there is to enjoy together in Caithness.