October Half-Term in Caithness 2024
Half-term is coming around quickly, and we all know what it feels like to try and find enough activities to keep everyone occupied. For those looking for a getaway in Scotland, we’ve got the half-term solution for you. At Mackays, we offer incredible family breaks in our luxury hotel. Nestled right on Scotland’s northeast coast, we have perfect family rooms to accommodate two adults and two children. We also have a choice of family-friendly self-catering homes with our 3-bedroom Townhouses or 5-bedroom Langhills House. Staying in Wick, you’ll have access to plenty of unique and interesting half-term activities and a chance to unwind and relax with us. There is so much to do during half-term in the north of Scotland, you’ll have to return next year to finish it all!
Half-term family activities in and around Wick
There’s something for everyone in Wick and Caithness, so whether your family are big explorers, learners, or love to take it easy, you’ll have a great half-term holiday with us! Here are just a few ideas…
Wick Harbour Boat Tours
With Caithness Seacoast you can explore all of the sights that the sea has to offer. Whether you choose to focus on castles, sea stacks and caves, harbours, lighthouses or wildlife, there’s a boat trip to suit everyone’s needs. On your journey, you’ll travel on the Geo Explorer, a 10 m long family-friendly boat that even has a hydraulic lifting system for those in wheelchairs. For certain tours there is an age restriction of 4+ years. However, younger children over 12 months can join the 30-minute harbour cruises. The boat trips run until 31st October 2024, so this half-term is your last chance to climb aboard for the season!
Sinclair’s Bay
Looking for some sand and sea (and hopefully sunshine!)? Sinclair’s Bay is the place to be. Also known as Reiss Beach, the bay has a glorious white sandy beach with 16th-century castles at either end. It’s the perfect place to play in the sand, enjoy some reading, or play rounders as a family. Take a picnic – or our packed lunch – and make the most of one of the most stunning beaches in Scotland!
Water Sports
Just a half-hour drive from Wick, over in Thurso, North Coast Watersports runs a range of water sports sessions for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a great way to get some exercise and have a laugh. You’ll learn new skills and make incredible memories as a family while doing it. The school offers surf lessons suitable for ages 4+, paddleboard lessons for ages 12+ and RIB tours for ages 8+. The north coast of Scotland is known for its cold water sports, so why not take a chance and try something new this half-term? Besides, we’ll help you warm up with our delightful bistro food afterwards.
Whaligoe Steps
Whaligoe Steps are an absolute must for explorers visiting the north of Scotland. Just a little down the coast from Wick, these stairs take you down from the cliff to one of the most unique harbours in Scotland. This activity is better suited to older children as the steps are no easy feat. There are 365 of them! See if you can do the journey of the fisherwoman from back in the 1800s and make your way down to the harbour and back.
Indoor attractions
If we get any wet weather this half-term, there are lots of indoor options too. For example, the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso is a great local museum and gallery with interactive activities. The Waterlines Heritage Centre in Lybster also has exhibitions including a dressing-up box for the young (and young at heart!).
Family theatre and shows
The Assembly Rooms in Wick will host Artie’s Singing Kettle Show on Sunday 20th October 2024. The Singing Kettle is an old Scottish favourite, nostalgic for parents and great fun for the little ones. This Halloween Special is full of children’s songs, including Little Bunny Fou Fou, Ghost Hunt and Shove your Granny off the Bus.
And that’s not all!
When you’re all worn out from climbing, playing and surfing, rest assured, you’re in good hands. In our family rooms and holiday homes there are flat-screen TVs so that you can relax as a family at the end of the day. So, put your half-term in our hands this October. It will definitely be one to remember!
Book Now