Visit Wick in Scotland this half term

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 the north east coast of Scotland we have perfect rooms for families. With space for two adults and two children, we offer packages that come with a family dinner and a packed lunch to take with you as you explore all that the Highlands have to offer!

Staying in Wick will give you access to plenty of unique and interesting half-term activities for you and your little ones 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 activities in and around Wick

There’s truly something for everyone in Caithness and Wick, so whether your family are big explorers, learners, or love to take it easy, you’ll have an absolutely perfect half-term holiday.

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. The boat trips stop on Halloween, so this half-term is literally the perfect time to take the plunge!

Prices vary from £15 for under 16s to £63 for adults on the longest trip. The choice is yours. On your journey, you’ll travel on the Geo Explorer, a 10m long family-friendly boat that even has a hydraulic lifting system for those in wheelchairs.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

For the history lovers out there who would rather skip the cool sea winds, staying with Mackays in Wick gives you ample opportunity to visit Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. It is a complex of ruined stone structures that were built and modified over a lengthy period of 200 years, mostly by the Sinclair earls of Caithness. The family was one of the most powerful in Scotland, and the ruins are truly something to behold.

Sinclair’s Bay

Looking for some sand and sea (and hopefully sunshine!)? Sinclair’s Bay is the place to be. Formally known as Reiss Beach, the bay is a home to a glorious white sanded beach that has 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 group surf lessons, group stand up paddleboard lessons, and tours out on the sea for small groups, too.

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.

North Coast 500 Alpacas

Do your children – or you – love fluffy animals? Of course you do.

Then this half-term activity is perfect for you. Just 5 miles from Wick, Laura and Pauline Robinson have set up an alpaca wonderland where you can take part in an alpaca picnic, an alpaca meet and greet or the ultimate alpaca experience. You won’t forget your time at North Coast 500 Alpacas anytime soon, and you’ll get the chance to take some truly incredible photos of your little ones bursting with joy and excitement. And, of course, photos of yourself in exactly the same state.

Whaligoe Steps

Whaligoe Steps are an absolute must for the explorers among us if you’re visiting the north 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. The steps are no easy feat, though, 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.

And that’s not all!

When you’re all worn out from climbing, swimming and surfing, rest assured, you’re in good hands. In our family rooms and our self-catered holiday homes there are flat-screen TVs so that you can relax as a family at the end of the day. Put your half term in Scotland in our hands this October. It will definitely be one to remember.