North Coast Visitor Centre
Thurso's visitor centre with a museum, gallery and theatre space, gift shop and café. The museum stretches across three floors and tells the story of Caithness from the Devonian Period to the present day.

North Coast Visitor Centre Museum, Gallery, Shop & Café

Explore the history of Caithness, Scotland

The North Coast Visitor Centre is based in the old Town Hall building and library in Thurso, Caithness. The buildings, dating from 1870 and 1910 have been converted into a modern visitor centre with a museum, gallery and theatre space, gift shop and cafe. Entry is free, but donations are accepted. Around a 40-minute drive or bus ride from Wick, this is a great place to visit during your stay with us at Mackays Hotel.

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The Museum

The museum at the North Coast Visitor Centre stretches across three floors. Its fascinating collection tells the story of Caithness from the Devonian Period to the present day. Objects in the collection include stones carved by the Vikings and Picts and specimens collected by geologist and botanist, Robert Dick. Explore museum highlights.

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Excellent hospitality and food which we all savoured.
Very kindly on request the hotel owners arranged a special cake and a helium balloon for my husband a milestone birthday And helped us surprise him ! Would highly recommend and come again.

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Visitor centre...
Serving a cup of coffee in a cafe
An open sign in a shop window

Café and Shop

Within the visitor centre, you’ll also find the welcoming Cafe North. A great place to relax after visiting the museum, which serves a range of sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. View opening days and times. Then pick up a souvenir in the Gift Shop, which sells books, stationery, greeting cards and more.

What else is there to see?

Visiting Thurso in Caithness

In addition to the museum, cafe and shop, there is also a gallery and theatre in the North Coast Visitor Centre, which host a rolling programme of exhibitions and events. You can find out what’s on here.

The town of Thurso has plenty of other attractions, so you can make a day of it. This is the most northerly town on the British and Scottish mainland. It has plenty of shops and places to eat and drink, more museums and galleries, and a lovely beach. Things to do in Thurso.

Caithness history and heritage

Explore more local history with Mackays

Mackays Hotel is located in a historic area, with so much to discover during your stay with us. So, find more history and heritage sites in the far north of Scotland, and check out lots of other great things to do near Wick in our See and Do Guide.

Thurso town and beach in Scotland

Explore more below…