Thurso Beach
Tucked away on the northernmost coastline of Scotland, Thurso is a hotbed for ancient history, popular with surfers, and famed for its friendly local appeal.
A great base for exploring the Scottish Highlands and islands, ferries leave Thurso for Orkney in the north and the famous John O’Groats trail passes on by. Thurso boasts its own motocross club and was the birthplace of several notable Scots, including Sir William Alexander Smith, founder of the Boys Brigade.
The town is a bustling hive of lovely independent shops, and there’s an array of cafes, bars and restaurants, so if you feel like a break from cooking, you can easily eat out. With origins dating back to Viking times, a wander around the town reveals its fascinating history, which can be explored further in the fantastic Caithness Horizons Museum and Art Gallery. Other visitor attractions in the town include the Swanson Gallery, home to a treasure-trove of local art and touring exhibitions, and a glass-blowing studio, Glass Creations. There’s also a cinema, bowling alley, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts.
Nestled on the shore of the Pentland Firth, Thurso has some breathtaking views out to sea and in the distance, you can see the iconic Old Man of Hoy - the UK's tallest sea stack. You can also make out the remains of Thurso Castle, which was partly demolished following a fire in 1952. The town is a premier heavy cold surf destination and has hosted two World Kayak Championships. For the most challenging waves, surfing enthusiasts should head to Thurso East, while beginners and those who just want to enjoy a beautiful beach, will love Dunnet Bay with its 4 miles of soft white sands.
Puffins at Dunnet Head
Venture slightly west of Thurso and you can discover the famous nuclear power station of Dounreay and its visitor centre. Or if wildlife is more your thing, there are a range of dramatic coastal paths which offer glimpses of seabirds, seals and dolphins, as well as wildlife boat trips from Thurso Harbour. A trip to RSPB Dunnet Head Nature Reserve is also a must where you can spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes amongst the stunning sea cliffs and coastal grassland.
“Thurso has some breathtaking views out to sea and in the distance, you can see the famous Old Man of Hoy - the UK's tallest sea stack.”
Self-catering holiday cottages in Thurso benefit from outstanding views and plenty of tranquillity. They make the perfect base for a relaxing holiday in the north of Scotland for couples, families and groups. We also have a great choice of pet-friendly holiday cottages in Thurso to choose from if some of your family have four legs instead of two.