A Premium double room at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness

Relax and Unwind

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The dramatic coastline of Duncansby Head with the Duncansby Stacks in Caithness, Scotland.

Autumn Explorer Package

Join us for breakfast each morning, before setting off with our walking guides and a picnic to keep you charged.

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An aerial view of the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk showing its rural landscape and location at sunset

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The library with a roaring fireplace at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness

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in the Northern Highlands

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Ulbster Arms Hotel – One Of The Best Places To Stay In Thurso

Are you looking for the best places to stay in Thurso? Then why not escape to our charming Caithness hotel, where timeless character meets modern comfort. Just 11 minutes from Thurso town centre, The Ulbster Arms offers welcoming Scottish Highlands accommodation on the banks of the River Thurso in Halkirk.

Steeped in 19th-century charm, our hotel offers cosy log fires, stylish rooms, and warm Highland hospitality. It is the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. Explore the wild beauty of Caithness, take a trip to Orkney, or simply unwind in nature. Our location makes us one of the most convenient and inviting choices for Thurso accommodation. Indulge in delicious dining in our lounge or à la carte restaurant. Or relax with a drink in our traditional bar. From romantic getaways to outdoor explorations, every stay feels special here. Whatever your Highland adventure, we have accommodation to suit your needs.

Don’t just visit the Highlands—experience them. Your luxury Thurso accommodation awaits. Book direct at our Caithness hotel today and save 10%, with the best rates and flexible cancellation. Come and discover why we’re among the best places to stay in Thurso.

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An aerial view of the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, premium Scottish Highlands Accommodation, showing its rural landscape and location at sunset.

Our Scottish Highlands Accommodation, Thurso, Scotland

If you’re searching for the best hotels in Thurso, the Ulbster Arms Hotel is your perfect Highland escape. We have a range of room types to suit every guest. Popular with those booking a business trip, we offer a variety of amenities for the business traveller. And if travelling with family, your four-legged friend, or you are on a romantic getaway, our Caithness Hotel has you covered. Whatever your adventure, our blend of traditional charm and modern comfort ensures an unforgettable stay.

Furthermore, for the eco-conscious traveller, we’re proud to stand out as one of the most sustainable choices for Thurso accommodation. We have three of the fastest EV chargers in the Highlands! With our commitment to the Zero Waste Initiative Scotland, we combine convenience with care for the environment.

So after a day of exploration or work, return to cosy rooms, hearty meals, and genuine Highland hospitality. And all in a sustainable way. When you stay at the Ulbster Arms, you’ll experience more than just a night away. You will create memories in one of the most inviting Caithness hotels. Book direct today for the best rates, flexible cancellation, and a stay at one of the best hotels in Thurso, UK.

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A Pet Friendly Room in the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness with luxury wooden furnishings and statement striped wallpaper

Come and Explore the Magic of Caithness

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Are you on business travel in Scotland?

If you’re on business travel in Scotland and seeking Caithness accommodation, the Ulbster Arms offers the perfect blend of comfort and professionalism. As a leading venue for corporate hospitality in Scotland, we understand that a business trip isn’t just work – it’s an opportunity to refresh and recharge. Our welcoming surroundings and thoughtful amenities ensure you leave with positive memories and renewed energy.

With tailored business retreats and corporate packages, including packed lunches, bespoke evening meals, and more, we make business travel in Scotland both productive and enjoyable. Discover one of the best business hotels in Thurso and book your corporate stay with us today.

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Halkirk Hotel Bar & Restaurant - places to eat near Thurso

After a day of exploring the Highlands, there’s no need to venture far to enjoy outstanding food and drink. Our welcoming Halkirk hotel invites you to savour the flavours of the region in our Halkirk Hotel Bar & Restaurants. Relax in the traditional charm of our Lounge Bar. Complete with a historic carved fireplace from a Dutch galleon ship, you can enjoy our seasonal menus and daily specials in this wonderful restaurant.

Alternatively, step into Beat 4, our elegant restaurant. Here, our high ceilings, antler chandeliers, and warm Highland décor create the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Our carefully crafted dishes celebrate the best of Scotland, making every meal an occasion.

If it’s just a drink you’re after, then head to our Lounge Bar. Offering an extensive selection of spirits, beers, ciders, and cask ales, there is something for everyone. Fancy somewhere to cosy up? Then settle into our snug library. With a roaring, open fire and comfortable seating, it is the ideal spot to unwind. Here you can enjoy a coffee, catch up with friends, or savour a nightcap before a restful night’s sleep.

So if you’re searching for Thurso hotels with exceptional food, a relaxed atmosphere, and authentic Highland hospitality, come and discover the warmth of our Halkirk Hotel Bar & Restaurant at The Ulbster Arms.

Come Dine With Us
The Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness with two people enjoying a drink

So much to explore

Hotels in Caithness and Sutherland offer the perfect gateway to explore the breathtaking Highlands, and the Ulbster Arms is no exception. Nestled in the charming village of Halkirk, just off the iconic North Coast 500, we provide all the comforts of home while you discover the wild beauty and rich heritage of the North Highlands. As one of the top NC500 places to stay, our hotel is the ideal base for adventurers, history lovers, and food enthusiasts alike. From stunning landscapes to fascinating heritage sites and a tempting array of local food and drink, the far north of Scotland has something for everyone. Explore our Things to Do guide to plan your unforgettable Highland journey. The Ulbster Arms is one of the best places to stay in Caithness to enjoy an authentic and memorable experience.

Plan Your Intinerary
Duncansby stacks with sheep in the foreground.

Book your stay in one of the best hotels in Thurso

If you’re searching for hotels in Caithness or the best places to stay in Thurso, make the Ulbster Arms your home in the Highlands. As one of the top NC500 places to stay, we offer a unique Caithness hotel experience. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the charm of the North Highlands, we are available to book all year round. Whatever your reason for your Highland adventure, we have accommodation for you. Don’t just imagine it! Come and experience it! Call us on 01847 831 641 or get in touch online. And if you have made your mind up, book your stay online today and come and experience it for yourself.

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Close up of bed detail at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Caithness. Scottish Highlands Accommodation

Our Rooms

Our cosy wee Halkirk hotel offers the most delightful sleeping experience in comfort and...

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A juicy and tasty steak

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Accommodation

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Eat & Drink

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Testimonials

My wife and I while backpacking had camped along the banks of the Thurso. We were awaken by a fisherman after a very cold, wet and windy night. He recommended we visit the Ulbster for lunch and a warm drink. The staff had gotten word from the fisherman that my wife and I had slept in the storm that night and were kind enough to put us up in a room at a very discounted price. We were able to shower which had been quit a while and it allowed us to dry out our clothes and equipment. The following morning the staff let us leisurely hangout and even suggested several things we see and do while we finished our tour of scotland. I can not speak highly enough of the staff at the hotel. Dinner was amazing as well !!! If you ever want to hear some amazing fishing stories just take a seat and enjoy. Cant wait to return.

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A Caithness hotel that puts people first

It’s hugely important that our owners, guests, colleagues, suppliers, and community feel respected. That’s why we strive for a loyal and enthusiastic culture, where guests’ comfort is paramount. As such, many guests rate us as one of the best hotels in Caithness and Thurso, and it’s why our staff love working with us.

Romantic Breaks Award

The Ulbster Arms Hotel has been honoured with the 2023 Hotel of the Year Award for Romantic Breaks. As one of the only 4 star level Thurso hotels, nestled in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this is no surprise. With history and luxury blended together, our Thurso hotel has long been a cherished destination for those seeking a relaxing, enchanting escape. They don’t call us one of the best Thurso and Caithness hotels for nothing!

Hospitality Gold Medal

We’re overjoyed that the prestigious Hospitality Gold Medal now honours the 4 star Ulbster Arms Hotel in Thurso, Caithness. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and confirms us as one of the best places to stay in Thurso. It also highlights our dedication to delivering an exceptional guest experience, ensuring that every visitor leaves with cherished memories. All in all, we’re extremely proud that our passion and attentiveness have earned recognition in the sector. Book in to our luxury hotel in Thurso, Caithness today.

Scottish Food Guide

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is a proud member of the esteemed Scottish Food Guide, underscoring our commitment to exceptional culinary experiences. This means that we prioritise locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to offer our guests an authentic taste of Scotland. So, join us for one of the finest restaurant experiences on the North Coast 500, in one of the finest places to stay in Thurso.

As a proud 4 star Caithness hotel, we’re one of the only Thurso hotels prioritising top-quality, local ingredients. And primarily, our inclusion in the Scottish Food Guide reflects our commitment to culinary excellence. However, it also aligns us with a network of like-minded establishments that share our passion for outstanding food and hospitality in Scotland.

So, join us for an experience in one of the best hotels in Thurso, UK and settle in for some delicious dining at the Ulbster Arms.

Caithness Chamber of Commerce

As one of the top places to stay in Caithness, Thurso, Ulbster Arms Hotel proudly collaborates with the Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Because of this, we foster a strong partnership dedicated to the economic development and prosperity of the local community. And, by working with the chamber, we contribute to the region’s business growth and networking initiatives. Not only does this collaboration enhance our understanding of the local business landscape, but it allows for meaningful connections and collaborations with other enterprises. Crucially, our involvement helps to shape a vibrant and thriving business environment in the community.

Book your stay in one of the best hotels in Thurso

Ready to book your stay in a 4 star hotel in Halkirk? As one of the top NC500 places to stay, we offer a unique Caithness hotel experience with year-round availability. Why? Because that’s what you should get from one of the best Thurso hotels available.

Call us on 01847 831 641 or contact us to find out more or book your stay online

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