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Family holidays in Scotland at the Ulbster Arms

Make your family holidays in Scotland truly special at the Ulbster Arms Hotel. One of the cosiest family hotels Scotland has to offer. We’re here to help you feel at home while exploring the Highlands and the NC500 with the kids. Our spacious family hotel rooms are designed for comfort and convenience. Choose from our family hotel rooms in our secluded Dale wing, separate from the main hotel. Or book our Premium Family Rooms in the main hotel. Each of our hotel family rooms features a double bed, a single bed, and an ensuite bathroom. In addition, we can provide cots, high chairs, and baby essentials upon request.

Perfectly located for family holidays in Caithness, Scotland, our hotel is the ideal base to explore the NC500, John O’Groats, Orkney, and Thurso. Whether you’re planning a short family hotel break or an extended stay, our family-friendly hotel in the Highlands of Scotland provides the warmth, comfort, and space you need. Plus we offer dog-friendly hotel rooms on North Coast 500, so all the family can come! And, if you are on a Scotland road trip in an electric car with your family, we’ve got you covered with three of the fastest chargers in the Highlands!

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Large hotel room with one double and one single bed

Family hotel deals – kids eat free

Unplug, explore, and make memories with our Family Adventure package. When you book five nights or more in one of our family hotel rooms using promo code FAMILYOFFER, kids under 12 stay and eat free on the first night.

Each morning, enjoy a full Scottish breakfast with fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt, and cereal. After breakfast, you can head out to explore the stunning Highlands, coastlines, and attractions along the NC500. With free parking, Wi-Fi, and warm Highland hospitality, our family hotel breaks UK ensure every trip is relaxing and stress-free. Find out more about our family hotel deals.

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Beat 4 Restaurant one of Caithness' best restaurants.
Testimonials

This place is great!! We had the best meal here tonight, delicious dishes and beautiful presentation, and the deserts were 5 star!! The service we received from the staff was first class, would highly recommend the ulbster arms.
Can’t wait to return.

The best staff who will look after you, great food in the best 4 restaurant , really well furnished rooms with comfortable beds for a great nights sleep. Access to the best salmon fishing in Scotland . A friendly atmosphere and I would thoroughly recommend.

Good location. Good facilities and food. Staff very friendly and helpful. I had an issue with my car on our morning of departure and the hotel was helpful and accommodating.

Stayed here 4 times now on fishing trips and it is always excellent. The team are particularly cheery and everything is ” no bother”. Knowledgeable fishing guides as well. Food is good with nice choice at breakfast and the local seafood is very fresh.

Had a great stay here, staff were very friendly and the rooms are clean and well decorated, all staff are very attentive and I will be back again!! Terri was very informative taking us a tour around the hotel and giving advise on local walks and fun things to do.

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Family-friendly hotel amenities

At the Ulbster Arms, every stay includes comfort, convenience, and family-friendly amenities. Enjoy cosy beds, modern bathrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and smart TVs. Additionally, children can play safely in our outdoor areas while parents relax.

If you’re looking for family-friendly hotels in Scotland with a welcoming environment, you can relax in our library, lounge, restaurant and gardens. With free private parking, high-speed EV car chargers and attentive staff, travel is easy and stress-free. Whether you’re travelling for your luxury family hotel breaks in Scotland and the Highlands, or enjoying extended family holidays. Everything is in place for an unforgettable Highland experience at our Halkik hotel in Thurso.

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We're one of the dog-friendly hotels in Scotland

Guests at our lovely family hotel in Caithness, Scotland, can also spend time together with four-legged friends. We are a dog-friendly hotel in the Highlands, allowing dogs in our Dale Rooms, standard rooms and in designated public relaxation areas. So, whether you’re planning a short family hotel break or a holiday on the North Coast 500, the whole family can come along. Guests have recognised us as one of the best family and dog-friendly hotels Scotland has to offer. Find out more about our dog-friendly hotel offering in Caithness.

Dog Friendly Hotel Information
A dog lying by the fire at The Ulbster Arms Hotel

Family attractions in Caithness and Sutherland

Families visiting Caithness and Sutherland will find endless activities to enjoy. For instance, build sandcastles and spot seals at Dunnet Beach or Sandside Bay. Meanwhile, explore history at the Scottish Castle of Mey or enjoy interactive exhibits at Caithness Horizons Museum. For outdoor adventures, walk through Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve or spot wildlife on a Caithness nature and sea cliffs boat tour. In addition, thrill-seeking kids will love Thurso Surf School and paddleboarding. Whether hiking Sutherland’s hills, picnicking by Loch Fleet, or discovering local heritage at Strathnaver Museum, the Scottish Highlands offer something for every family.

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Whaligoe Steps in Caithness on the NC500 coastline.

Join Forever Amber on her family holidays in Thurso, Scotland

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Family day trips to Orkney

Organised tours and day trips to Orkney are also available close to our doors. These excursions are packed with Scottish and Nordic history, nature, WWII findings and coastal adventures. Start by visiting the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, then step back in time at Skara Brae. Similarly, Orkney Museum in Kirkwall is perfect for young explorers.

Families can also stroll the cliffs at Yesnaby, spot seals at Scapa Flow, and enjoy seafood at The Foveran (St. Ola, Kirkwall) or Loki Seafood Shack (Skaill, near Skara Brae). Altogether, Orkney combines wildlife, heritage, and charming villages for the perfect family-friendly day trip from Caithness and Sutherland. Or you can take a ferry to Orkney and explore at your own pace.

Family Day Trips & Tours
A stone-built Neolithic settlement on Orkney

Shopping in Thurso and Wick for families

Forgot to pack something for your Highlands adventures? Don’t worry, we have plenty of shopping options nearby. In our local town of Thurso, browse The Original Factory Shop for toys and home essentials. Or discover unique Scottish crafts at Coo’s Tail Gallery and Lindsey Gallacher Jewellery. For groceries, Tesco and Co-op Thurso provide convenient family essentials. Meanwhile, in Wick, pick up local produce at Puldagon Farm Shop and Restaurant, or find gifts at Gail’s Gift Box.

In addition, explore Scottish heritage at Highlandwear Kilts, and relax at family-friendly cafés like The Blue Door Coffee Shop or Bydand. With so many shopping, grocery, and dining options nearby, Thurso and Wick are perfect for a family hotel break in Scotland.

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The historic town centre of Thurso in Caithness and Sutherland.

Best family road trips to our Highland hotel

A family road trip to Scotland is an adventure in itself! Begin at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for nature, famous trails, boat rides and wildlife spotting. Next, stop in Pitlochry to explore the Edradour Distillery and Blair Atholl Castle. Further north, discover Cairngorms National Park, hike gentle trails, and visit activity centres. Once past Inverness and Loch Ness, on your way to Thurso, enjoy Dornoch Beach for sandcastle building or visit Cawdor Castle or Dunrobin Castle. Not forgetting a stop at the incredible Whaligoe Steps. Altogether, with scenic Highland villages, historic sites, and rugged North Coast views, a family hotel break in Thurso is the perfect conclusion to a Scottish road trip.

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Unforgettable family hotel breaks in Thurso, Scotland

As one of the best family hotels Scotland has to offer, the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, Thurso, combines comfort, space, and warm Scottish hospitality. Browse our family hotel rooms, book online, or contact our team to plan your trip. From short family hotel breaks to extended family holidays in Scotland, we make every stay memorable. Discover why we are among the top family-friendly hotels in Scotland and start your adventure in Thurso today.

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FAQs: Family holidays in Scotland at the Ulbster Arms Hotel

What family room options are available at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel offers two types of family rooms. The first option is a family room in the secluded Dale wing, which is separate from the main hotel building and suits families who prefer more privacy. The second option is a Premium Family Room in the main hotel. Both include a double bed, a single bed, and an ensuite bathroom.

Do children stay and eat free at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

Yes, on certain bookings. The Family Adventure package offers kids under 12 staying and eating free on the first night when you book five nights or more. Check the offer page for full terms and current availability.

Can the Ulbster Arms Hotel provide cots and baby equipment?

Yes. Cots, high chairs, and baby essentials are available on request. Let the team know your requirements when booking or contact the hotel directly on 01847 831 641 so everything is ready on arrival.

Is the Ulbster Arms Hotel a good base for family day trips to Orkney?

Yes. The hotel is a short drive from Scrabster, where ferries depart for Orkney via Orkney Ferries. Orkney is an excellent family destination with Neolithic sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, coastal wildlife, and charming harbour villages. Organised day trips are also available locally.

What family-friendly activities are available near the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

Families staying at the Ulbster Arms Hotel have plenty to do nearby. Dunnet Beach and Sandside Bay are ideal for sandcastle building and seal spotting. The Castle of Mey and Caithness Horizons Museum suit history-loving families. For outdoor adventures, Thurso Surf School and paddleboarding are popular with older children, while the Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve offers excellent wildlife walks.

Is the Ulbster Arms Hotel suitable for a Scotland family road trip?

Yes. The Ulbster Arms Hotel is a popular final destination for families driving the North Coast 500 or completing a Highland road trip. The route north passes Loch Lomond, Pitlochry, the Cairngorms, Inverness, and Dornoch before reaching Caithness. The hotel provides free parking, EV charging, and a comfortable base from which to explore the far north at your own pace.

Are outdoor spaces available for children at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

Yes, the Ulbster Arms Hotel has outdoor areas where children can play safely while parents relax. The riverside setting and surrounding village also provide easy access to outdoor space directly from the hotel. During summer, the beer garden is a popular spot for families after a day out exploring Caithness.

What shopping and practical amenities are available near the hotel for families?

Thurso town centre is 11 minutes from the hotel and has a Tesco and Co-op for groceries and family essentials. For gifts and local crafts, Coo’s Tail Gallery and Lindsey Gallacher Jewellery are worth a visit. Wick also has local produce at Puldagon Farm Shop and family-friendly cafes for a mid-trip stop.

How do I book a Family Room at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

Family rooms can be booked directly online for the best available rate, which includes 10% off and flexible cancellation. Check availability and book here, or call the team on 01847 831 641 to discuss room options, cot requirements, or the Family Adventure package.