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Winter Breaks in the Scottish Highlands: Save 10% at the Ulbster Arms Hotel

Winter in the far north has a magic all of its own, and our winter offer gives you 10% off at the Ulbster Arms Hotel when you book direct. From the end of November to the end of January, swap busy schedules for frosty mornings, dramatic seas and snug evenings in Halkirk. Every stay includes a full Scottish breakfast, free parking and Wi-Fi, so your winter escape goes further.

  • 10% off direct bookings for stays from the end of November 2027 to the end of January 2028
  • Full Scottish breakfast every morning of your stay
  • Free private parking and Wi-Fi
  • Six fast EV chargers in our private car park
  • Most rooms overlook the River Thurso

Book early to secure your dates, especially if you’re planning a pre-Christmas getaway or a January escape.

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Why winter is a special time in Caithness

Winter strips the far north back to its most striking. Frost settles on the fields, the hills along the Sutherland border can wear a dusting of snow, and the North Sea and Pentland Firth put on a real show when the weather rolls in. There’s a raw, rugged beauty here that few places in the UK can match.

Daylight is short at this time of year, which makes every bright winter morning feel precious. And when darkness falls early, the sky takes centre stage. On a clear night, the stars stretch from horizon to horizon, and the long winter nights are prime time for spotting the aurora. So, if you’ve been craving peace, space and fresh air, winter in Caithness delivers all three.

River views from a warm, cosy room

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a frosty river view from a warm bed. Most of our rooms look out over the River Thurso, so you can watch the winter light change across the water while you enjoy a cup of tea. Every room is en-suite, with comfortable beds and everything you need to settle in.

For a winter treat, our Executive Rooms offer the best rooms in the hotel, perfect for a special occasion or a festive getaway. Alternatively, explore our full range of rooms and choose the one that suits your winter plans.

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Testimonials

Home from home – fantastic hotel with excellent accommodation, food and location for fishing the river Thurso. Staff are particularly impressive, with all very keen to help – to be warmly recommended.

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.

Absolutely stunning meal here at the weekend. Excellent service, great food and high standards. Lovely setting. Would recommend highly.

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.

A fantastic stay yet again for a short fishing break.||Jess and the team looked after us tremendously well as always, and a special thank you to Holly for sorting out a last minute room for me thanks to a booking error on my part.||Steaks in the bar arrived just as ordered.||Looking forward to returning again soon

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Be here for the new fishing season

Winter holds a treat for anglers. The River Thurso season opens on 11th January, which falls right within this offer. So, you can time your stay to be among the first to cast a line of the new year.

The River Thurso enjoys one of the longest seasons in Scottish salmon fishing, and fish can be caught in every month of it. So, there are few better ways to start the year than on the river from opening day.What’s more, the hotel sits right on the river’s banks, so you won’t have far to go on a cold January morning. Find out more about beats and ghillie hire on our River Thurso fishing page.

Winter warmers in the restaurant and bar

When the wind is howling outside, there’s no better place to be than tucked into dinner at Beat 4. Our winter menus are all about warming, satisfying food, made for cold days and long, dark evenings. Whether you’re celebrating the festive season with friends or simply escaping the January chill, it’s a meal to look forward to.

Afterwards, the lounge bar is the place to linger over a nightcap. And with Burns Night falling on 25th January, the end of the offer is the perfect excuse to raise a dram to Scotland’s national bard. Find out more on our bar page.

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Winter days out in the far north

Winter is the perfect time to see Caithness at its most atmospheric. For instance, watching the sun rise over the lighthouse at Dunnet Head is a memorable way to start a winter’s day, especially as sunrise comes late enough to see without an early alarm. Closer to Scrabster, the clifftop path at Holborn Head offers bracing sea views on a crisp morning.

Inland, the vast peatlands of the Flow Country, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, look extraordinary in low winter light. And on a wet afternoon, the shops and cafés of Thurso are just 11 minutes away. For more ideas, see our things to do in Caithness guide.

Frosty walks with your dog

Dogs love winter walks as much as we do, and the quiet lanes and open countryside around Halkirk are ideal for a brisk morning outing. Because daylight is short, it’s worth heading out early to make the most of it, then spending the afternoon warming up indoors.

The Ulbster Arms Hotel welcomes up to two dogs in our dog-friendly rooms. So, bring your best friend along and enjoy the far north’s winter landscapes together.

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Driving the NC500 in winter

The North Coast 500 takes on a completely different character in winter. The roads are at their quietest, the scenery is dramatic and you’ll often have viewpoints entirely to yourself. However, some seasonal businesses close in winter, so a reliable base like the Ulbster Arms Hotel makes planning much easier.

Cold weather can also reduce an electric car’s range, so charging matters more at this time of year. Fortunately, our six EV chargers are right outside in our private car park, giving you one less thing to worry about on a winter road trip.

Save 10% on a winter escape

Securing your winter discount takes just a moment. Book directly with the Ulbster Arms Hotel online at the link below. Valid for stays from the end of November to the end of January.

Looking for a present for someone special? Gift vouchers are also available, making a Highland stay a thoughtful Christmas gift. To book or ask a question, call our team on 01847 831 641, or explore our other Highland hotel deals.

*Terms and conditions: The 10% discount applies to direct bookings made online using the link on this page. Valid for stays from the end of November 2027 to the end of January 2028, subject to availability. Some date exclusions may apply, including over the festive period. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

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Winter offer FAQs

When is the winter offer valid?

The winter offer covers stays from the end of November 2027 to the end of January 2028, subject to availability. You can book at any point during this period.

Does the offer cover Christmas and New Year?

Some date exclusions may apply over the festive period, so please contact our team on 01847 831 641 to check availability for specific dates.

Can I buy a stay as a gift?

Yes. Gift vouchers are available, so you can give someone a Highland break as a present.

Can I stay for the start of the fishing season?

Yes. The River Thurso season opens on 11th January, which falls within the winter offer dates.

Do the rooms have river views?

Yes, most rooms at the Ulbster Arms Hotel overlook the River Thurso.