Stargazing in Caithness

Huge open skies and very low levels of light pollution make Caithness in Scotland the perfect location for stargazing. View the night sky and all its wonders … and if you’re lucky you may even see the northern lights! Below we’ve listed some astronomy groups, locations and resources to help you get started…

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The

Caithness Astronomy Group

Caithness Astronomy Group hosts public meetings, talks and observations throughout the year. Check out this year’s event programme and learn more about stargazing in the far north of Scotland…

Castlehill Heritage Centre

Castlehill Heritage Centre is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised stargazing location. Approved as a safe and accessible area with low light pollution. Car parking is available.

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Northern Lights in Caithness Scotland

Stargazing Locations Map

Use this map on the Caithness Astronomy Group website, to find more great local stargazing locations near us, including Naver Forest, Rumster Forest, Thurso Harbour, Dunnet Head and Grey Cairns of Camster.

AuroraWatch UK

Sign up for AuroraWatch UK alerts to find out when the Northern Lights may be visible. The best time to see them is in the winter, between 10 pm and 2 am, when the sky is at its darkest. However, they may appear at any time of year.

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A man stargazing and looking through binoculars

Visit the Caithness Science Festival

The Caithness International Science Festival explores science and technology, with a programme packed with events and learning experiences for all ages. The annual event takes place every March. It includes events covering many scientific topics and interests. Stargazing and northern lights events are often included. See the latest programme here.

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Stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel

Book your stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk. The perfect base for these trips and tours around Caithness and beyond! Call us today on 01847 831 641 or contact us for more information.

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Ulbster Arms Hotel Map

Accommodation

Discover our hotel rooms at Ulbster Arms Hotel …

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Special Offers

See our special offers here and book your deal today…

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Testimonials

Very cosy and spacious rooms with large bathroom and hall. Value for money is one of the best on NC500 – nice stay with breakfast included are less than for a hundred pounds. The hotel also has a bar, a restaurant and lobby & library, where you can rest after trip. The off street parking area is large and very convenient.

Jess and her staff can’t do enough for you nothing is ever a problem to them, excellent accommodation, the food is always superb would highly recommend staying here , The hotel caters for holiday makers and salmon fishers , with fishing available on one of the best salmon rivers in the UK

Went here today to celebrate Father’s 90th birthday. Had a lovely lunch, the food was excellent and so we’re the staff. They were very attentive, bringing the kids colouring books and crayons when they started getting restless. Lovely atmosphere in the dining room.

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.

After many years hoping , with good friends I finally got my first opportunity to visit for an angling trip last week of season. I stayed in a chalet which was spotless each day no matter how bad I I had managed to leave it.. The food was exceptional, no other words and its testimony how many non fishers are in every day from late afternoon dining.

Fishing was all the more made special by morning encouragement from Geordie, The two Pats and all the rest of the team that were always around to see everyone off…

Finally I cant point out that not one staff member that was nothing but professional and charming.. Its a small hotel operation at first glance, but its a much bigger operation than you imagine. It gets everything right and I cant wait to return. Whether as angler or just a resident guest… quite excellent.. All I can say.. They are very good at what they do and can feel proud …

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