Heritage & History
Tales of a fascinating history await in Caithness, Scotland. Based at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, you can explore castles, cairns, brochs, kirks and standing stones. This is an ancient land, with a long and rich past. Here are some of our favourite local historic sites and attractions. Please note, some of these attractions open seasonally, so check opening dates and times before visiting.
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Located in our local village of Halkirk, this Vintage Motor Centre explores our social history through artefacts, photographs and documents. The exhibition of motoring features a wonderful collection of classic cars and other vehicles.
Visit the 16th-century Castle of Mey and gardens, tea room, gift shop and animal centre. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, bought and restored the estate in 1952. Take a tour and get an insight into Her Majesty’s life in Caithness.
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Brochs are a type of Iron Age roundhouse found in Scotland, and Caithness has more than any other region. The Caithness Broch Project preserves these sites for all to enjoy. View the Adventure Map and find a broch to visit.
The ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe are perched on a cliff edge near Wick. It was originally occupied by the Sinclairs, Earls of Caithness, from the late 14th century. Walk to the castle and soak up the spectacular coastal scenery.
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Set within the former Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie Library buildings, the North Coast Visitor Centre is a museum which tells the story of Caithness from the Devonian Period to the present day.
Castlehill Heritage Centre is a visitor experience and educational centre, which hosts themed exhibitions on the history and heritage of Castletown village in Caithness.
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Book your stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, in Halkirk, near Thurso. 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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Lovely stay at Ulbster arms. Room was comfortable, staff were welcoming and the restaurant was great! Exceptional value for money, cannot recommend enough.
The hotel was well located, with ample parking and easy to find. All the staff were lovely and welcoming. It had a nice outside area and lots of lovely common spaces – including a library area and both a reception/lounge and bar. Our triple en-suite room was very clean, beds comfy and excellent value for money. Breakfast was included in the price, and had both a continental and cooked to order options- both of which was great. The evening of our stay we had dinner in the restaurant part of the lounge bar’ (not the Beat 4 restaurant) however the food was still hearty and delicious, the setting was nice and prices were very reasonable. Couldn’t fault it!
Rooms5.0
Service5.0
Location5.0
Hotel highlightsQuiet · Great value
RoomsVery comfortable rooms (although a little small), the bathroom was a little dated and the shower curtain needed changing but it was all very clean.
WalkabilityWalkable although not suitable for disabled people. Lovely surroundings so great for a walk in nature.
Food and drinksGreat food!
Noteworthy detailsExceptional value for money, very comfortable rooms and great common areas which were very tastefully decorated. The breakfast was included and very very nice, choice of continental or cooked to order. We ate in the restaurant which was also VERY nice!
