Facilities at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk

The Ulbster Arms Hotel has been welcoming travellers to Halkirk since 1878, when the building first rose from Caithness stone as a home of the Sinclair family. Today, it combines that heritage with everything a modern Highland trip demands.

Anglers arrive for the River Thurso, riders and drivers stop over on the North Coast 500, and walkers use the hotel as a launchpad for the Caithness coastline. Whatever brings you north, this page covers the facilities waiting for you, from the Ghillie’s Room to the beer garden. Explore what’s on offer, then view our rooms at the Ulbster Arms Hotel.

Rooms and Group Accommodation at the Ulbster Arms Hotel

The Ulbster Arms Hotel offers 13 en-suite bedrooms in the main house. Each comes with a full Scottish breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, a workspace and tea and coffee facilities. Choose from Standard, Premium, Executive and Family Rooms, several of which overlook the river.

Travelling as a group? Our lodges sleep fishing parties, walking clubs and contractor teams in comfort. The nine-bedroom Dale Lodge offers en-suite rooms throughout, while Milton Lodge sleeps four bedrooms. The Ulbster Lodge sleeps three, both with communal lounges for evenings together. Two executive lodges complete the set. Explore all accommodation at the Ulbster Arms Hotel.

Beer Garden and Outdoor Spaces

When Caithness turns on the sunshine, the beer garden at the Ulbster Arms Hotel is fantastic. Order from the bar, settle in with a cold drink and enjoy long northern Scottish evenings. The riverside setting means the sound of the River Thurso accompanies your meal, and dogs are welcome in the garden alongside their owners.

As a result, it’s a favourite spot for anglers swapping stories after a day on the beats.

A Stop for Cyclists and Motorcyclists on the NC500

The North Coast 500 draws riders from across Europe, and the Ulbster Arms Hotel sits just off the route in Halkirk. And among motorbike friendly hotels in the UK, our position puts the sweeping A836 coast road, Bealach na Bà stories and Caithness fuel stops within reach. Free parking at the rear also keeps your bike off the street overnight.

Cyclists get the same welcome. And the quiet single-track roads of Caithness and the flat straths around Halkirk make rewarding riding. What’s more, our Drying Room sorts out wet kit overnight, a facility most cycling hotels UK wide can’t offer. Add hearty breakfasts and an evening menu built for hungry legs, and it just makes sense.