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.

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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.

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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Ulbster Arms Hotel Map

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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.

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