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

As the colours turn and the evenings draw in, autumn is the perfect excuse for a cosy Highland escape. Book direct with the Ulbster Arms Hotel and save 10% on stays from the end of September to the end of November. You’ll find crisp coastal air, quiet roads and a warm welcome waiting in Halkirk, plus a full Scottish breakfast, free parking and Wi-Fi with every stay.

  • 10% off when you book direct, for stays from the end of September to the end of November 2027
  • A full Scottish breakfast to start every day
  • Free private parking and Wi-Fi throughout your stay
  • Six fast EV chargers on site
  • Dog-friendly rooms and a dedicated workspace in every room
  • Call 01847 831 641 or book online at the link below using promo code AUTBREAK

Autumn weekends and the October school holidays are popular, so book early to secure your preferred dates.

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Why autumn in Caithness is worth the trip

Autumn brings a different kind of beauty to the far north. The moorland glows in shades of copper and gold, and across the Highlands, red deer stags begin their rut. Meanwhile, skeins of migrating geese pass overhead, and the coastline takes on a wilder, more dramatic mood.

Darker skies return, too. With little light pollution, Caithness is one of the best places in mainland Britain to catch the northern lights, given clear skies and the right conditions. So, an autumn evening stroll could end with something unforgettable. And because the summer crowds have gone, you’ll often have the beaches and viewpoints almost to yourself.

Hearty autumn dining by the fire

Autumn is the season for comfort food, and the kitchen at Beat 4 leans into it. As the weather cools, our menus turn towards heartier, warming dishes, built around the best of Scotland’s autumn produce. It’s exactly what you want after a day spent outdoors in the fresh Caithness air.

Then, as the evening settles in, head through to the lounge bar and pull up a chair by the open fire. A dram in hand and good company around you make for the perfect end to an autumn day. Take a look at our eat and drink page before your visit.

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Testimonials

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

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

Stayed here 4 times now on fishing trips and it is always excellent. The team are particularly cheery and everything is ” no bother”. Knowledgeable fishing guides as well. Food is good with nice choice at breakfast and the local seafood is very fresh.

This is the second time we have stayed here and it was just as good as last time. We stayed in room 7 which was warm and cosy, had everything we needed and had a sizeable bathroom. We did eat here and I can say the fish and chips where amazing, the batter was light and the fish very fresh, breakfast was excellent too and the waitress was welcoming and attentive. Thanks for another faultless stay.

My wife and I while backpacking had camped along the banks of the Thurso. We were awaken by a fisherman after a very cold, wet and windy night. He recommended we visit the Ulbster for lunch and a warm drink. The staff had gotten word from the fisherman that my wife and I had slept in the storm that night and were kind enough to put us up in a room at a very discounted price. We were able to shower which had been quit a while and it allowed us to dry out our clothes and equipment. The following morning the staff let us leisurely hangout and even suggested several things we see and do while we finished our tour of scotland. I can not speak highly enough of the staff at the hotel. Dinner was amazing as well !!! If you ever want to hear some amazing fishing stories just take a seat and enjoy. Cant wait to return.

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The final days of the River Thurso season

For anglers, autumn is a time of anticipation. The River Thurso season closes on 5th October, so a stay at the start of the offer gives you the chance to fish the last days of the year. It’s a special time on the river, as a smaller run of larger summer salmon enters in September, offering a memorable end to the season.

If you miss the final days this year, autumn is still a good time to plan ahead. The season reopens on 11th January, and our team can help you think about beats, timings and ghillie hire for your next visit. Visit our salmon fishing on the River Thurso page to find out more.

Warm, comfortable rooms for shorter days

When the nights draw in, a comfortable room matters more than ever. At the Ulbster Arms Hotel, every room is en-suite, with fast Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace as standard. So, whether you’re settling in after a blustery coastal walk or catching up on emails before dinner, you’ll have everything you need.

That makes autumn a great time to combine work with a break, too. Many guests working in the area choose to extend a business trip into a long weekend, and our business hotel page covers everything from corporate rates to longer stays. Alternatively, browse our rooms and choose your autumn base.

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Autumn adventures in the far north

Autumn is a brilliant time to see a different side of Caithness. For example, the reef break at Thurso East draws surfers from far and wide when the autumn swells arrive, and it’s just a short drive from the hotel. Even if you’d rather stay on dry land, watching the waves roll in is a spectacle in itself.

Further along the coast, the clifftop ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe near Wick are hauntingly beautiful under autumn skies. Walkers can also take on a stretch of the John O’Groats Trail, which follows the coast through some of the county’s most dramatic scenery. And if you’re after something more active, our outdoor adventures guide has plenty of ideas.

Crisp autumn walks with your dog

Few things beat an autumn walk with your dog, and Caithness has miles of quiet paths to explore. Close to the hotel, you can follow the riverside through Halkirk, with the leaves turning overhead. Further afield, the county’s empty autumn beaches give dogs plenty of room to run.

Up to two dogs are welcome in our dog-friendly rooms, so your four-legged companion can share every part of the adventure. After all, autumn walks are always better with company.

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The NC500 in autumn

Autumn is one of the most rewarding times to drive the North Coast 500. The traffic eases, the colours deepen and the views across the northern coast feel even more dramatic. As a result, it’s a great season for travellers who want the scenery without the summer queues.

With shorter days, though, it pays to plan your charging carefully if you’re driving an electric car. Our six EV chargers sit in the hotel’s private car park, so there’s no need for detours in the dark. Just arrive, plug in and relax.

Book your autumn break and save 10%

Ready to escape this autumn? Book directly with the Ulbster Arms Hotel, online or by phone, for any stay from the end of September to the end of November.

Booking direct also puts you in touch with our friendly local team, who are always happy to help plan your trip. So, call us on 01847 831 641 or book online now. You’ll find more ways to save among our special offers.

*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 September to the end of November 2027, subject to availability. Some date exclusions may apply. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

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Autumn Package FAQs

When is the Autumn package available?

The Autumn offer covers stays from the end of September to the end of November 2027, subject to availability, and you can book at any time during this period.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Every stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel includes a full Scottish breakfast each morning.

Is the hotel on the NC500?

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is in Halkirk, which is a short drive from the North Coast 500.