Thurso Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the northernmost coast of Scotland, Thurso is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. With its rugged coastline, stunning beaches, and proximity to the Orkney Islands, this charming town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

One of the main draws of Thurso is its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Thurso East Beach, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is a surfer's paradise and attracts wave riders from all over the world. For those who prefer a more relaxed beach experience, Thurso Bay Beach offers miles of pristine coastline, perfect for long walks and picnics while enjoying panoramic views of the North Sea.

Beyond its natural beauty, Thurso is also steeped in history. The town's origins date back to Viking times, and remnants of its past can still be seen today. Explore the ruins of Thurso Castle, a 17th-century fortification that offers a glimpse into the town's medieval past. Visit the Caithness Horizons Museum and Art Gallery, where you can delve into the rich heritage of the area through interactive exhibits and displays.

Thurso is also a gateway to the magical Orkney Islands, which are just a short ferry ride away. Discover the ancient wonders of Skara Brae, a Neolithic village that predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt. Marvel at the mystical standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the towering beauty of the St. Magnus Cathedral. The Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, and Thurso provides the perfect starting point for exploring this captivating archipelago.

After a day of adventure, immerse yourself in Thurso's warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a meal at one of the town's charming restaurants, where you can savor locally sourced seafood and traditional Scottish dishes. Indulge in a pint of local ale at one of the cozy pubs, and soak in the lively atmosphere as you mingle with friendly locals.

Alternative names: Population: 7.8 thous.Area: 1.86 mi²Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 58°35'40"N, 3°31'17"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Thurso Top Attractions

Thurso Attractions - What to See and Explore

Thurso offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dunnet Head, Old St Peter's Church, Thurso Castle, Scrabster Castle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

View point • Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head Lighthouse is an active 19th century lighthouse that stands on the 300-foot cliff top of Easter Head on Dunnet Head. The lighthouse is 66 feet tall and was built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson. The lighthouse was automated in 1989, and the keepers were withdrawn.
Historical place • Ruins • Church
Old St Peter's Church
Old St Peter's Church is a ruined parish church on Wilson Lane, in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland. Dedicated to Saint Peter, it dates to at least 1125, and at one time was the principal church for the county, administered by the Bishops of Caithness.
Forts and castles
Thurso Castle
Thurso Castle is a ruined 19th-century castle, located in Thurso, Caithness, in the Scottish Highlands. Situated in Thurso East, off Castletown Road, east of the River Thurso, the site can be seen from across the river.

Forts and castles
Scrabster Castle
Scrabster Castle was a castle, near Burnside, about 0.5 miles north and west of Thurso, and 0.5 miles south of the village of Scrabster, Highland in Scotland, south of Thurso Bay. It is on an eroding promontory.
Surfing
Thurso East
Thurso East is a coastline section of the Atlantic 0.5 miles east of Thurso, Caithness, northern Scotland. It is situated at the mouth of the River Thurso, overlooked by the remains of Thurso Castle. The reef is made of layers of Caithness flagstone. It is Scotland's prime surfing venue on the north coast.
Church
St Peter's and St Andrew's Church
St Peter's and St Andrew's Church is located on Princes Street in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland. The church was built to a design of William Burn in 1830–2, a simplified version of the Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh, which is also attributed to Burn.

Day trips

Thurso – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Thurso, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Smoo Cave (Durness), Skara Brae (Stromness), Dunrobin Castle (Golspie).

43 milesW
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Smoo Cave, Durness
Nestled in the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Smoo Cave holds the title of being one of the most dramatic sea caves in the United Kingdom. Located in the city of Durness, this natural wonder is a must-visit for any tourist seeking to explore the unique...
32 milesN
Europe's most complete neolithic village
Skara Brae, Stromness
Nestled on the windswept shores of Sandwick in Orkney, Scotland, lies Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. This Neolithic settlement, which dates back to approximately 3180 BCE, provides a unique window into the lives of our ancestors...
45 milesS
French chateau-style castle with museum
Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Dunrobin Castle stands as a majestic testament to Scotland's rich history and architectural heritage. Located in the serene town of Golspie, this stately home is one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in the country, dating back to the early 1300s.
30 milesN
Neolithic stone circle and circular ditch
Ring of Brodgar, Stenness
Nestled in the heart of the Neolithic landscape of Orkney, Scotland, the Ring of Brodgar is a prehistoric marvel that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This ancient stone circle, located near the town of Stenness, is a monumental testament to the...
30 milesN
Protected area
Yesnaby, Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area
Yesnaby is an area in Sandwick, on the west coast of Orkney Mainland, Scotland, south of Skara Brae. It is renowned for its spectacular Old Red Sandstone coastal cliff scenery which includes sea stacks, blowholes, geos and frequently boiling seas.