At the heart of the community

Local Attractions

John O’ Groats has plenty of options for everyone to enjoy and as a community we are proud to be continually working together to offer and improve lots of local attractions for you to enjoy. From the iconic signpost, to the gallery, to the octagonal house, there are lots of things to see and do in John O’Groats, for all ages. We hope you enjoy exploring our local area and learning more about our rich heritage and community values.

  • John O'Groats Harbour
    The Harbour houses all the local shellfish boats as well as the Orkney ferry during the summer. You can find the iconic John O’Groats signpost here where you can have your picture taken at the start or end of your journey. It is also where you will find the First & Last Craft Shop, unique in that its design is eight sided which is still in keeping with the legendary Jan De Groot.
  • John O'Groats Ferry
    The John O’Groats Ferry runs daily to Orkney from the 1st of May to the end of September. It offers a return ferry journey and a guided coach tour of Orkney, where you can see the Churchill Barriers, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, St Magnus Cathedral, Stromness, Kirkwall, Skara Brae and The Standing Stones of Stenness. For more information, please contact 01955 611353
  • John O’Groats Mill Trust
    The John O’Groats Mill is almost certainly the last water-powered mill to be built in Scotland. The John O’Groats Mill Trust aims to renovate the mill and bring it into community ownership. If you want to find more information please visit the John O’Groats Mill Trust Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/johnogroatsmill
  • Wildlife Cruise
    From mid-June to the end of August, the ferry offers an afternoon wildlife cruise to either the Island of Stroma or The Stacks of Duncansbay. You can see an abundance of marine wildlife on and around the 300ft cliffs and sea stacks. Puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, gannets and more can be seen as well as seals and occasionally porpoises and dolphins.
  • John O'Groats Brewery
    You can sample some of the excellent beers from mainland Scotland’s most Northerly Brewery in our bar or even take some away with you. John O’Groats brewery produces the finest craft ales with soft, unspoilt water from Loch Calder, which makes the beer velvet smooth.
  • Groatie Buckie Gift Shop
    Looking for a souvenir to take home? Then look no further! Here you will find a range of quality items and gifts, many of which are made locally. It also incorporates John O’Groats’ own Christmas shop.
  • The Fragrant Mind
    The Fragrant Mind offers a unique experience on the stunning shores of the Pentland Firth with their friendly and easy-to-follow ‘Create your own’ workshops. In two hours, you will learn the basic principles of perfumery and aroma blending art, you will also get to create a bespoke product of your choice. For more information, please contact 01955 611515 or e-mail thefragrantmind@yahoo.co.uk.
  • Duncansby Head & Light House
    Duncansby light house was built in 1924 on the most North Easterly point in Scotland. Unusually, it has a square tower instead of a round tower. You can visit the lighthouse here: Duncansby Head and Lighthouse Duncansby Head Wick KW1 4YS
    Duncansby Head
  • Canisbay Kirk
    The most northerly Kirk in Scotland, where you can see the tombstone of Jan De Groot whom John O’Groats is named after. Prince Charles has worshipped here, as has the Queen mother. Canisbay Kirk Canisbay Wick KW1 4YJ https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/johnogroats/canisbaykirk/index.html
  • Castle of Mey
    Holiday home to the late Queen Mother, the Castle of Mey was bought and renovated by her Majesty in 1952. It is situated 7 miles west of John O’Groats and visitors can take a tour around the castle and enjoy the beautiful gardens. It is open from May to September. Please contact 01847 851473 The Castle of Mey Thurso Caithness Scotland KW14 8XH https://www.castleofmey.org.uk
  • Pentland Ferries
    The Gills Bay Ferry runs 3 times daily all year round, with extra sailings in the summer months. It is ideal if you want to take your car over to Orkney for a day or two. This crossing takes about an hour and you will land at St. Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay. For more information, please contact 01856 831226/01955 611773
  • Mary-Ann's cottage
    Mary-Ann’s Cottage is situated in Dwarwick. It is a traditional house which was built around 1850. Tours of the cottage are available from June to September from 2pm- 4.30pm (closed Mondays) For more information, please contact 01847 892303
  • Rock Rose Gin Distillery & Visitor Centre
    Rock Rose gin gets its wonderful flavour from a carefully selected creation of local and traditional botanicals. Distillery tours are available and as there is limited space on each tour pre-booking is very much advised. For more information, please contact 01874 851 287.
  • Castle Hill Heritage Centre
    Castle Hill is where Sherriff James Trail, a landowner and entrepreneur, started a business in producing flagstone. At its busiest Castle Hill employed 500 people and produced up to 35,000 tons of flagstone annually. Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 2pm – 4pm. Castle Hill Heritage Centre Harbour Rd Castletown Thurso KW14 8TG http://www.castletownheritage.co.uk/centre.htm
  • Wolfburn Whisky Distillery
    One of the few privately-owned distilleries in Scotland, Wolfburn is the North-most distillery on the British mainland. It is situated on the outskirts of Thurso, 21 miles away. Wolfburn Distillery Henderson Park Thurso KW14 7XW Home
  • Caithness Broch Project
    The Caithness Broch Project are an exciting, grass-roots charity who have big plans for their home county. The aim of their project is to promote and preserve existing archaeological sites in Caithness, through improved signage, access, and information releases on these sites. They are also looking to create an Archaeological Trail around Caithness, for locals and visitors alike to follow and discover the wonders of their past. Discover more about the project by visiting their website. https://www.thebrochproject.co.uk
  • Keiss Harbour
    Built in 1831 by James Bremner, this harbour is still used for fishing and landing of creel boats. Recently location where Netflix series The Crown was shot. Keiss harbour was supposed to be set in Ireland where Louis Mountbatten’s boat was blown up in the 1970’s. Keiss harbour is located 8 miles south of John O’Groats. Keiss Harbour 1 High Street Keiss Wick KW1 4XB https://canmore.org.uk/site/9326/keiss-harbour
  • Lyth Arts Centre
    Originally the Barrock Public School, this centre is a multi-purpose theatre venue and exhibition space. It features British and international artists as well as local talent. Situated in Lyth, 3 miles off the main A99 between Wick and Keiss. Open daily July – August 2pm – 5pm Lyth Arts Center Lyth Wick KW1 4UD Homepage
  • Old Pulteney Distillery
    Established in Wick in 1826 and awarded whisky of the world 2012. Open Monday 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm Saturday 10am-4pm (April-September) Tours operate at 11am and 3pm or by arrangement (check for Friday pm tours) Group and evening bookings by appointment. Please contact 01955 602371 Old Pulteney Distillery Huddart Street Wick KW1 5BA https://www.oldpulteney.com/
  • Heritage Centre Wick
    Visit the Wick Heritage museum to find out the story of Wick herring fishing, when Wick was the largest herring port in the world. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 3.45pm It is advised that you should book for groups. Please contact 01955 605393
  • Wick Golf Club
    Enjoy this 18 hole golf course with its breath taking scenery and stunning views. It is located 13 miles away at Reiss, 3 miles north of Wick. There is also an 18 hole golf course in Reay, an 18 hole golf course in Thurso and a 9 hole golf course in Lybster. Wickgolfclub.org.uk
  • Castle of Old Wick
    Situated at the south side of Wick is one of Scotland’s oldest castles. The Castle of Old Wick was probably built by an Earl of Caithness in the 1100’s at a time when the kings of Norway held sway over Caithness and Sutherland. It was held by Sir Reginald le Cheyne, Lord of Duffus, who supported Edward I of England. Castle of Old Wick March Rd Wick KW1 5TY https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/castle-of-old-wick/
  • Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
    Located about 3 miles north of Wick, it is considered to be one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair. In its earliest incarnation, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe was known only as Castle Girnigoe. It was built by William Sinclair, the 2nd Earl of Caithness, sometime between 1476 and 1496. He died at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Wick KW1 4QT https://www.wmf.org/project/castle-sinclair-girnigoe
  • Wick-ed Paintballing
    Painballing is available in Bilbster, which is a few miles outside Wick. Booking is essential. For more information please contact – 07884185015
  • Camster Cairns
    These are Neolithic Chambered Cairns known as the Grey Cairns of Camster. There are two cairns, the long cairn and the round cairn which can be entered through a long passage way. There is a third cairn which lies ruined. The cairns are thought to have been used as burial chambers and ritual sites.
  • Waterlines Visitor Centre, Lybster
    The Visitor Centre describes the natural history of the area as well as Lybster’s history as Scotland’s third largest herring port. There is also video and live TV of nesting bird colonies. Open May to September 11am to 5pm Waterlines Heritage Centre Lybster KW3 6DS https://caithness-business.co.uk/business/3885
  • Clan Gunn Museum, Latheron
    This museum will tell you about the clan Gunn from its Norse origins to the present day. There is also a shop here selling clan Gunn goods. Open June to September, Monday to Saturday 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Clan Gunn Museum Latheron KW5 6DN Heritage Centre
  • Northshore Pottery & Patricia Niemann Jewellery
    Studio and showroom shared by Jenny Mackenzie Ross, potter and sculptor and Patricia Niemann, goldsmith and designer. One-off items of stoneware, porcelain, fine jewellery, glass and textiles made on site. Open March to December Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
  • Dunbeath Heritage Centre
    Visit the old school in Dunbeath to learn about the history of the local people from then until now. The centre boasts a great view of the Beatrice Oil Field, the only oil field that can be seen from the mainland. Open April to September – Sunday to Friday – 10am to 5pm October to March – Monday to Friday – 11am to 3pm. Please contact 01593 731233
  • Laidhay tearooms & Croft museum
    Situated in the village of Dunbeat, Laidhay is a two hundred year old thatched Caithness longhouse. Learn about the crofting history and how they lived and worked. Open from June until the end of September. There is a small admission charge. The tearoom serves refreshments. Please contact 01593 731270 Laidhay Croft Museum Dunbeath KW6 6EH Home
  • Achalone Activities
    Horse riding lessons, trekking or hacking for all ages and all abilities. Try out riding lessons in the sand arena or the purpose built jumping paddock or horse treks around the 100 acre farm land and the near by forest. To find Achalone Activities leave Thurso on the A9 heading for Inverness, follow the road past the Georgemas Junction and turn right at the junction signposted for Halkirk, then follow the road for 200m and turn right into Achalone Activities. For more information please contact 01847 831326
  • 8 Doors Distillery
    8 Doors Distillery is a new Scotch whisky micro-distillery and visitor centre which is set to open in John O’Groats in 2021. With its name inspired by the legend Jan De Groot, the brand will be the first whisky producer in the Caithness village since 1837. The whisky flavour profile will be influenced by the local climate and its situation right beside the sea – ‘Whisky. From the Edge’. Check it out by visiting their website. https://www.8doorsdistillery.com/
  • Seadrift Centre
    Situated at the North side of the Dunnet Beach, this is a visitor centre which aims to show you life around Dunnet Bay. Open: Sun-Fri May-June 2pm-5.30pm July-August 10.30am-5.30pm
  • Caithness Seacoast
    Sea tours from Wick harbour around the east coast of Caithness on the Seacoast Geo Explorer Boat. From the boat you can see castles, sea caves, stacks, wildlife, harbours and lighthouses. Suitable for 4 years + and for people with restricted mobility. Open from April to October, 10.30am to 6.30pm winter trips by arrangement. Get in touch by calling – 01955 609200/07747404128
  • Caithness Clay Pigeon Shooting
    Caithness Clay Shooting is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. This is situated 2 miles of the A9 to Westerdale following the signs for Achannaras Quarry
  • Robbie Mac Tours & Ancestry
    ‘Ceud mile failte’. Welcome to the magical Highlands and Far North of Scotland! Tour with RobbieMac to discover the wonders of this location. Enjoy the history and culture, celebrate our local food and drink, or even let us help you to ‘walk in the footsteps of your ancestors‘. A truly memorable experience!