John O Groats is a small village in the county of Caithness in the Highlands and is the northernmost settlement of mainland Scotland situated 17 miles north of Wick. The village was named after the Dutch settler Jan de Groot who operated a ferry service to Orkney in 1496. The area developed into a farming and fishing settlement becoming a popular tourist resort from 1874 with the railway arriving in Wick and Thurso. It is still well visited as the famous starting or finishing point for those travelling the 876 mile journey covering the length of the country with Land's End at the most southerly point of Britain. John O Groats has holiday accommodation, a camping and caravan site, restaurants and cafes, high quality shopping, a craft centre with candle-making and pottery outlets, a museum and 'The Last House in Scotland' souvenir shop where you can have postcard stamped and posted with the official 'Last House' stamp. Dunnet Head the most northerly point of mainland Scotland a little further north of the village and there is a coastal walk over the wild cliffs to Duncansby Head two mile to the east. The ferry offers Orkney day tours and the North-coast Marine Adventures offers wildlife cruises both operating from the harbour.
Camping
Places to Stay near John O Groats
Seaview Hotel (0.31 miles)
We are a small family run hotel in the far North of Scotland with breathtaking views of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Isles. We are only 300 yds from Orkney ... More
Castle Arms Hotel (5.56 miles)
The Castle Arms Hotel is a former 19th Century coaching inn, situated 8 miles from John O'Groats, in the village of Mey. It is the earest hotel to Gills Ferry to ... More
Sinclair Bay Hotel (7.77 miles)
A small family run hotel with comfortable rooms, tv and coffee making facilities in all rooms. We serve a wide range of food in our restaurant, & real ale behind the bar. ... More
Old Free Church Manse (11.86 miles)
Centrally located in the heart of Caithness, between the towns of Thurso and Wick it is an ideal base for exploring the countryside, lochs and mountains. Only a short drive away from ferry terminals which ... More | visit website
Greenland House (11.99 miles)
Six bedrooms - four with en suite · Centrally heated and fully double glazed · Colour TV and tea/coffee making in all rooms · High quality Scottish or Continental Breakfast ... More
Castletown Hotel (12.13 miles)
Ideally located to explore all that Caithness has to offer, this small, family-run hotel is close to both Thurso and Wick and only minutes from the Castle of Mey. The perfect venue ... More
Ackergill Tower (12.19 miles)
From Luxury welcome hamper on arrival to sumptious bed linen and towels, complimentary Pehaligans toiletries and amazing sea views
Our luxury cottages are all designed to the very highest standard and enjoy an attention to ... More | visit website
Norseman British Trust Hotel (13.88 miles)
In the centre of Wick, overlooking Wick River and close to Wick Train Station, The Norseman offers good food and traditional, warm hospitality. Under new owners, Norseman Hotel has been refurbished and ... More
Bank Guest House (13.94 miles)
Bank Guest house is a family run business situated in the centre of Wick. The views at the back overlook the countryside and it is also only a short walk ... More
Mackay's Hotel (14.06 miles)
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |