Holiday lettings & accommodation in Thurso

Beaches on Scotland's northern coast may not be known for their warm weather, but they are perfect for kids who love to explore! Thurso's own beach is popular with fossil hunters; keep your eyes peeled for fossils in the cliff face and smaller boulders on the sands. In winter and spring, the beach becomes a popular destination for surfers, as the tide creates waves that are ideal for surfing - though a wetsuit is essential! Strathy Bay is a much wider stretch of sand, backed by cliffs with caves and rock stacks. Strathy Point's lighthouse was the first to be powered by electricity and was the last manned lighthouse in Scotland. Head to the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother's former home, for a great family day out; explore the historic house and gardens and visit the animal centre, where you can get up close with the four-legged residents.

Start your visit to Thurso with a trip to the Caithness Horizons Museum, a fascinating look into the history of the area around Thurso from prehistoric times to the 21st c. Highlights include Pictish carved standing stones, Viking artefacts and a unique exhibition devoted to local geologist and botanist, Robert Dick. Dunnet Head, Britain's most northerly point, is home to an RSPB nature reserve and dozens of seabird species including puffins, shags, and cormorants. Take a stroll around the reserve, enjoying the dramatic views along the coastline, and keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. Head a little further along the coast to John O'Groats, the most remote point in north-east Britain, and have your photo taken with the famous "Journey's End" signpost, pointing the way back to Land's End in Cornwall.

Every October, surfers from all over the world descend upon Thurso for the town's annual Surf Festival, which also includes UK professional surfing competitions. Visitors can take part or just enjoy the spectacle of watching great surfers in such dramatic surroundings. Local pubs join in the fun, putting on live musical performances to keep surfers and spectators entertained in the evening; though Thurso is well known for its traditional music scene at any time of the year. Whatever time of year you're visiting, you can enjoy local bands playing in local pubs and clubs before heading back to your Thurso accommodation.