At the northernmost tip of mainland Scotland, Thurso packs plenty into its small size. From wild surfing spots to historic ruins, this coastal town offers more than most visitors expect. Here’s our pick of the bunch:
By the Water
Thurso Beach is a proper highlight – a sweep of sand that works for both lazy days and active watersports. Surfers from around the world head to Thurso East, where the reef break creates some of Europe’s best waves. Even if you’re not jumping in, watching surfers tackle the North Sea swells is pretty impressive.
For calmer water activities, the River Thurso runs right through town. It’s famous for salmon fishing, and you’ll often spot locals trying their luck. The riverside path makes for a nice walk, especially in the evening when the light’s good for spotting wildlife.
Historic Spots
Old St Peter’s Kirk sits in the heart of town – what’s left of it anyway. This 13th-century church might be a ruin now, but its stone walls tell stories of Thurso‘s past. You can still make out carved gravestones in the churchyard.
The remains of Thurso Castle peek out along the coastline. While you can’t go inside (it’s private and pretty unstable), it makes for great photos from the beach, especially when waves crash against the cliffs below it.
Sir John’s Square shows off some newer history – well, newer by Scottish standards. Designed in 1798, it’s still the center of town life. The Meadow Well nearby is worth a look too – this circular wellhouse has been keeping locals watered for centuries.
Walking and Views
The Victoria Walk along the cliffs is a must-do. It’s not too challenging, and the views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney are worth every step. On clear days, you can spot seabirds diving and sometimes even whales or dolphins offshore. Holborn Head Lighthouse sits at the end of another good coastal walk. The path there takes you past some dramatic cliffs, and the lighthouse itself is pretty photogenic. Just watch your step on windy days – the gusts up there can be fierce.
Local Culture
The Swanson Gallery keeps things cultural with changing art exhibitions throughout the year. If you’re into glasswork, Ian Pearson’s studio shows off some impressive pieces – watching him work with hot glass is fascinating.
Wolfburn Distillery is worth a visit, even if you’re not big on whisky. As the northernmost distillery on the mainland, they’re doing interesting things with their spirits. The tours are informative and, yes, include tastings.
Around Town
The town center mixes old and new nicely. Small shops still do business in historic buildings, and local cafes serve up good food and hot drinks – essential fuel for exploring on cold days.
Day Trips
Thurso makes a good base for exploring the area. Dunnet Bay is just along the coast – its massive beach is perfect for long walks. The Castle of Mey, once the Queen Mother’s Highland home, is nearby too. If you’re interested in naval history, the Scapa Flow Museum over in Orkney makes for an interesting day trip – just catch the ferry from nearby Scrabster Harbour.
Whether you’re here for the surf, the history, or just to explore somewhere different, Thurso has enough to keep you busy for several days. The town gets busy in summer, but spring and autumn are good times to visit – just bring layers and watch the weather. After all, this is the far north of Scotland, where the weather can change faster than you can say “another coffee, please.”
What are some of your favourite things to do in Thurso, and why?
Let us know in the comments below!
