Walk in the footsteps of Vikings in Wick, an ancient town guarded by a centuries-old castle. It’s set on the River Wick and combines beautiful scenery with a fascinating past. Explore a clifftop stronghold, stroll along North Sea beaches and spot puffins in John o' Groats, one of the northernmost points on the British mainland.
Things to do in Wick
Walk up to the Castle of Old Wick and enjoy sweeping views across the North Sea. The castle is perched on grass-covered clifftops and dates back to the 12th century. It’s especially dramatic on stormy days when the wind whips up the surf and dark clouds hang on the horizon.
Stretch your legs on the scenic clifftop trail to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. The trail starts in the charming fishing village of Staxigoe and takes you past the picturesque Noss Head Lighthouse before reaching the castle. Look for puffins perched on the rocks and seabirds soaring through the sky as you walk.
At just over two metres long, Ebenezer Place is one of the shortest streets in the world. It’s featured in the Guinness Book of Records and fronted by a handsome 19th-century building. Cross the bridge to the neighbouring village of Pultneytown and visit the Wick Heritage Centre. Inside you can see historic photographs and memorabilia from Wick’s heyday as a 19th-century herring fishing town.
Drive up to John o' Groats, one of the most northerly points on mainland Britain. Explore the postcard-perfect coastal village filled with colourful houses, hike to beautiful beaches and set sail on a puffin-watching cruise. The village is one of the best places in the world to see the adorable seabirds.
Getting around Wick
Wick is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Caithness, a 30-minute drive from Thurso and 2.5 hours from Inverness. Wick Train Station is a five-minute walk from the town centre. Edinburgh Airport is a five-hour drive away.