//
Town on the north coast of Scotland
Photo: jack_spellingbacon, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Thurso is a town in Caithness on the far north coast of Scotland, with a population of 7390 in 2020. The name probably refers to the deity Thor, and this area was Norse until the 13th century. The present town was laid out on a grid pattern in the 19th century when the railway arrived; its population boomed in the 1950s when Dounreay nuclear power plant was established 9 miles west. It's long been a fishing port, and its harbour at Scrabster is a route to the Orkney Islands: many visitors are just passing through to catch a ferry. The main reasons to stay here are for sea-sports especially surfing, and to explore the rugged scenic coastline.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This ruined parish church dates back to 1125. It was abandoned in 1832.
19th-century Stevenson lighthouse to an unusual design, incorporated within the keeper's cottage instead of on a separate tower. It was taken out of service in 2003. Note spelling, the lighthouse is "Holburn" but the headland is "Holborn".
Small European-style restaurant, the beef cheeks are popular.
Thurso's only nightclub and it's a nice enough place. Two dance floors, not unreasonable prices for drinks, hot food snack bar, free cloakroom. Music is standard UK nightclub fare. It's also used for live music.
This distillery started production in 2013 and released the first whisky in 2016. Tours remain suspended but the shop is open.
They produce rum, gin, and whisky on the former US naval station at Forss.
Well-run hostel open all year, dog-friendly, prices include breakfast. Hot showers, free Wifi.
Clean breezy site looking out towards Orkney, open April-Oct. Facilities include a cafe/restaurant, lounge, TV, hot showers and a laundry, with a clothes-line.
B&B in 18th-century manse, with 8 contemporary-style rooms all en suite. Effervescent hostess, dog friendly (£5), free parking.
42-room traditional hotel with restaurant.
Charming house built 1780, birthplace of Sir William Alexander Smith (1854-1914) the founder of the Boys' Brigade. Spacious rooms, filling breakfast and no dawn bugles. Minimum stay May-Sep is two nights.
Lovely stylish 1810 mansion house with 12 upmarket rooms in main building. Pets only in the two annex rooms.
An off-licence (alcohol shop) open M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM.
By plane: Wick John o'Groats Airport has flights from Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Read in the guideBus 82 takes 55 min from Wick via Halkirk to Thurso, hourly M-F, every two hours Sa, only four on Sunday. You can also use the X99 or train to reach Wick.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Wick · Regional · WIC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Thurso and United Kingdom.
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check eligibility, the £20 fee, application steps, and transit rules.
7 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsA complete guide to taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. Learn about check-in times, border controls, baggage limits, ticket tiers, and booking tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.