All roads lead to the sea
Sandy beaches to enjoy
Dornoch has lots to offer when it comes to looking for things to do during your stay. If you enjoy the outdoors then there are plenty of walking and cycling routes. Or if you enjoy a spot of retail therapy then there are a number of shops to browse.
There are plenty of recommended restaurants, cafes & bars to choose from, and takeaways you can sample back at your accommodation.
And every Saturday night from May to September the Dornoch Pipe Band plays in the centre of Dornoch at 8pm. One of the highlights of the summer calendar and certainly one not to miss.
Top Attractions
Dornoch & Embo beaches are both a short walk across the road to the costal path.
Falls of Shin to watch the salmon jumping.
Dunrobin Castle is on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth, just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch.
Dornoch Cathedral is a very impressive cathedral in the centre of Dornoch with beautiful stained glass windows.
Harry Gow bakery, the birthday cake slices are a must! Opposite the Cathedral.
Dornoch Firth to see the seals. The scenery is breathtaking and you are also on the doorstep of Skibo Castle, one of the world’s most prestigious private members clubs – so get celeb and royalty spotting!
Outdoors
Golf at Royal Dornoch, Tain, Golspie or Brora all come highly recommended by your host, Gary.
Walks to enjoy the local scenery. For a list of nearby routes with guidance on distance and ability simply visit www.visitdornoch.com You will also find recommended cycling routes as well as a full guide to the outdoors.
Restaurants & Bars
Mara Fine Dining at Links House. The food and service are both impeccable, not forgetting their afternoon teas by the fire.
The Royal Golf Hotel do a fine bar supper and have great views of the first tee of Royal Dornoch, also a great place to sit with a gin.
The Eagle is a restaurant & pub serving wholesome pub grub.
Greens at The Courthouse, formally the Courthouse, offers the best of the highland larder with specially selected wines and craft beers.
Dornoch Castle has a great beer garden and whisky bar.
Luigi’s on the Castle Street. You need to book as it’s really popular and definitely worth a visit.
The Platform 1864 at Tain. A 9 mile drive but the food and the ambiance is worth it.
The Pier at Lairg – An O’Neill Family favourite. The food, the cake, the view, there’s nothing not to love! A 35 minute drive of beautiful scenery will see you there.
The Golspie Inn at Golspie – great wholesome food!
Cafes & Takeaways
Surf & Turf on Castle Street serves delicious seafood and game.
The Highland Larder is based at Dornoch beach. Great for a takeaway coffee to walk along the beach with, or a bite to eat if you choose to spend the day there.
Highland Spice Indian & Highland Fish & Chips. They are the same place and you can sit in if you fancy.
Dornoch Oriental Chinese Takeaways on Castle Street for all your regular favourites.
Milk & Honey serves breakfast, lunch and home baking.
Shopping & Pampering
The Jail is great to browse for some designer pieces.
The Dornoch Bookshop offers an extensive selection to enjoy.
Kingcraig Fabrics specialises in Scottish woollen goods including scarves, bags, hats, tweed and tartan fabrics, as well as luxury knitting yarns.
Charity shops in Dornoch town centre are always good for a visit to see if you can find any little designer trinkets.
Mitchell’s Chemist is on the High Street and also has a wee post office counter.
ANTA and Tain pottery factories are both driving distance if you fancy treating yourself to some local modern stoneware.
The Farmers Market is on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month on the Cathedral Green. They run May – September, 9:30 am – 1pm.
Aspen Spa has just moved into the Old Post Office in Dornoch and treatment bookings can be made online.
