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Dunnet
Northern Sands Hotel
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59 photos
Northern Sands Hotel Dunnet Exterior photoNorthern Sands Hotel Dunnet Interior photoNorthern Sands Hotel Dunnet Exterior photo

NORTHERN SANDS HOTEL, Dunnet

Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$161 /night
Check-in
26May
Check-out
27May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet, KW14 8XD
-
Close to Dunnet Beach
Great
8.8
9.7
/10
5.0
4.7
/5

Loved by Northern Sands Hotel guests

Warm welcome
Comfortable bed
Great location
Delicious breakfast
Friendly staff
"Just around the corner of Dunnet Head."
David from Netherlands
read full review
"Our room was comfortable and spotless, with a large bathroom."
J K from United Kingdom
read full review
"Gluten free choices very impressive."
Duncan
read full review

Location

Northern Sands Hotel sits directly on the shores of Dunnet Bay, providing guests with immediate access to sandy beaches and panoramic sea views. With proximity to the charming village of Dunnet, visitors can explore local shops and heritage sites. The hotel is also close to the iconic Castle of Mey, enhancing opportunities for sightseeing.

Rooms

The hotel offers 21 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, each featuring en suite bathrooms and coastal decor. Many rooms provide breathtaking views of the sea, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. Select accommodations come equipped with modern amenities to create a convenient stay for all guests.

Dining

Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the Sands Bistro, which offers an array of locally sourced dishes. Breakfast includes traditional Scottish fare, ensuring a hearty start to the day. The licensed bar serves a range of beverages, including local whiskies and specialties.

Activities

Northern Sands Hotel provides numerous activities for guests, with outdoor adventures available at nearby Dunnet Forest and local beaches. The hotel offers opportunities for fishing, walking trails, and exploring the stunning coastal scenery. Guests can also engage with the local wildlife, enhancing their experience in the great outdoors.

Wellness

The hotel prioritizes guest wellness, offering yoga sessions and outdoor exercises in a tranquil setting. Nearby beaches provide an opportunity for beachcombing and connecting with nature. Various wellness experiences encourage relaxation and peace of mind for all visitors.

Highlights

Location: Dunnet Bay beachfront access

Rooms: 21 guest rooms with en suite bathrooms

Dining: Sands Bistro with locally sourced dishes

Activities: Fishing and walking trails

Wellness: Yoga sessions and outdoor exercises

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the stunning Dunnet Head for breathtaking coastal views.
  • Enjoy a local seafood platter at the Castlehill Restaurant.
  • Explore the ancient ruins of Castle of Mey, just a short drive away.
  • Take a stroll on Dunnet Beach and watch for puffins in summer.
  • Don't miss the Caithness Seacoast and its remarkable geological features.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
    Deluxe Twin Room
    2 persons
    13 m²
    2 Single beds
    Bathtub
    Heating
    room details
    Standard Twin Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Coffee machine
    room details
    Family Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Coffee machine
    room details
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
May 2026 - May 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Horseback riding
  • Golf course
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach access
  • Live entertainment

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

Northern Sands Hotel offers delightful dining experiences that celebrate the rich traditions of British cuisine, with an emphasis on local produce. From cozy lounges to family-friendly bars, each venue invites guests to enjoy wholesome meals crafted to cater to various dietary preferences, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Northern Sands Hotel Dunnet Restaurant photo
Northern Sands Hotel Dunnet Restaurant photo

The Pentland Lounge

British cuisine
Ambiance
Traditional and cozy setting, perfect for relaxed dining.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it ideal for diverse dietary needs. The lounge is welcoming for leisurely breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 12:00 to 21:00.

Logan's Bar

Family-friendly casual dining
Ambiance
A blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, suitable for families.
Key Offerings
Offering vegetarian and gluten-free meals, it's a great spot for brunch and late-night bites with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 11:00 to 21:00.

Links Restaurant

Flexible dining focusing on various dietary preferences
Ambiance
A versatile setting designed for all types of diners.
Key Offerings
Specializes in vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals, catering to health-conscious guests seeking flavorful options.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 12:00 to 21:00.

Northern Sands Hotel Location

Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet, KW14 8XD
Explore Dunnet
Activities & Dining Near Northern Sands Hotel
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Dunnet Bay Beach
35 minutes' walk
A stunning sandy beach known for its picturesque landscapes and wildlife, ideal for peaceful walks and birdwatching.
Castlehill Heritage Centre
Castlehill Heritage Centre
40 minutes' walk
A local heritage center showcasing the area's history, perfect for families with engaging displays and activities.
Loch Heilen
Loch Heilen
45 minutes' walk
A serene loch surrounded by natural beauty, great for picnics and enjoying the tranquil Scottish landscape.
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
10-minute drive
The most northern point of mainland Scotland featuring a historic lighthouse and breathtaking coastal views.
Hiking at Dunnet Head
10-minute drive
Challenging trails offering stunning cliffside views, suitable for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Relaxation at Seadrift Visitor Centre
3 minutes' walk
A tranquil visitor center with scenic views, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the local biodiversity.
Northern Sands Hotel Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Culinary delights featuring local ingredients, with a cozy atmosphere and signature dishes like fresh seafood.
Mary Ann's Cottage
Mary Ann's Cottage
3 minutes' walk
Charming local café known for traditional Scottish dishes and homemade pastries in a quaint setting.
Local Pubs
10-minute drive
Lively pubs featuring live music, perfect for couples and friends looking to enjoy local brews and a vibrant atmosphere.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Dunnet 3 min  ·  200 m
  • Airports
    Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 44 min  ·  28.9 km
    Kirkwall (KOI) 99 min  ·  65.5 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
from 06:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Northern Sands guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
12

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Northern Sands Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Northern Sands Hotel is often praised for its comfortable and recently refurbished rooms, some offering spacious layouts and views of Dunnet Forest and Dunnet Bay. Guests appreciate the powerful ensuite showers and the convenience of in-room kettles, plus the ample parking available. Many enjoyed the dinner and cooked breakfast, while the hotel's proximity to Dunnet Bay Beach is a definite highlight. Some guests, however, have noted potential noise issues due to the bar being located under some rooms.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 461 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
93 %
Recommend
Staff
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Free WiFi
7.8/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Clean shower
Cooked breakfast
Excellent location
Dinner enjoyment
Cons
Slow service
Milk sachets
Guest reviews
based on 461 reviews
9.0/10
based on 634 reviews
8.8/10
Isabella from Italy
Single
Standard Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 08, 2026
7/10
polite staff clean room restaurant food missing table ceiling lights ugly buildings
I found the staff polite and efficient. The room was clean. The food in the restaurant WAS amazing!!!
The room lacked a bedside table. I had to get out of bed to switch off the lights. The view was onto some ugly buildings.
0 Helpful
David from United Kingdom
Single
standard single room shower
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
6/10
loud noise small room
the staff were friendly and cute when i arrived, it was acceptable.
the noise from what i think was the kitchen extractor was loud. it started quite early. it was not the best way to wake up in the morning. also, the room was very small. as a biker doing the nc500 again, i had quite a bit of gear. there were no drawers or cupboards in the room.
0 Helpful
Martin from Germany
Single
Standard Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 21, 2025
6/10
My room's breakfast service was slow. I had to wait 30 minutes past the scheduled time. This defeats the purpose of pre-ordering.
0 Helpful
Alex from United Kingdom
Single
standard twin room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 13, 2025
9/10
nice staff clean room quality bed
The staff were super nice. the rooms were very comfy and tidy. The bed had great quality. i found the location well situated in an very nice part of the country!!!
the room was very small, maybe too small for a longer stay.
0 Helpful
Show more reviews
FAQs
About Northern Sands Hotel
How far is the Northern Sands Hotel from Wick John O'Groats Airport?
The hotel is 23 km from Wick John O'Groats Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Northern Sands Hotel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at Northern Sands Hotel?
Free private parking is available on-site.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Northern Sands Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with HD Smart TV, private bathrooms, complimentary Scottish toiletries, and a hairdryer.
What dining options are available at Northern Sands Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant offering a full Scottish breakfast and a variety of menus using local produce.
What activities can guests enjoy nearby Northern Sands Hotel?
Activities include walking, running, surfing, wind surfing, horse riding, and kite buggying.
What is the closest landmark to Northern Sands Hotel?
Dunnet Bay Distillery is only 1 minute away from the hotel.
Is there a bar at Northern Sands Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site bar where guests can relax and enjoy a variety of drinks.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Northern Sands Hotel?
The staff primarily speaks English.
How far is Dunnet Beach from Northern Sands Hotel?
Dunnet Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Are there any family amenities at Northern Sands Hotel?
The hotel offers family-room arrangements catering to larger groups.
What is the distance from Northern Sands Hotel to John O'Groats?
John O'Groats is located 16 km from the hotel.

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