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Halkirk
Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso
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Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Nearby photoUlbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Interior photoUlbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Macro Details photo

ULBSTER ARMS HOTEL NEAR THURSO, Halkirk

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— up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$197 /night
Check-in
26May
Check-out
27May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Hallkirk, Halkirk, KW12 6XY
-
Close to Braal Castle
Great
8.8
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

Loved by Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso guests

Comfy bed
Excellent evening meal
Friendly staff
Spacious room
"Dog friendly, a lovely welcome."
Glenn from United Kingdom
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"We ate in the bar where there was a lovely open fire , it was cosy and comfortable."
Sweet pea from United Kingdom
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"Dinner offered a good choice and was one of the best meals we had in Caithness."
Elleterrasud from United Kingdom
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Rooms

The Ulbster Arms Hotel provides 29 comfortable accommodations, including 13 en-suite rooms in the main building and 16 additional rooms in separate wings. The traditional and contemporary room designs cater to a variety of guests, with options for family and dog-friendly stays available. Breakfast is included in all room bookings, featuring a full Scottish breakfast along with fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt, and cereal.

Dining

The hotel's Beat 4 Restaurant serves a menu focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste of Scotland. Guests can also enjoy casual dining in the Lounge Bar, which offers a variety of spirits, lagers, and seasonal dishes. The hotel holds themed tasting experiences, such as whisky and gin flights, further enhancing the culinary offerings.

Location

Nestled in Halkirk by the River Thurso, the hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring Caithness and Orkney. This location is ideal for outdoor activities, including fishing and boat trips to local islands. The surrounding stunning landscapes allow guests to engage in seasonal activities year-round.

Business Amenities

The hotel accommodates corporate stays with dedicated workspaces in its rooms, providing the ideal setup for business travelers. Meeting facilities are available, including the inviting Library and Lounge Bar, suitable for informal gatherings. Corporate packages include tailored meals and extended availability for businesses in the area.

Pet-Friendly Policies

The Ulbster Arms Hotel welcomes dogs in a variety of accommodations, promoting a family-friendly environment. Designated areas around the hotel allow pets to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Dog-friendly dining options are available in the bar and lounge, enhancing the stay for guests traveling with pets.

Highlights

Location: Convenient base for exploring Caithness

Rooms: 29 comfortable accommodations

Dining: Beat 4 Restaurant with local ingredients

Business Amenities: Dedicated workspaces in rooms

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly accommodations available

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the historic Castle of Mey, a short drive from the hotel.
  • Try the local haggis at The Halkirk Hotel for an authentic taste.
  • Explore the stunning Dunnet Head, Scotland's most northern point.
  • Check out the unique Caithness Craft Centre for local artisan goods.
  • Stroll through Halkirk's picturesque village and enjoy its charm.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
    King Room Uah Lodge
    2 persons
    30 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
    room details
    Executive Lodge Room Milton
    2 persons
    30 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
    room details
    Premium Double Room
    2 persons
    27 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
    room details
Show all rooms

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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
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

Delight in the intimate dining experience at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, where local flavors take center stage. With options ranging from a traditional full Scottish breakfast to cozy evenings by the fire, every meal is a celebration of regional produce, comfort, and warmth.
Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local cuisine
Ambiance
Romantic setting with a cozy lounge bar featuring a beautifully carved fireplace from a Dutch galleon ship
Key Offerings
Start the day with a full Scottish breakfast and enjoy lamb and pork dishes sourced from local farms. Unwind in the lounge bar or the sheltered beer garden for alfresco dining in sunlight, further enhanced by themed tasting menus hosted by experienced chefs.
Reservation
Recommended for themed tasting menus and evenings.
Breakfast served from 06:30-09:30 Monday to Saturday, and 06:30-10:00 on Sundays; other dining times vary.

Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Location

Hallkirk, Halkirk, KW12 6XY
Explore Halkirk
Explore Nearby Attractions
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Halkirk Parish Church
1 minutes' walk
A beautiful architectural gem in the heart of Halkirk, known for its stunning stained glass windows and serene atmosphere.
Abbey Church
8 minutes' walk
A historic church with impressive stonework, hosting regular services and local events, making it a focal point for the community.
Halkirk Free Presbyterian Church
13 minutes' walk
A quaint church known for its traditional design and welcoming congregation, often hosting special community gatherings.
Braal Castle
14 minutes' walk
An intriguing historical site with picturesque scenery, offering insights into local heritage and surrounding landscapes.
Fishing and Watersports
10 minutes' drive
Fishing on the nearby Thurso River offers thrilling experiences, with rental services available for kayaks and gear.
Biking Trails at Thurso East
12 minutes' drive
Scenic biking trails cater to all skill levels, offering stunning coastal views and opportunities for adventure throughout the year.
Yoga Classes
5 minutes' drive
Relaxation-focused yoga classes available at local studios, providing a peaceful retreat for guests seeking leisure and mindfulness.
Ulbster Arms Hotel Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Serving hearty local dishes with a cozy atmosphere, famous for its seasonal menu and craft beers to complement every meal.
The Weigh Inn
8 minutes' drive
A charming pub offering a variety of international cuisines and local specialties, known for its relaxed vibe and generous portions.
Thurso Cinema
12 minutes' drive
A local cinema showcasing the latest films in a cozy setting, perfect for a family outing or a date night, with affordable ticket prices.
Live Music at The Tarrel
15 minutes' drive
A vibrant bar hosting regular live music events, offering a lively atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or casual hangouts.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Halkirk 4 min  ·  300 m
  • Airports
    Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 44 min  ·  29.1 km
    Kirkwall (KOI) 135 min  ·  89.9 km
  • Train
    Georgemas Junction Railway Station 32 min  ·  2.6 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP12 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
30

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the spacious and cosy rooms, often highlighting the large bathrooms. The hotel boasts a well-stocked bar, a restaurant, and a library area perfect for relaxation, with many enjoying dinner in the bar lounge and coffee in the library afterwards. The food, particularly the steak and chips, crab cocktail, and Cajun chicken burger, receives high marks for taste and presentation; however, a few guests have mentioned the steak quality wasn't quite what it once was. Ample off-street parking adds to the convenience of this charming hotel, situated in a quiet and beautiful location near the river.
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Review score
Based on 378 verified reviews
8.9 /10
Great
95 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Excellent dinner
Friendly staff
Comfortable bedroom
Cons
Slow service
Guest reviews
based on 378 reviews
8.9/10
based on 674 reviews
8.8/10
Molly from Ireland
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 15, 2026
9.0/10

Absolutely wonderful stay!

spacious lodge sumptuous bed delicious breakfast
The lodge was spacious, with a large lounge complete with a log burner, a delight. I was impressed by the huge, sumptuous bed. It ensured a restful night. The Valentines steak night was AMAZING!!! Breakfast in the morning was also a highlight, and provided a perfect start to the day.
The staff seemed to lack sufficient training regarding service standards. The restaurant service was notably slow, needing attention. It is very important to improve training for young staff. Better service would significantly enhance the overall experience.
Service
9/10
The staff are really helpful and friendly. They provided excellent assistance. The service during both breakfast and dinner was especially polite and efficient. Their attentiveness contributed significantly to a positive experience, exceeding expectations.
Location
8/10
The hotel has a nice location. It is convenient for accessing local amenities and exploring the surrounding area. I found the hotel's position to be advantageous for my travel plans.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel includes a lovely bar and library to enjoy. There is easy parking. I appreciated these facilities which added comfort. These features are very well maintained and contribute to the character.
Dining
10/10
The food was lovely and excellent, with a focus on local ingredients. There were good breakfast choices including kippers or poached haddock, providing variety. The food was AMAZING!!! I appreciated dinner at the on-site restaurant. The presentation was good.
0 Helpful
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Kenny from United Kingdom
true
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 05, 2026
9/10

A wonderful stay!

relaxing lounge haddock breakfast
The bar was GOOD. The staff were helpful. I enjoyed the library after dinner. It was a relaxing lounge. The smoked haddock breakfast was AMAZING!!!
0 Helpful
Cameron from Australia
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
8.8/10

Excellent Stay in the Highlands

premium items friendly staff clean room
The full Scottish breakfast included premium items. The staff were friendly and very helpful throughout my visit. The room was clean and felt fresh. The bed was also very comfortable.
The television signal was not stable. It frequently dropped. This made it impossible to watch anything.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provides a library area with a roaring fire. This space offers a relaxing environment for reading or enjoying a quiet drink. Local ales are available at the bar.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast featured fresh produce. The haddock eggs and bread were really good, contributing to a high-quality morning meal. The restaurant also serves dinner with a varied menu.
Rooms
8/10
My room was located outside the main hotel building. It offered quiet and peaceful accommodation. The bed provided good comfort for a restful night's sleep.
Location
9/10
The hotel is positioned just outside a main town. This provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. The location is ideal for touring the North Coast.
0 Helpful
|
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Peter from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 27, 2025
8.8/10

Excellent Stay

stocked bar comfortable seating clean room breakfast options
My stay included access to a well-stocked bar with a good selection of drinks. The library offered a quiet space and comfortable seating. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The breakfast had many options and was very good.
The service in the restaurant was slow.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast buffet featured many options, catering to various tastes and dietary needs. The restaurant menu included local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Dinner service was available in a formal setting.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel offers a library with a selection of books and comfortable seating. There is an open fire in the common sitting room. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. The hotel provides complimentary parking.
Service
8/10
Staff members were helpful and addressed guest inquiries promptly. The reception was available 24 hours a day. The hotel provided daily housekeeping. The team accommodated specific requests and ensured a comfortable experience.
Rooms
9/10
The double room had a comfortable bed. The room included a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The bathroom was clean with complimentary toiletries. The room was well-kept.
0 Helpful
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Roy from United Kingdom
true
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 20, 2025
9.3/10

EXCELLENT stay!

hearty breakfast local ingredient great location
The breakfast menu had GREAT hearty options. It prepared me well for the day. Dinner in the bar used locally sourced ingredients, a HUGE plus. The river flows nearby, and the location is fantastic for exploring the North Highlands.
The mattress quality seemed a bit OFF, as I kept rolling to the middle of the bed.
Facilities
9/10
The bar area looked very cosy, especially with the dark wood and striking fireplace, a great place to unwind. Nice grounds are available to sit in when the weather is good.
Dining
10/10
Breakfast included a good selection of food. Dinner in the evening also proved delicious. The food was AMAZING!!!
Rooms
9/10
My room was clean and tastefully decorated. The bed was very comfortable, which I REALLY appreciated. The staff moved me to a room with a walk-in shower after I was unable to manage the bath in my original room.
Location
9/10
The location is ideal for touring this area, providing easy access to various attractions. The river Thurso flows beside the hotel. It is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso
What are the check-in and check-out times at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso to Wick John O'Groats Airport?
The hotel is 32 km from Wick John O'Groats Airport.
How far is Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso from Thurso town centre?
The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Thurso town centre, approximately 10 km.
Does Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso offer on-site dining?
On-site dining is available at Beat 4 restaurant and Anglers Nook, which serve locally sourced dishes.
What room amenities can guests expect at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, high-speed free Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Is parking available at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What type of breakfast is served at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso?
A full Scottish breakfast is available, with the option for a charge of 12 GBP.
Which nearby attractions can guests visit while staying at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso?
Nearby attractions include the Orkney ferry for day trips, Duncansby Head, and Thurso Golf Club.
What leisure activities are available at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso?
Guests can enjoy fishing, hiking, and golfing during their stay.
Are there any communal areas at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso for guests?
The hotel features a communal lounge area equipped with Sky Television, providing a space to relax and gather.

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