Things To Do in Dornoch

This beloved Highland town located on the unspoilt Sutherland coast may be small, but it’s big on character. With its golf heritage, legendary courses, golden swathes of sandy coastline and historic town, Dornoch will delight and deliver, whatever you fancy doing.

Luxury Highland Chauffeur

Silver Mercedes outside of building with man

Explore the incredible Scottish Highlands in comfort with Luxury Highland Chauffeur. Offering bespoke and flexible tours in comfortable high end cars.

Kilncroft Gallery

Klincroft Gallery

Situated opposite Royal Dornoch’s second tee, this exhibition space is home to prints, ceramics and paintings, which make perfect Highland souvenirs.

Dornoch Beach

Dornoch Beach

The award-winning Dornoch Beach and its golden strands are just a short walk from our hotel. 

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Known as one of the top golf courses in the world, Royal Dornoch is a must. Find its links steps from Dornoch Station.

Pro Shop at Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Pro Shop at Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Visit the club’s Pro Shop for a mix of traditional and modern merchandise, including Royal Dornoch tartan and Royal Dornoch tweed.

Dornoch Distillery

Dornoch Distillery

On-site at Dornoch Castle Hotel, Dornoch Distillery is the first of its kind in Dornoch. Producing both gin and whisky, it’s well worth a visit.

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey

A charming destination for breakfast, lunch or just coffee and cake.

Mara Restaurant at Links House

Mara Restaurant

A luxury dining experience, with open fires and intimate spaces. Discover local flavours with Mara’s ever-changing seasonal menus.

The Dornoch Bookshop

The Dornoch Bookshop

Browse a wide selection of books, then enjoy your new reads al fresco with refreshments from Coffee Piaggio.

Greens at the Courthouse Restaurant

Greens at the Courthouse Restaurant

Located in the old Courthouse, this cosy corner restaurant is the perfect place to unwind with family and friends.

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars

Explore more than 450 whiskies, 60 gins and other spirits at this local specialist shop. They also host great tasting events.

Dornoch Bike Hire

Dornoch Bike Hire

Explore both Dornoch and areas further afield at your own pace with a family ride.

Jail Dornoch

Jail Dornoch

Shop clothing and accessories for ladies and gents at this boutique gift shop.

Campbells of Beauly

Campbell’s of Beauly

A Highland gem, this retail emporium (est. 1858) stocks the brand’s famous clothing and unique home goods.

Dornoch Cathedral

Dornoch Cathedral

In use since 1239, Dornoch Cathedral is a can’t-miss landmark at the centre of town.

Aspen Spa at Carnegie Courthouse

Aspen Spa at Carnegie Courthouse

Indulge in some ‘me’ time at nearby Aspen Spa. With bespoke massages, hydrating facials, saunas and more, it’s the perfect escape.

Historylinks Museum & Trail

History Links Museum

Explore Dornoch’s ancient origins and the area’s rich golf history at the Historylinks Museum, home to impressive exhibits and an interactive Children’s Room.

Dornoch Stores

Dornoch Stores

Part grocer, part hardware store, the family-run Dornoch Stores stocks an extensive range of food, wine, homewares, gifts and more.

Cocoa Mountain

Cocoa Mountain

Sip Dornoch’s “best hot chocolate” at Cocoa Mountain. They also sell freshly made chocolates and truffles.

Luigi

Luigi

A local favourite, this buzzing café is open year-round for both lunch and dinner.

The Highland Larder

The Highland Larder

Located steps from Dornoch Beach, The Highland Larder serves fresh local seafood. A perfect stop-off while you’re out and about.

North Coast 500

NC500

Famously Scotland’s ultimate road trip. Dornoch is one of the most popular stop-off points on this 500-mile route.

Davochfin Farm

Davochfin Farm

This family-run working farm is home to an exciting selection of amenities including four trout-filled lochans for fishing, a ten-bay golf driving range and a 9 hole pitch and putt.

Connell Outdoor Pursuits

highland deer

Enjoy a range of activities, including archery, fishing and wildlife tours. See All Available Outdoor Pursuits Packages

Achavandra Horse Riding

mother and baby horse

Explore Dornoch on horseback with Achavandra. They offer a range of rides, for kids, beginners and seasoned riders. Their scenic beach trek is a favourite.

Glenmorangie Distillery

Glenmorangie Distillery

Sip an iconic dram at Glenmorangie Distillery. The world-famous whisky maker offers immersive tours, tastings and more.

Balblair Distillery

Balblair Distillery

Sitting on a remote and unspoiled hillside overlooking the Dornoch Firth, Balblair distillery sits quietly. A warm and unrushed welcome is always guaranteed.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle

Like something out of a fairy tale, the beautiful Dunrobin Castle is a Highland landmark. Tour the castle’s impressive interior and catch one of the exciting daily falconry shows.

Bonar-Bridge & Ardgay Golf Club

Bonar-Bridge & Ardgay Golf Club

Considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Highlands, this easy-walking course provides unforgettable views of Loch Migdale and the surrounding hills.

TroutQuest

hand tied flies

Based in Ardgay, TroutQuest offers guided fly-fishing trips for both salmon and brown trout, as well as guided excursions throughout the Highlands.

Brora Distillery

Brora Distillery

Step through the Wildcat gates of the Brora distillery and delve into the 200-year-old history of the home of one of Scotland’s best malts.

Clynelish Distillery

Clynelish Distillery

One of the Four Corners of Johnnie Walker, Clynelish produces a unique whisky with north Highland and maritime flavours.

Falls of Shin

Falls of Shin

Famous for being one of the best places in Scotland to view salmon in their natural habitat. Stand on the viewing platform to watch fish leap up the thundering falls.

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse

Located at the northwest tip of Tarbat Ness peninsula, an area rich in history and geological significance.

The Pier

The Pier

Slightly further inland from Dornoch but worth the trip, The Pier boasts an impressive panoramic view over Loch Shin.

Invergordon Golf Club

Invergordon Golf Club

Set in the stunning scenery of Easter Ross, this course offers views of Cromarty Firth and the Black Isle as well as the surrounding hills and mountains. 

Highland Shooting Centre

man shooting rifle

This family-run business specialises in all things shooting. Test your skills at clay target shooting or venture out into the Highlands for deer stalking.

Dalmore Distillery

Dalmore Distillery

Originally founded by Sir Alexander Matheson in 1839, this distillery sits on the banks of the Cromarty Firth, overlooking the Black Isle.

Go Wild Highlands

Go Wild Canoe Tours

Take things off the beaten track with Go Wild Highlands. Their relaxing canoe trips provide a real sense of adventure in largely unseen corners of the Highlands.

Glen Ord Distillery

Glen Ord Distillery

Located in the heart of the Black Isle, visit the Glen Ord Distillery to discover the exquisite taste and flavour of this perfectly balanced whisky.

Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links

Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Links

This fantastic links course sits on a peninsula out in the Moray Firth and is the 15th oldest recorded club in the world.

Wolfburn Distillery

Wolfburn Distillery

Established in 1821 and quickly becoming the largest distillery in Caithness, Wolfburn Distillery is the perfect place to experience the master behind the craft.