Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso in Halkirk: Photos and Reviews
Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Key details
About the Hotel
Hallkirk, Halkirk, KW12 6XY,
-
Near Braal Castle
Great
8.9
/10
4.5
4.5
/5
Highly rated by guests who stayed at Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso
Stargazing opportunities
Fishing-themed decor
Library area
Rooms with roll-top baths
Large variety of local spirits
"Amazing food at the restaurant. Big parking in the back. Amazing location for visiting the north."
Oscarpet from Croatia
read full review
"The bar area was much cosier and very well decorated with dark wood and a striking fire place!"
Nicola W from United Kingdom
read full review
"This hotel seems to major on huntin' shootin' and fishin' in terms of style."
JCMalvern from United Kingdom
read full review
"Make sure your'e ready to feast as the full Scottish breakfast was fully loaded with all the premium items you can think of."
dale h from United Kingdom
read full review
"Stayed at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk in the Tormsdale Suite (within one of their Lodges)."
Elaine from United Kingdom
read full review
Hospitality Gold Medal-winning hotel on the banks of the River Thurso
Dining
The on-site Beat 4 restaurant serves evening meals using locally sourced ingredients, including a blade of beef and venison curry. A full Scottish breakfast is included in the rate, with cooked-to-order options such as kippers or poached haddock. The bar menu offers hearty options like Cullen Skink soup, and the hotel hosts themed tasting menus throughout the year.
Accommodation
Rooms include Deluxe Double Rooms with views of the River Thurso, and the Milton lodge offers executive rooms with a separate lounge area and heated bathroom floors. All rooms provide free local toiletries and locally baked biscuits, plus tea and coffee facilities. The hotel features a library area with a bookcase dedicated to fishing literature and a communal lounge with a roaring fire.
Location
The hotel sits on the River Thurso in Halkirk, a 10-minute drive from Thurso town centre and 5 miles from Thurso Golf Club. It is a short drive from the Scrabster ferry terminal for day trips to Orkney, and near the North Coast 500 scenic route. Nearby attractions include John O'Groats, Dunnet Head, and Dunnet Beach, all within 15 minutes by car.
Pet-Friendly
The hotel welcomes dogs in designated areas, including the bar and some lodge rooms, with a sausage provided at breakfast upon request. Outside spaces include a beer garden and picnic area for guests with pets. The communal lounge and library also allow well-behaved dogs, making it a practical stop for travellers on the NC500.
Hotel Features
Built from local Caithness stone, the building was originally a blacksmith's workshop and now holds a Hospitality Gold Medal award. The bar features a 42-inch plasma TV and a selection of local ales, including a spirit named after the hotel. Guests have access to a private car park at the rear and an express check-in/out process.
Highlights
Location: Riverside setting on the River Thurso, 10 min from Thurso
Rooms: Deluxe river-view rooms & lodge suites with lounge
Dining: Beat 4 restaurant with locally sourced menu & full Scottish breakfast
Pet-Friendly: Dogs welcome in designated areas with breakfast treat
Activities: Fishing on River Thurso, golf at Thurso Golf Club, Orkney ferry
Award: Hospitality Gold Medal recipient
Must-do experiences
Visit the Thurso East surf spot for stunning coastal views.
Enjoy a hearty Haggis dish at the nearby Brown Trout Restaurant.
Explore the ancient ruins at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe in Wick.
Take a guided tour of the Caithness Glass to see artisan craftsmanship.
Discover local produce at the Thurso Farmers' Market on Saturdays.
Select your room type
Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
Private parking is possible on site for free.
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
Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Location
Hallkirk, Halkirk, KW12 6XY,
Explore Halkirk
Explore the Best Nearby
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Abbey Church
8 minutes' walk
A beautiful historic church known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for quiet reflection.
Halkirk Parish Church
1 minute' walk
A local landmark with remarkable stained glass and welcoming community, perfect for experiencing local heritage.
Braal Castle
14 minutes' walk
A stunning castle that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Halkirk Free Presbyterian Church
13 minutes' walk
An iconic building showcasing exceptional architecture and serving as a vibrant center for community events.
Hiking Trails
10-minute drive
Expansive trails suitable for all levels, perfect for enjoying the stunning Scottish Highlands scenery.
Golfing at Thurso Golf Club
10-minute drive
Challenging golf course with breathtaking views. Open to all skill levels with rental clubs available.
Ulbster Arms Hotel Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Offers hearty local dishes in a warm atmosphere. Known for their fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
Local Pubs
8 minutes' walk
Friendly pubs featuring live music and quiz nights, perfect for enjoying local brews and socializing.
Getting around Scotland
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 see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Unlock exclusive rates on stays across Scotland now!
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 GBP 14.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
30
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 379 verified reviews
8.9 /10
Great
95 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free WiFi
9.1/10
Location
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.0/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Quality meals
Cons
Room cleanliness issues
Poor WiFi
Guest reviews
based on 669 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
Manor House Hotel
Park Hotel
The Weigh Inn Hotel & Lodges
The Kirkwall Hotel
Altnaharra Hotel
The View From Bide
Northern Sands Hotel
Kirkwall Youth Hostel
Fife Lodge Hotel
The 1645 Inn
The Mansefield Hotel