The Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage

Wick

A cosy lighthouse keeper's cottage, overlooking a working lighthouse on the dramatic Scottish coast.

Units 1
Sleeps 2 - 6
Bedrooms 1 - 3
Pets Yes
Mobility No

Ideal for

Babies
Older Kids
Teens

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In Caithness, in the far north of Scotland, you'll find the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, a 3 bedroom cosy family holiday cottage, in the grounds of Noss Head, a working lighthouse. Built for the Principal Lightkeeper, the cottage is now a perfect base for a family holiday. Enjoy stunning views from one of the most northerly points in mainland UK. Head out for walks, discover the beautiful beaches, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

About this place

Best bits

The views from the site are simply stunning - you’ll be staying right on the edge of Scotland so think big skies, wild seas and open countryside.
Long summer days and dark skies at night - you might even catch a glimpse of the awesome Aurora Borealis.
Comfortable living spaces are perfect for for family meals, cosy family games and DVD nights.

Top tips

Pre-order a supermarket food delivery - supplies used to be winched up from Sandigoe beach but luckily Tesco deliver these days.
At night look for the blinking lights of the lighthouses at Duncansby Head and the Pentland Skerries to the North.
Leave the sports car at home- the access track is bumpy.

Plan your stay

What are the facilities like? Where can you eat? What can you do?

Wifi

Rooms

The cottage is part of the Noss Head Lighthouse compound. Fully redecorated and re-equipped in 2018, it is light in the summer and cosy in the winter. There are three comfortable bedrooms (one king/twin, one twin and one bunk), one bathroom, a well equipped kitchen, large family room with dining table and cosy lounge.

Eat

You will find a welcome pack with a selection of local goodies. The cottage may be surrounded on three sides by sea, but the supermarkets in Wick are only 15 minutes away. Caithness has treats for foodies too with Caithness Chocolate, Caithness Summer Fruits (there’ll be a pot of their jam in the cottage for you when you arrive), and fine dining at Bord de L'eau Tower and MacKays in Wick and you'll find fish and chips at Northern Sole.

Activities

What do you look for in a break? Strolling out with the dog across the beautiful cliffs of one of Scotland’s most stunning locations? Or maybe it’s wildlife spotting or star gazing? You’ll find all that and more at Noss Head. On clear nights you can see the Milky Way, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

All the family will love the bracing walks around the working lighthouse and across to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. Treasure Trail sheets are available (for a charge) in the cottage. Back inside warm up and relax over a book, game or DVD, or enquire about booking an art, craft or chocolate making workshop to take place in the cottage.

Accessibility

The cottage is all on one level, though there are low steps to get in. The shower is above the bath.

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Location & local area

Where is it and how do you get there?

By Road

The cottage is approximately 15 minutes drive from Wick, or 40 minutes from Thurso.

By Air

Inverness airport is around 2.5 hours drive from the cottage. There is a smaller airport at Wick with flights to Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

By Rail

If you want to make the journey part of the adventure then you can take the sleeper train from London to Inverness. The nearest local station to the cottage is Wick, around a 15 minute drive.

By Sea

Ferry from Orkney to Scrabster, Gills Bay or John O'Groats.

About the owners

Benedicta

Listed since December 2018

We've always loved lighthouses and were excited to buy a real light-keeper's cottage in October 2017 and move to Caithness in 2018. We have made it the cottage we would most like to stay in ourselves, so it's comfortable and has everything you need for adventurous family days, enjoyable relaxed evenings and cosy nights.

Owner recommendations

Embark on an architectural adventure and discover stone circles, cairns and iron-age brochs through the Broch Project.
See the original turning lens from the Lighthouse in the Heritage Centre in Wick which is a truly exceptional museum.
The Castle of Mey (former home of the Queen Mother) is well worth a visit with the castle itself, beautiful gardens and animal centre.
There are some beautiful beaches and villages to visit, including Whaligoe with it’s steps descending to the historic harbour.
Explore the coast in all its dramatic glory on an exhilarating boat trip.