Things to do
There is so much to see and do in Dornoch, from world-class golf, to exploring the rich cultural heritage, woodland walks and beach walks along the region’s spectacular coastline.
Activities in Dornoch
Dornoch is ideally placed for a host of activities for all the family. There is much to do from sightseeing at Dunrobin castle, strolling along Dornoch beach and even a great spa. If you are feeling more adventurous there is cycling, hillwalking, fishing, bird watching and paddle boarding. Many of these activities are suitable for all ages and dog friendly as well.
Check out our activities page for more info.
Eating and drinking in Dornoch
Settle down to taste something special at some of Dornoch’s finest restaurant, hotels, cafes, pubs and takeaways.
From seafood and finet to burgers or classic fish and chips. Check out our comprehensive guide below.
Golf in Dornoch
Balloan Self Catering is perfectly placed for a round of golf on Royal Dornoch’s course. The first-class course is world ranked and is the most northenly rated course in the world. Dornoch welcomes non-member golfers seven days a week, as does the clubhouse.
Golspie, Tain and Brora golf courses are also nearby, making us the ideal accommodation choice for your Scottish golf holiday.
Further afield there is the prestigious Castle Stuart and the delightful Nairn Golf Club. Check out our complete list below.
The town of Dornoch
Dornoch is a historic resort and former Royal Burgh in the county of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland. It lies on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, near to where it opens into the Moray Firth to the east.
Dornoch has the thirteenth-century Dornoch Cathedral, the Old Town Jail, and the Bishop’s Palace which is now Dornoch Castle Hotel. The Royal Dornoch Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Scotland.
The last witch to be burned in Scotland was Janet Horne in 1727. She was tried and sentenced to death in Dornoch in 1727. The Witch’s Stone, marking the spot of her execution can be found in a garden near the golf course. You can read more about Janet Horne here
Dornoch Beach
Dornoch beach is a Blue Flag safe beach with gentle shallows, miles of golden sands and sheltering dunes, ideal for family days out and beach walks.
The golden coastline around Dornoch Firth stretches for miles and is popular throughout the year with walkers taking a gentle stroll, or hiking to Embo. Our properties are especially well situated to enjoy the fabulous beach bordering the championship golf course.
Dornoch Cathedral
This beautiful cathedral was built in the 13th century, by Gilbert de Movaria, who became Bishop of Caithness in 1222 and subsequently moved his seat from his diocese in Halkirk to Dornoch, where he built his Cathedral Church financed by his own money.
The cathedral is a sought-after wedding location for couples from all over the world, seeking an authentic Scottish wedding locationc
Dunrobin Castle
The Jewel in the Crown of the Scottish Highlands! Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited castles. It’s an iconic landmark in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch. Resembling a French chateau, the design was influenced by the works of two of Britain’s greatest architects: Sir Charles Barry who designed London’s Houses of Parliament and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer. A visit to the castle is a wonderful family day out. Visitors can explore the house with all its treasures, the beautiful gardens and onsite museum. The Birds of Prey display is highly recommended. You can find out more about the castle here.
Explore the Whisky Trail
For lovers of single malt, Dornoch is the ideal place to learn more about the process and history of Scotland’s national drink. Here you can visit four famous distilleries: Clynelish, Balblair, Glenmorangie and Dalmore. Visit us and raise a glass to your holiday in Scotland.
More thing to do
For a more extensive list of places to go and things to do on your trip, visit the Visit Dornoch website.