Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Nearby photoUlbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Interior photoUlbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Macro Details photo
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From197US$ /night
Check-in
02May2026Select date
Check-out
03May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Hallkirk, Halkirk, United Kingdom, KW12 6XY
-
Near Braal Castle
Great
8.9
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

Location

Ulbster Arms Hotel is set along the banks of the River Thurso in Halkirk, Scotland. The hotel provides easy access to local attractions such as John O'Groats and Orkney, enhancing the experience for travelers. Guests benefit from a free private car park located at the rear of the hotel.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of 29 rooms, including 13 traditional en-suite bedrooms in the main building and 16 luxury rooms in separate wings. All accommodations feature complimentary toiletries and high-speed Wi-Fi, catering to different guest preferences. Family-friendly and dog-friendly options are also available.

Dining

Beat 4, the hotel's à la carte restaurant, prioritizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients for an authentic taste of Scottish cuisine. Guests can enjoy themed tasting menus, including gin and whisky flights, for a memorable dining experience. The Lounge Bar provides a casual atmosphere for lighter meals and drinks.

Events and Business Facilities

Ulbster Arms Hotel accommodates business needs with versatile meeting spaces, such as the Library and Lounge Bar. The hotel provides an efficient environment for corporate gatherings, including dedicated desk spaces in rooms and options for private dining. Evening meals can be customized to suit group requirements.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The hotel welcomes pets in most rooms and designated areas, ensuring a comfortable stay for animal companions. Guests can enjoy outdoor spaces where dogs can explore the scenic surroundings. Specific provisions for pets may be arranged, enhancing the pet-friendly experience.

Highlights

Location: Situated along the River Thurso

Rooms: 29 diverse accommodations available

Dining: Beat 4, the hotel's à la carte restaurant

Business: Meeting spaces in Library and Lounge Bar

Pet-Friendly: Welcoming dogs in most rooms

Experiences: Themed tasting menus available

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the historic Castle of Oldwick, just a short drive away.
  • Try the local haggis at The Halkirk Hotel for true Scottish flavor.
  • Explore the scenic Reay Golf Club, stunning views guaranteed.
  • Discover the intriguing Caithness Countryside Museum in Thurso.
  • Take a stroll along the Thurso East beach for stunning sunsets.
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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
325 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Executive Lodge Room Milton
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Premium Double Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Small Double Room
2 persons
165 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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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

  • 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
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Dining Onsite

At the Ulbster Arms Hotel, guests are invited to savor local flavors and hearty dishes in beautifully appointed dining spaces. The hotel's onsite dining options blend comfort with elegance, showcasing the finest seasonal produce from the surrounding countryside.
Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local fare focusing on seasonal produce
Ambiance
Romantic setting with a traditional lounge atmosphere featuring a carved fireplace
Key Offerings
A full Scottish breakfast, dedicated seasonal dishes, and themed tasting menu experiences hosted by skilled chefs
Reservation
Recommended for themed tasting menus
Breakfast served Monday to Saturday from 06:30-09:30 and Sundays from 06:30-10:00; dinner hours vary

Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Location

Hallkirk, Halkirk, United Kingdom, KW12 6XY
Map view
Hallkirk, Halkirk, United Kingdom, KW12 6XY
Nearby
Halkirk Parish Church
200 ft
Restaurants
Ulbster Arms Hotel
1000 ft
Bridge Street
Explore Halkirk
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Halkirk Parish Church
1 minutes' walk
Halkirk Parish Church offers stunning architecture and serene surroundings, a peaceful spot for reflection.
Abbey Church
8 minutes' walk
Abbey Church features beautiful stained glass and a welcoming atmosphere, hosting community events and services.
Halkirk Free Presbyterian Church
13 minutes' walk
This historic church showcases rich local heritage and often engages with the community through various events.
Braal Castle
Braal Castle
14 minutes' walk
Braal Castle stands as a captivating reminder of the region's past. It provides picturesque views and historical insights.
Hiking trails
15 minutes' drive
Several hiking trails near Halkirk cater to all levels, featuring stunning landscapes and nature-rich paths.
Local markets
10 minutes' drive
Seasonal local markets offer fresh produce and artisanal goods, ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience.
Fishing trips
20 minutes' drive
Fishing excursions on the nearby River Thurso provide thrill-seekers with an exciting outdoor adventure.
Yoga classes
12 minutes' drive
Yoga studios in the area offer sessions for relaxation and wellness, perfect for rejuvenating after a day of activities.
Ulbster Arms Hotel Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
The restaurant features local dishes in a cozy atmosphere, specializing in freshly caught seafood and farm-to-table options.
Local Pub
5 minutes' walk
A friendly local pub with weekly live music, perfect for a laid-back evening filled with good music and conversation.
Community Center Events
10 minutes' drive
The community center hosts family-friendly events and performances, offering a taste of local culture in a lively environment.
Getting around
City Centre
Halkirk4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Wick John O'Groats (WIC)44 min  ·  18.1 mi
Kirkwall (KOI)135 min  ·  55.9 mi
Train
Georgemas Junction Railway Station32 min  ·  1.6 mi
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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 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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 349 verified reviews
8.8/10
Great
95%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Location
9.0/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Guest reviews
based on 349 reviews
8.8/10
based on 667 reviews
8.9/10
Marie from France
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 02, 2026
9/10
delicious breakfastparking spaceconvenient location
The hotel provides lots of parking spaces. I found the breakfast very delicious. The location is near the river. It was easy to reach.
The TV signal dropped constantly. This was a bit annoying
0 Helpful
Amelia from Canada
Couple
Executive Lodge Room Milton
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 09, 2026
9/10
amazing storyseparate lounge
I enjoyed the community hall (the woman there was so friendly!). The building had a amazing story. The lodge room was spacious and included a separate lounge.
The mattress was not of a high quality. I kept rolling to the middle of the bed.
0 Helpful
Penelope from Greece
Family with children
Executive Lodge Room Milton
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 16, 2025
6/10
fresh breakfastslow servicestaff training
the breakfast was cooked to order, so it seemed fresh. cereals were available to guests.
the staff seemed untrained on service. service in the restaurant felt slow. i asked for a hairdryer at reception, and it never arrived. a bit of training is needed for the staff.
0 Helpful
Layla from United Kingdom
Couple
Premium Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 13, 2025
9.3/10

admiring stay

tasty breakfastattentive staffexcellent food
I enjoyed the tasty breakfast. Plenty of choice. the staff was friendly, very attentive, and nothing was too much trouble. i ate in the restaurant, and the food was excellent.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel presents nice common areas. i saw the location close by a river. the building has a restaurant and bar to enhance the experience.
Rooms
9/10
my room was very large and beautifully decorated. it offered a comfortable bed. the room has so much space with a great big lounge downstairs, complete with log burner.
Dining
10/10
the breakfast includes plenty of choice. the scottish breakfast was great, and other choices are possible. i particularly enjoyed the venison and the smoked fish in the morning.
Location
9/10
the hotel has a beautiful location by the river. there are sufficient parking. i saw the location near the river is nice for those who like a quiet environment.
0 Helpful
|
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Questions of the users
About Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso
What are the breakfast hours at Ulbster Arms Hotel if I need to catch an early ferry?
03 February 2024
Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, allowing ample time for an early start before your ferry.
Are there ironing facilities available in the rooms?
15 April 2024
Each room is equipped with an iron and ironing board for guest convenience.
Is it possible to park a camper van overnight at the hotel?
28 March 2024
Yes, the hotel has a spacious car park at the back that can accommodate camper vans.
Is there parking available for guests traveling by car?
10 June 2024
Guests can enjoy free parking both on-site and on the street.
Can guests bring their pets when staying at the hotel?
22 May 2024
Pets are welcome for an additional charge of £10 per night per dog.
What is included with the room rates at the hotel?
17 September 2024
Room rates include a full Scottish breakfast to start your day.
Are there any rooms accessible on the ground level for guests with mobility challenges?
31 August 2024
There are no ground floor rooms in the main hotel, but accessible accommodations are available in lodges with easy access.
What is the distance from Ulbster Arms Hotel to Inverness?
14 November 2024
The hotel is approximately 177 kilometers from Inverness, which is about a 2.5-hour drive.
What public transportation options are available for reaching the hotel?
05 July 2024
Thurso train station is only a 10-minute drive from the hotel, making it accessible for train travelers.
Are there local attractions nearby that guests can visit?
19 October 2024
Yes, Ulbster Arms Hotel is ideally located for exploring the scenic beauty of Caithness and making day trips to Orkney.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room