Dornoch Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Dornoch Cathedral featuring heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral
Best known for its championship golf course, this charming market town also has lovely beaches and fascinating historic attractions.

Nicknamed the St. Andrews of the North for its superb golf course, Dornoch is a quaint town with gorgeous weather and beautiful natural scenery. Tee off at the town’s highly rated golf course and check out the stained-glass windows in its cathedral. Walk on one of the nearby sandy beaches and learn about the town’s history at its informative museum.

Play a round at Dornoch’s famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club on the shores of Dornoch Firth. Book a tee time in advance at one of the world’s best championship golf courses.

Find the Witch’s Stone, not far from the golf course. Dating back to the 18th century, this stone marks the place where Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, was burned in 1727.

Check out the iconic 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral. Admire the cathedral’s original stonework, as well as the gargoyles decorating its eaves. Inside, see several modern stained-glass windows donated in memory of Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie.

Walk into the cathedral’s cemetery to see the Plaiden Ell, marking where the town’s historic market was once held. A medieval method for measuring cloth, the Ell is a carved stone similar to a tombstone.

Dornoch has an especially sunny climate as a result of its sheltered location. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by enjoying a walk around the town’s woodlands, hills or nearby beaches.

Follow the trail leading from the town center to Dornoch Point. This 4-mile (6-kilometer) trail traverses several scenic sand dunes, offering picturesque viewpoints across the firth. Look for seals, seabirds and other wildlife.

Take the kids to the HistoryLinks Museum, dedicated to the town’s past. Learn about the construction of the cathedral, the development of the golf course and the town’s ancient clan wars.

Dornoch is located on the north shore of Dornoch Firth, 9 miles (15 kilometers) north of Tain. Reach the area by bus from Inverness. Discover the many enchanting attractions of this historic east coast town.

Dornoch Castle Hotel
Dornoch Castle Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Dornoch, Scotland
The price is AU$242 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$242
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Dornoch. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (102 reviews)
Dornoch
"Great experience, brilliant Whisky Bar, and restaurant. Convenient to town."

Reviewed on 2 Oct. 2023

Dornoch Castle Hotel
Dornoch Station
Dornoch Station
5 out of 5
Grange Road, Dornoch, Scotland
The price is AU$277 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$277
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Dornoch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Royal Dornoch Golf Club and Dornoch Cathedral ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Stunning
"Outstanding service , great bar food , luxurious room and public areas , and great breakfast. Minutes walk from the town centre and the golf club.Easy parking - extensively refurbished on 2023 , this hotel is superb."

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2024

Dornoch Station
Royal Golf Hotel
Royal Golf Hotel
3.5 out of 5
The First Tee, Grange Road, Dornoch, Scotland
The price is AU$246 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$246
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Dornoch. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Royal Dornoch Golf Club and Dornoch Cathedral ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"The Royal Golf Hotel is first class foe a nice break away with loads of walks around the area and right on your doorstep. Very polite and friendly staff on hand to help with your every wish."

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2024

Royal Golf Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Evelix Pods
Evelix Pods
3 out of 5
Evelix, Dornoch, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Dornoch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Dornoch Cathedral and Historylinks are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"This was a lovely little hut to stay in for a few nights. One double bed and then a pull out sofa bed. We didn't try the sofa bed, but the double was comfortable. The shower was great, and the towels provided were more than adequate. I didnt find the hair dryer until we were ready to leave. Its in ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sep. 2023

Evelix Pods
Swift in the Willows Luxury caravan at Grannies Heilan Hame
Swift in the Willows Luxury caravan at Grannies Heilan Hame
Dornoch
Stay at this mobile home in Dornoch. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Embo Beach and Historylinks are located nearby. ...
Swift in the Willows Luxury caravan at Grannies Heilan Hame
2 bedroom accommodation in Dornoch
2 bedroom accommodation in Dornoch
Dornoch
Stay at this cottage in Dornoch. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Ben Bhraggie and Sutherland Monument are located nearby. Discover ...
2 bedroom accommodation in Dornoch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Dornoch