Ten things to DO in Dornoch: Winter

Top ten things to DO in Dornoch this Winter!


There is so much to DO in and around Dornoch! Take a look at our latest top ten list for some ideas of what to do when you next visit. Download the Discover Dornoch app to help you get the most out of your trip. Then Coorie in for a cosy winter in this extra special Highland town.

Christmas shopping
Dornoch boasts over 20 independent shops! Why not do your Christmas shopping in a relaxed atmosphere without the crowds and the rush this year? Shop in Dornoch this festive season and support local businesses whilst enjoying a relaxed day out in our beautiful town.

Dine in Dornoch
Here in Dornoch we have some fantastic, famous and world renowned places to eat. Make your break a cosy culinary fest this winter! Try the Dornoch Castle Hotel for private fine dining in their historic Vault or experience local produce at it’s best from their restaurant. If you are looking for more experiences of fine, exquisite dining, then look no further than Links House. Situated with beautiful views over the Championship Course, their restaurant, MARA, is a haven for produce that is Scottish, seasonal, sustainable, and slow with an effort to achieve the target of zero waste.

The Eagle offers wonderful pub grub at very reasonable prices as does The Coach House and that’s exactly what you need on the cold days. You can even stock up on a gourmet picnic basket from Dornoch Stores. There really is something for every taste and budget. Eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner this winter! For a full list of places to eat in Dornoch see our website.

Discover Wildlife
Discover the vast array of winter Highland wildlife. Spot seals and dolphins, flocks of geese and listen out for stags roaring!

Visit Loch Fleet
Loch Fleet is a must see at all times of year. This tidal sea loch just up the coast from Embo is home to hundreds of seals and many breeds of sea bird as well as many other forms of sealife along it’s shores. Catch it at low tide and watch the seals lazing on the sand banks before slipping off back into the water. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Experience the Northern Lights
Will you be lucky this year and spot the incredible Northern lights during your Highland stay? There are many opportunities to spy the ‘Merrie Dancers’ during the winter months in the far north.

Play some Winter Golf
Winter is the perfect time to come for a golfing break in Scotland! Visit us in Dornoch and enjoy the crisp sunny days on our work renowned golf course the Royal Dornoch!

Explore by bike
There are many places locally which can be explored by bike. From woods to quite country roads and more formal mountain bike trails. Why not hire a bike whilst you are here from Dornoch Bike Hire?

Whisky Tasting
Although most more traditional Whisky tastings are on hold this year, you can still visit our very own world famous Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar. You can enjoy a meal in their newly refurbished restaurant whilst sipping some very rare and special drams! For the ultimate treat, pop in next door to the Carnegie Whisky Cellars and buy your very own bottle to take home!

Discover Sutherland’s beaches
Walk the deserted beaches of Sutherland and soak up the peace and tranquility that our beautiful coastline has to offer. The Northern Highlands has a huge array of beaches waiting to be explored: from the craggy and stony to miles of golden sands or small coves with white sand and turquoise seas- there are so many to choose from and they are all equally special in their own way. Of course our favourite beach is our very own award winning Dornoch beach with a very close second place being our neighbour Embo but as there are so many other glorious beaches to visit whilst you are visiting Dornoch!

Walk
There are many places to walk in and around Dornoch. From a wander around the town to look at the historic architecture through to hill walking and of course a bracing stroll along the beach! Download the Discover Dornoch App and find a walk which suit you best or even challenge yourself to do all of our suggested walks during your stay!

We hope you enjoy your time here. We always love hearing about visitor’s experiences of Dornoch so please get in touch on Social Media and share any photos using the hashtag #visitdornoch.