Visit Dornoch in 2018 to see all the Highlands has to offer in one place! An hour north of Inverness, Dornoch is an ideal stopping point on your tour of the North Coast 500, and a great base for a longer stay to explore Sutherland, Caithness & Ross-shire.
To help you plan your break we have produced a leaflet with all the main events for 2018, together with details of things to do, places to see, shop, eat and stay.
Dornoch is a great destination at any time of year – take a walk on the beach on a crisp November day, enjoy a dram at the Dornoch Whisky Festival in October, or join us for the famous Hogmanay Street Party.
During the summer the Pipe Band plays in the Square on Saturday evenings, and Community Markets are run on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month. Join us for the major event of the year – the Sutherland Show on 21st July or the Donegal to Dornoch Country & Western Festival on 28th July. Come to the traditional Highland Games on 4th August, followed by Festival Week – with activities for all the family.
If you are interested in arts & crafts, then check out our 9th annual Fibre Fest in March where you can take part in master classes for weaving and printing, browse the quilting exhibition or buy wool, fabric and accessories from the market place. The Dornoch Gallery is open 2-16 June with local craft and artwork on display and for sale. We also have 20 independent shops in Dornoch with something for everyone.
Dornoch is steeped in history, so come and experience the calm in our 13th century Cathedral and discover more about our past in the 5 star Historylinks Museum. Follow the heritage trail signs through our charming streets and see when the last witch was executed, the last train left Dornoch, St Finnbarr set up the first Christian settlement here and the post came on foot!
If golf is your passion, then playing Royal Dornoch Championship Course is a must, as it is rated number 5 in the world! Then check out the other local courses in Brora, Golspie, Tain and Bonar Bridge. We have woodland, hill and beach walks and cycle routes aplenty and wildlife to view including seals and birds at Loch Fleet, salmon at Falls of Shin and dolphins at Channory Point.
Take part in a whisky tasting at the Carnegie Whisky Cellars and learn more about the north Highland distilleries, or join a Coast Candle Company workshop and awaken your senses by making your own candle.
With a wide range of high quality accommodation (please see our listing of hotels, B & B and self-catering) and wonderful cafés and restaurants, Dornoch is an ideal base for your Highland holiday.
For a preview – check out our video
