Stays in Wick
Wick is a town in Caithness, on the far north-east coast of mainland Scotland, and it grew up around herring fishing and the herring trade. Its name comes from the Old Norse 'vik', meaning bay, a reminder that this was part of the Norse earldom of Orkney. The old harbour and the mouth of the Wick…
Every stay in Wick
Recent rates first, then the best-reviewed rooms.
Search live rates in Wick
Pick your dates — every Wick room with a live price, in one list.
Free cancellation on most rooms · 1 t CO₂ removed per booking, at no extra cost.
About Wick
In the nineteenth century Wick was one of Europe's busiest herring ports, with curing yards along the shore and boats from across Scotland and beyond. That history is told at the Wick Heritage Museum, which occupies former herring-curing buildings. The town is also a gateway to the far north: John o' Groats is a short drive north, and the Castle of Old Wick, a Norse-era ruin on a sea stack south of the town, is one of Caithness's most striking coastal sites.
Wick is the main service town for east Caithness and has an airport, a railway station on the Far North Line, and a compact centre where most visitor facilities are found. The climate is cool and changeable, with long summer days and short winter ones. For travellers, Wick offers a base for exploring the northern coast, the Flow Country peatlands and the archaeology of Caithness.
Where to stay in Wick
Wick town centre. Around Bridge Street, High Street and the river mouth, this area puts you within walking distance of the railway station, the heritage museum and the harbour.
Harbour and Shore Lane area. Near the old herring harbour and the lower reaches of the Wick River, this part of town has a mix of accommodation and easy access to coastal paths.
South Head and Newton Hill. South of the river, this residential area includes streets such as Janefield and Gowrie Place, with views over the bay and a quieter setting.
North Head and Papigoe. North-east of the centre along the coast road, this area looks out towards the North Sea and is close to the ruins of the Castle of Old Wick.
Getting there and around
Wick is served by Wick John o' Groats Airport, about a mile north of the town centre, with flights to Aberdeen. The Far North Line railway connects Wick to Inverness, Thurso and stations in between. By road, the A9 from Inverness crosses the Black Isle and runs up the east coast to Wick; the A99 links Wick to Thurso and John o' Groats. Buses also run between these towns. Within Wick, the centre is compact and walkable, with local buses serving the wider town and nearby villages.
When to go
May to September brings the longest days, with daylight until late evening in June and July, and the best chance of dry weather for coastal walks. Winter days are very short, with sunrise after 8am and sunset before 4pm around the solstice. The Wick Gala, a week-long community event, usually takes place in July. Midges are less of a problem in Wick than in west Scotland, but coastal winds can make it feel cool at any time of year.
Questions, answered
What is there to see in Wick?
The Wick Heritage Museum, the old herring harbour, the ruins of the Castle of Old Wick, and the nearby coast at Reiss and Sinclair's Bay are the main sights. The town is also a base for day trips to John o' Groats and the Flow Country.
Is Wick near John o' Groats?
Yes, John o' Groats is about 17 miles north of Wick by road, along the A99. Buses and taxis serve the route, and it is a common day trip from Wick.
How do I get to Wick without a car?
You can reach Wick by train on the Far North Line from Inverness, or by plane to Wick John o' Groats Airport from Aberdeen. Buses also connect Wick with Thurso, John o' Groats and Inverness.
What is the Wick Heritage Museum about?
It covers the herring fishing industry, local life and the history of Wick and Caithness, and is housed in former herring-curing yards near the harbour.
What is the Castle of Old Wick?
It is a ruined Norse-era castle on a rocky promontory south of Wick, thought to date from the twelfth century. It is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and is a short walk from the end of the road at Old Wick.