Seaview Hotel - John O'Groats

About The Area

The Stacks of Duncansby – Are situated about 2 miles from the hotel. Here you will find a wide variety of bird life, spectacular views of the Pentland Firth, Orkneys, geos and sea stacks.

Footpath to the Stacks of Duncansbay – A footpath leads the way to a scenic walk up to Duncansby Head. Along the way you will pass a shell beach called the Ness where you can collect “Groatie Buckies” or cowrie shells washed up onto the shore.  

John O’Groats Harbour – The harbour houses all the local shellfish boats as well as the ferry during the summer.

John O’Groats to Lands End is the greatest distance from any two points of the British mainland. We are the official sign in or sign off point for the Lands End John O’Groats Association.  

First and Last Shop – This shop is an 8 sided craft and souvenir shop situated on the ferry pier which is still in keeping with the legend of John O’Groats, here you will find all your needs for presents and mementos.

Groatie Buckies - The “Groatie Buckie”, a type of Cowrie shell, can be found on the seashore between John O’Groats and Duncansby Head. They are used in the making of necklaces by many crafts people. Legend has it that if you keep a groatie in your purse you will never run out of money.  

Canisbay Kirk – This is the most northerly church in Scotland and is where the tombstone of Jan De Groot whom John O’Groats is named after can be found.

The Castle of Mey, 6 miles west of John O’Groats, was the beloved Highland residence of Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother. Visitors can take a tour around the castle and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Wick – Is 17 miles south of us, where you can take a tour of the Old Pulteney Whisky Distillery, which is the most northerly on the Scottish Mainland. A visit to the Heritage centre is also well worth the while.

Day trips in the area

John O’Groats Ferry - runs daily to the Orkney Isles throughout the months of May to September. It offers a return ferry journey and guided coach tour of the Orkneys. If you prefer something shorter then, throughout the summer months, the ferry offers an afternoon wildlife cruise to either the Island of Stroma or the Stacks of Duncansby, where there is an abundance of marine wildlife on and around the 200ft cliffs and sea stacks.
Tel +44 (0)1955 611 353     E-Mail info@jogferry.co.uk
Web www.jogferry.co.uk

North Coast Marine Life Adventures - The North Coast Explorer is a purpose built jet boat that runs wildlife tours from April to October daily from John O’Groats.
Tel +44 (0)7867 666 273     Email ncexplorer@northcoast.fsnet.co.uk
Web www.northcoast-marine-adventures.co.uk

Caithness Seacoast - See the other side of Caithness with an adventure trip on our SeaCoast, Geo Explorer boat.
Tel +44 (0)7747 404 128     Email enquiries@caithness-seacoast.co.uk
Web www.caithness-seacoast.co.uk

Gills Bay Car Ferry - runs 3 times daily all year round with extra sailings in the summer months. This is both ideal and affordable if you want to take your car over to Orkney for a day or two.
Tel +44 (0)1856 831 226     Email pentlandferries.co.uk/contact.asp
Web www.pentlandferries.co.uk