Local Area
See below some of the ‘must do’ visits when at the Hawthorn’s B&B in Mey, also some choice places to eat
Dinner Options Locally:
Mey Hotel – booking necessary – 01847 851244
Northern Sands – booking recommended – 01847 851300
Castle of Mey
See into the world of a Royal Home only 500 yds from the B&B…
Guides take you through the 16th century castle and give you an insight into Her Majesty’s wonderful life in Caithness. A visit to the Castle is not complete without a walk through the beautiful grounds including the 2 acre Walled Garden. See the garden in bloom or visit the animal centre.
Day Trips to Orkney
See back 5 million years …
You can even leave the mainland behind completely! Orkney has several millennium of history with Scara Brae showing a settlement approximately 5,000 years old and the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness. Take one of the day trips to the Orkney Islands. Regular ferries leave from nearby Gills harbour, John O’Groats and the Scrabster terminal.
More Dinner Options:
Seaview Hotel – 01955 611220 – dogs welcome in the bar
Castletown Hotel – 01847 821656 – dog friendly on certain tables – booking essential
Mary Ann’s Cottage
Living reminder of what life was like not so long ago in Caithness …
This croft which was built in around 1850 has been preserved as it was lived in by Mary-Ann Calder, who until she was 89 lived in the croft and cooked using peat over an open range fire. The cottage has not changed much since the 1930’s or earlier. It is now owned by the Caithness Heritage Trust who provide guided tours.
Dunnet Head
Top of the Mainland (most Northerly Point) …
Striking geology make the Dunnet Head and Dunnet head lighthouse well worth a visit with rugged rocks where Puffins, Seals and other sea, bird and wildlife can be spotted.
Inspired by the USA’s Route 66, our own, increasingly popular tourist route, the NC500 actually runs past the Hawthorns B&B. There are many things you may do or see if you decide to take the route – if you decide to stay at The Hawthorns in Mey you’ll be based at a beautiful section of the NC500 and many activities or trips can be taken in just a day.
