Name: The Ferry Inn, Thurso
Address: Scrabster, Thurso, Highlands
Price range: US$99+
Rating: 8.0

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Key details

About the Hotel

Scrabster, Thurso

Next to Holburn Head Lighthouse

Great

8.0

/10

4.0

4.5

Loved by The Ferry Inn guests

Friendly staff

Comfortable beds

Delicious meals

Great location

Clean rooms

"Complementary Port in the room, just the ticket."

Jason from United Kingdom

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"Rooms are very spacious with a massive TV with plenty of channels to watch."

Judith from United Kingdom

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"We booked this because it was close to the NorthLink Ferry for the Isle of Orkney."

AussieRoamers from Australia

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3-star harbor-front inn in Thurso with seafood dining

Dining

The Ferry Inn offers an on-site restaurant specializing in a variety of seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients, with daily catch options prominently featured on the menu. The pub also offers a selection of ales from nearby breweries.

Location

Conveniently located on the harbor front of Thurso, the hotel provides easy access to ferry services to the Orkney Islands. Just a short walk away, visitors can explore the scenic coastal paths and historic landmarks of the area. The hotel is also proximate to several shops and local attractions.

Accommodations

The Ferry Inn hosts a variety of room types, including family rooms and en-suite options. Each room is equipped with essential amenities to ensure convenience during the stay. Guests can select rooms with picturesque views of the harbor.

Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous activities nearby, including hiking and fishing. The local area is rich in historical sites and natural beauty, making it an excellent base for exploring the Scottish Highlands. The hotel can also assist in organizing tours to local attractions.

Business Services

For business travelers, The Ferry Inn offers meeting facilities with necessary equipment. The location provides a quiet setting for corporate gatherings or conferences. Guests can access private areas for discussions and presentations.

Highlights

Dining: On-site restaurant specializing in seafood dishes

Location: Harbor front with access to Orkney Islands

Accommodations: Family rooms and en-suite options

Activities: Hiking and fishing nearby

“I'd say this inn's prime advantage is its proximity to the ferry, making it ideal for Orkney-bound travellers. The on-site restaurant, The Upper Deck, gets consistent praise, and the inclusion of breakfast seems to please most. Factoring in its history as the last hotel on the A9, it's a practical and characterful base for exploration.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningViews and Vittles

The 'Upper Deck' lounge offered harbour views with veggie breakfasts. Fresh, local fish dishes a highlight.

Oliver Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesPier View Upgrade

Rooms are spacious and clean. Upgraded rooms offer spectacular pier views. Tea and biscuits provided.

Emma Davis from Australia

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Guest ParkingAmple Free Space

There's generous free parking outside. Very convenient, especially with the ferry terminal so close.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

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Media & EntertainmentLively Atmosphere

The downstairs pub, Popeye's, has a pool table and friendly atmosphere. Expect music and a lively night.

Chloe Dubois from France

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Select your room type

The Ferry Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Family Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Single Room
2 persons
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Ferry Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Parking
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Smoke detectors

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

The Ferry Inn Location

Scrabster, Thurso

Explore Thurso

Local Experiences Near The Ferry Inn

Holburn Head Lighthouse

1-minute walk

Iconic lighthouse with stunning coastal views, perfect for a brief scenic walk and photography.

Original Wolfburn Distillery

30 minutes' walk

Scotland's northernmost distillery offering tours and tastings of fine whiskey. Experience local craftsmanship and heritage.

Thurso Library & Gallery

30 minutes' walk

Community hub featuring exhibitions, art displays, and a cozy reading area, promoting local culture.

Old St Peter's Church

30 minutes' walk

Historic church dating back to the 12th century featuring beautiful architecture and serene grounds.

Thurso Bay Beach

3-minute drive

A beautiful sandy coastal area ideal for a relaxing day or invigorating beach walks, with scenic views.

Outdoor Adventures

3-minute drive

Various local operators offer hiking, biking, and watersports for thrill-seekers exploring the Caithness coastline.

Local Craft Markets

30 minutes' walk

Seasonal markets featuring local produce and crafts, great for families and those seeking authentic experiences.

The Upper Deck Restaurant

1-minute walk

Casual eatery with a relaxed atmosphere, serving seafood and local dishes. Reservations suggested for busy times.

Ferry Inn

1-minute walk

Comfortable pub offering hearty meals and local ales. Perfect for casual dining with family or friends.

Thurso Cinema

3-minute drive

Local cinema showing current films in a cozy setting. Great for all-ages outings after a day of exploring.

Live Music at The Upper Deck

1-minute walk

Regular live music nights featuring local talent in a friendly atmosphere. Family-friendly and inviting for all.

Getting around

City Centre
Thurso 32 min · 1.6 mi
Airports
Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 58 min · 23.9 mi
Kirkwall (KOI) 124 min · 51.1 mi
Train
Scrabster Train Station 2 min · 400 ft
Thurso Train Station 34 min · 1.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 13:00-22:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ferry Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Ferry Inn offers guests clean and spacious rooms, some boasting lovely harbour views. Its location is incredibly convenient, especially for those catching the NorthLink Ferry to the Isle of Orkney, being just 150 meters from the terminal. Guests enjoy the restaurant's varied breakfast and dinner options, although some have found the vegetarian breakfast less appealing. With ample parking and proximity to local attractions like the lighthouse within walking distance, it's generally considered a comfortable and practical choice.

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Review score

Based on 258 verified reviews

7.9 /10

Very good

81 %

Recommend

Staff

9.3/10

Location

9.1/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Value for money

8.2/10

Pros

Ferry terminal proximity

Comfortable rooms

Friendly staff

Cons

Tired furnishings

Grubby carpet

Isaac from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 22, 2026

8/10

harbour view kind staff good shower

the location overlooking the harbour is good. staff were very nice and kind. the room was clean and functional, and it have a good shower.

the vegetarian breakfast included a spicy veg burger.

0 Helpful

Keith from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 10, 2025

9/10

convenient spot with wonderful staff

super clean room very nice staff

the staff was very nice. breakfast was nice. the room include the harbor view was really good. i appreciate the super clean room too.

0 Helpful

Emily from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Shower

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 03, 2025

8.5/10

a harbour haven...

staff warmth spacious room fantastic shower lovely touch

i loved the staff's warmth, a true welcome. my beautiful double room shower offered space and comfort. the shower was fantastic, i felt completely refreshed after my travels. the included tea and scottish biscuits added a lovely touch.

the stairs to the restaurant were outside and a bit challenging in wet weather, a minor inconvenience.

Dining

9/10

The restaurant's menu had good variety, and the food was AMAZING!!! the breakfast bags provided were quite substantial when i had an early start. This ensured i had plenty to eat before setting off for the day.

Facilities

8/10

The location proved very convenient, especially with the ferry terminal nearby. the view of the working harbour was quite interesting. I enjoyed watching the boats coming and going . i appreciated the hotel's proximity to transportation.

0 Helpful

tony from united kingdom

Couple

double room

1 night in October 2025

Reviewed: October 25, 2025

9.0/10

great stay before ferry

friendly staff delicious meal convenient location

the staff were friendly and helpful. i had a delicious, freshly cooked meal in the restaurant and free parking was very convenient. the location was perfect for catching an early morning ferry.

the harbour view included an industrial working area.

Service

9/10

Staff members were cute and provided excellent assistance with all requests i had. They made sure every guest felt valued. the team addressed any question efficiently and kindly. I felt cared for. their proactive approach really stood out to me.

Location

10/10

The hotel offered immediate access to the ferry terminal, a huge convenience for early departures. This proximity saved time. ample free parking was directly across from the hotel entrance. Unloading luggage was very easy. the harbour's edge was just steps away.

Rooms

8/10

My double room included tea and coffee making facilities plus scottish biscuits. These small touches were nice. the ensuite shower was clean and functional. the room provided everything needed for a short stay.

0 Helpful

Emma from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 31, 2025

9/10

clean room friendly staff excellent location

The room was clean and had everything i needed. meals were very good!!! staff were friendly. the location was excellent. So handy for everything i wanted to see.

the bar was busy and loud until closing time.

0 Helpful

Zoe from United Kingdom

Couple

Single Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 02, 2025

7/10

perfect location helpful staff ample parking spicy burger faulty fan peeled paint

The location was PERFECT!!! I wanted accommodation close to the Orkney ferry and it was exactly what I wanted. The staff were really helpful and considerate. There was heaps of parking right out front.

My vegetarian breakfast was disappointing. I got a spicy veg burger from the previous night's dinner menu. Breakfast wasn't early enough for the morning ferry and I rushed to check in on time. The bathroom extractor fan wasn't working and paint peeled off the ceiling because of damp.

0 Helpful

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