Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso, Halkirk ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Interior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Hallkirk, Halkirk, United Kingdom, KW12 6XY

Near Braal Castle

Great

8.9

/10

4.5

Loved by Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso guests

Huge bed
Attentive staff
Cosy atmosphere
Spacious room
Delicious meals

"The food was excellent, venison pie recommended and the full Scottish breakfast will set you up well for the day."

Stuart G from United Kingdom

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"The room was lovely, good size, comfy bed, great bathroom and facilities."

Philip from United Kingdom

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"Loved the library area to sit and have drinks."

Carol from United Kingdom

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4-Star Luxury Hotel by the River in Halkirk

Accommodations

Ulbster Arms Hotel offers 29 spacious rooms, including 13 traditional ensuite bedrooms and 16 elevated rooms in luxury wings on private grounds. Each room includes full Scottish breakfast as standard, featuring fresh fruit, juice, yogurt, and cereal. The hotel provides family-friendly rooms and dog-friendly options, ensuring a comfortable stay for every type of guest.

Dining

Beat 4 Restaurant serves authentic Scottish cuisine, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients to ensure a genuine taste of the region. Guests can enjoy themed tasting menus, Friday Night Steak Nights, and gin and whisky experiences tailored for culinary enthusiasts. The Lounge Bar and outdoor beer garden provide additional casual dining options alongside a variety of beverages.

Location

Situated in Halkirk along the banks of the River Thurso, Ulbster Arms Hotel is an excellent base for exploring the North Scottish Highlands. Its proximity to John O'Groats, Dunnet Head, and the Orkney ferry facilitates easy excursions to stunning coastal and historical sites. The hotel provides free parking, making it convenient for guests traveling by car.

Business Services

Ulbster Arms Hotel caters to corporate travelers with dedicated desk spaces in rooms and private lounge areas for meetings. Flexible dining options can accommodate business needs, making it a suitable choice for corporate gatherings. The hotel is located near key business locations, including Thurso and Dounreay, ensuring easy access for business professionals.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

The hotel welcomes dogs in most of its rooms and designated public areas, allowing guests to bring their pets along during their stay. A variety of dog-friendly walking routes are also available nearby, offering a scenic experience for pets and their owners. Guests can relax at the hotel while enjoying dog-friendly dining options in the bar and lounge.

Highlights

Location: banks of the River Thurso

Dining: themed tasting menus and gin experiences

Accommodations: family-friendly and dog-friendly options

Business: dedicated desk spaces and private lounging

“This Halkirk hotel emphasizes Scottish hospitality in a modern, dog-friendly package. I appreciate its community ties and commitment to local sourcing. Its riverside position is ideal for those keen to explore both the North Coast 500 and top-notch fishing spots.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningDelicious Food!

Dinner here was amazing. I especially enjoyed the venison pie. Breakfast was also tasty and set me up for the day.

George from England

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

The hotel was easy to find and had ample parking, which made our arrival stress-free and convenient.

Olivia from Scotland

Review on

BedroomComfy Bed

The room was large and exceptionally clean. The bed was so comfortable; I slept soundly all night.

Mei from China

Review on

Room FeaturesFantastic Room

Our room was fantastic with a beautiful view, making our stay feel luxurious and memorable.

Ricardo from Brazil

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Select your room type

Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Room Uah Lodge

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Executive Lodge Room Milton

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Premium Double Room

2 persons

295 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Small Double Room

2 persons

165 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
BBQ facilities

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Ulbster Arms Hotel offers a delightful dining experience, showcasing local flavors and seasonal ingredients in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From hearty breakfasts to comforting lunches and intimate evening meals, each culinary offering reflects the richness of the surrounding lush landscapes.

Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Halkirk Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local Scottish cuisine

Ambiance

Romantic, featuring a beautifully carved fireplace from a Dutch galleon ship in a cozy lounge bar

Key Offerings

A traditional full Scottish breakfast, themed tasting menu experiences offered by experienced chefs, and locally sourced lamb and pork raised on lush pastures.

Reservation

Recommended for themed tasting menu experiences.

Breakfast from 06:30-09:30 Monday to Saturday, 06:30-10:00 on Sundays.

Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso Location

Hallkirk, Halkirk, United Kingdom, KW12 6XY

Map view

Hallkirk, Halkirk, United Kingdom, KW12 6XY

City landmarks

Landmark

Braal Castle

3700 ft

Landmark

Abbey Church

2100 ft

Landmark

Halkirk Free Presbyterian Church

3400 ft

Nearby

Halkirk Parish Church

200 ft

Ulbster Arms Hotel

1000 ft

Restaurants

Ulbster Arms Hotel

1000 ft

Bridge Street

Explore Halkirk

Local Highlights

Abbey Church

8 minutes' walk

Impressive architecture with a tranquil atmosphere, featuring beautiful stained glass and historical significance.

Halkirk Parish Church

1 minute' walk

A charming local church with community events, showcasing traditional Scottish church architecture.

Braal Castle

14 minutes' walk

Historic ruins with stunning views, offering a glimpse into local history amid picturesque landscapes.

Halkirk Free Presbyterian Church

13 minutes' walk

A noteworthy local church known for its striking design and active congregation, ideal for quiet reflection.

Hiking Trails

10-minute drive

Scenic trails perfect for family hikes and adventure seekers, with varying difficulties and stunning views.

Local Markets

10-minute drive

Vibrant markets featuring fresh produce and crafts, offering a taste of local culture and community spirit.

Yoga Classes

5-minute drive

Relaxing yoga sessions available nearby, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the area's beautiful scenery.

Ulbster Arms Hotel Restaurant

4 minutes' walk

Cozy atmosphere showcasing local cuisine, with signature dishes such as fresh seafood and hearty pies.

Local Pub

10-minute drive

Friendly local pub featuring live music on weekends, ideal for a casual night out and mingling with locals.

Cinema

15-minute drive

Family-friendly cinema showcasing recent films, offering a comfortable viewing experience for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Halkirk4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Wick John O'Groats (WIC)44 min · 18.1 mi

Kirkwall (KOI)135 min · 55.9 mi

Train

Georgemas Junction Railway Station32 min · 1.6 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP12 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the Ulbster Arms Hotel's charming Scottish style, with rooms described as spacious, some even featuring a separate sitting area. The hotel's location on the river Thurso is frequently highlighted, and the library area provides a cozy spot for drinks. While most find the food excellent, with dishes like venison being a favorite, a few guests have occasionally experienced unstable TV signals.

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Review score

Based on 378 verified reviews

8.9/10

Great

95%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Facilities

8.8/10

Value for money

8.8/10

Pros

Welcoming staff

Clean rooms

Good breakfast

Cons

Spider infestation

Noisy bedroom

Short-staffed

Logan from United States

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 12, 2026

6/10

decent stay, some issues FOUND

tv signalinconvenient location

The tv signal was AWFUL in my room. It kept cutting out. I couldn't even have it on for background noise. my room wasn't in the actual hotel. It was across the parking lot, really inconvenient. This, REALLY.

0 Helpful

Avery from United States

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 10, 2026

9/10

hearty menulocal ingredientsbusy bar

the breakfast included a hearty menu. i dined in the bar each evening. the kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients.

the tv signal dropped constantly.

0 Helpful

Peter from United Kingdom

Family with children

Executive Lodge Room Milton

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 27, 2025

9.0/10

lodge EXCELLENCE

spacious accommodationattentive staffrestaurant food

I stayed in one of the lodges. It was a spacious, luxurious accommodation with everything i needed. I ate in the restaurant the food was excellent. THE staff are attentive. Nothing is too much trouble.

The mattress in my room seemed poor quality, it kept rolling me to the middle of the bed.

Service

9/10

Staff was very helpful and polite. They were attentive to what the grandchildren wanted. The staff were great too. Staff knew about the local area.

Dining

9/10

Food was good and well presented. The dining area was warm, well decorated, and spacious. Breakfast was probably the best traditional Scottish full breakfast i have come across. The restaurant had a very good menu.

Location

9/10

This hotel has a beautiful location on the river. The hotel is at a good distance from the Orkney ferry. There is a library area. It is a nice space to relax after a lovely meal and have a drink.

0 Helpful

Alex from United Kingdom

Premium Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 19, 2025

9/10

spacious roomcoffee teagreat breakfast

I enjoyed the spacious premium double room. the room featured a coffee and tea bar. I appreciated this. the breakfast was excellent with lots of choices.

The tv signal dropped constantly. This was frustrating.

0 Helpful

Stella from United Kingdom

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 17, 2025

9.0/10

charming scottish retreat

scottish stylespacious bathroomgood dinnerample breakfast

the room had a good scottish style. the bathroom was quite spacious. dinner and breakfast both offered good food. i felt very welcome here after traveling in the highlands.

the tv signal was unstable. it made watching tv difficult. this was a slight inconvenience.

Service

9/10

The staff were quite attentive to our needs. customer service was consistently excellent. Staff members addressed inquiries and requests efficiently. overall, i found the service prompt and detail-oriented.

Location

9/10

the hotel is next to a river. common areas within the hotel are well kept. the setting provided a nice backdrop for relaxation and outdoor activities. the library is quiet and very suitable for business meetings.

Facilities

9/10

breakfast included scottish options. the hotel includes pleasant common areas. i noticed a roaring fire in the library area. the hotel had nice traditional decor with a warm and comfortable environment.

0 Helpful

Victor from France

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 29, 2025

6/10

bad tv signalsmall bathroom

the tv signal was bad in the room. it kept cutting out, so i couldn't watch anything. also, the bathroom was small. there wasn't enough space to move around comfortably. the shower head needs replacing too, it sprayed water everywhere except where it should.

0 Helpful

aaron from united states

Family with children

executive lodge room milton

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 13, 2025

6/10

clean roomslow serviceinadequate training

the location was acceptable and the room was clean.

I was disappointed by the service in the restaurant. It was noticeably slow. furthermore, the young staff seemed to lack proper training. for example, the self-service table at breakfast was not stocked appropriately.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Ulbster Arms Hotel Near Thurso

What time is breakfast served at the Ulbster Arms Hotel, particularly for those catching an early ferry to Orkney?

01 March 2024

Breakfast is available from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, which allows time for guests to enjoy a meal before heading to the ferry.

Are there irons available in the rooms for guests to use during their stay?

10 February 2024

Each room is equipped with an iron and ironing board for guest convenience.

Is it possible to park a camper van at the hotel for an overnight stay?

20 January 2024

The hotel has a spacious car park at the rear, suitable for accommodating camper vans.

What parking options are available for guests staying at the hotel?

15 February 2024

Both free on-site parking and on-street parking options are available for guests.

Does the hotel have facilities for washing clothes, or any nearby options?

30 January 2024

Unfortunately, there is no access to a washing machine on the premises.

Is the parking area located off-road and is there ample space available?

12 March 2024

Yes, the parking area is located off road at the back of the hotel with plenty of spaces available.

Can guests bring their dogs with them and are there any associated fees?

08 April 2024

Dogs are welcome in the hotel for a charge of £10 per night per dog.

Is breakfast included in the stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel?

22 March 2024

Yes, all room rates include a full Scottish breakfast.

Are there accommodations for guests with mobility issues available?

18 May 2024

The hotel does not have ground floor rooms, but there are downstairs rooms available in the adjoining lodges.

How far is the hotel from Inverness for those planning to explore the area?

25 June 2024

The hotel is approximately 177 kilometers away from Inverness, which takes about 2.5 hours by car.

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