Dornoch

Travel Guide

Dornoch Cathedral showing heritage elements, a cemetery and heritage architecture
Dornoch Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views
Dornoch Cathedral featuring a house
Dornoch Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and a cemetery
Dornoch Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views

Best known for its championship golf course, this charming market town also has lovely beaches and fascinating historic attractions.

Nicknamed the St. Andrews of the North for its superb golf course, Dornoch is a quaint town with gorgeous weather and beautiful natural scenery. Tee off at the town’s highly rated golf course and check out the stained-glass windows in its cathedral. Walk on one of the nearby sandy beaches and learn about the town’s history at its informative museum.

Play a round at Dornoch’s famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club on the shores of Dornoch Firth. Book a tee time in advance at one of the world’s best championship golf courses.

Find the Witch’s Stone, not far from the golf course. Dating back to the 18th century, this stone marks the place where Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, was burned in 1727.

Check out the iconic 13th-century Dornoch CathedralOpens in a new window. Admire the cathedral’s original stonework, as well as the gargoyles decorating its eaves. Inside, see several modern stained-glass windows donated in memory of Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie.

Walk into the cathedral’s cemetery to see the Plaiden Ell, marking where the town’s historic market was once held. A medieval method for measuring cloth, the Ell is a carved stone similar to a tombstone.

Dornoch has an especially sunny climate as a result of its sheltered location. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by enjoying a walk around the town’s woodlands, hills or nearby beaches.

Follow the trail leading from the town center to Dornoch Point. This 4-mile (6-kilometer) trail traverses several scenic sand dunes, offering picturesque viewpoints across the firth. Look for seals, seabirds and other wildlife.

Take the kids to the HistoryLinks Museum, dedicated to the town’s past. Learn about the construction of the cathedral, the development of the golf course and the town’s ancient clan wars.

Dornoch is located on the north shore of Dornoch Firth, 9 miles (15 kilometers) north of Tain. Reach the area by bus from InvernessOpens in a new window. Discover the many enchanting attractions of this historic east coast town.

Evelix Pods

Evelix Pods

3 out of 5
Evelix, Dornoch, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Dornoch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Dornoch Cathedral and Historylinks are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"The space was too congested inside because the the washroom area was as big as the bedroom. Yeah, they could do a bit more space management by providing double bed instead of the two single pets"

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Evelix Pods
3 Bed-sleeps 8-free Parking-5 Min to Beach

3 Bed-sleeps 8-free Parking-5 Min to Beach

3 out of 5
Dornoch
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Dornoch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Embo Beach and Historylinks are located nearby.
3 Bed-sleeps 8-free Parking-5 Min to Beach
Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

3 out of 5
Red Squirrel Rearquhar, Dornoch, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Dornoch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Royal Dornoch Golf Club and Dornoch Cathedral ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"The only thing that really upset us around iur stay was when we were using tbe hot tub and garden area a local women came around and started shihting at us in her PJs to keep the noise down."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Red Squirrel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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