Noss Head Lighthouse
A striking lighthouse on the Caithness coast, offering dramatic North Sea views and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cafe may be closing, fewer crowds
Noss Head Lighthouse
Best Time
Cafe may be closing, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking lighthouse on the Caithness coast, offering dramatic North Sea views and a peaceful escape.
"Beautiful, remote place with fabulous views and nesting birds. "
🚗 Parking Available
A car park is conveniently located just before the main gate entrance.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A nearby cafe offers great coffee and cakes, perfect for a break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Noss Head Lighthouse
The lighthouse itself
An iconic coastal landmark offering stunning views of the North Sea and surrounding landscapes.
Coastal Scenery
Surrounding grounds
Enjoy breathtaking views of the North Sea, nesting birds, and dramatic cliffs.
Nearby Castle Ruins
Short walk from lighthouse
Explore the remnants of a nearby castle, often overlooked by visitors focused on the lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect Private Property
Check Cafe Hours & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Available
A car park is conveniently located just before the main gate entrance.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A nearby cafe offers great coffee and cakes, perfect for a break. +1
🚶♀️ Respect Private Property
The lighthouse area is a private home; be respectful of the owner and grounds.
🚻 No Public Toilets
Plan ahead as there are no public restroom facilities on site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Available
A car park is conveniently located just before the main gate entrance.
☕ Grab a Coffee
A nearby cafe offers great coffee and cakes, perfect for a break. +1
🚶♀️ Respect Private Property
The lighthouse area is a private home; be respectful of the owner and grounds.
🚻 No Public Toilets
Plan ahead as there are no public restroom facilities on site.
🚴 Cycle Friendly
Accessible for cyclists, with space to push bikes up to the lighthouse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Noss Head Lighthouse for its beautiful coastal scenery and the iconic landmark itself. The opportunity to explore the grounds and enjoy the North Sea views is a major draw. However, the lack of public toilets and limited cafe hours are noted drawbacks, and the private nature of the property requires respectful visitation.
"I don't know if visiting the actual lighthouse innards is a thing, as never tried to access, though there are leaflets on the back of the entrance pillars. There is self-catering accomodation on-site but not sure which building. I'd visited after 5pm late September, and the little cafe at the end of the drive had just closed. View of the North sea, just popped for a view after the nearby castle."
Chris Nixon
"Lovely walk, beautiful scenery, great coffee and cakes! But No toilets! would have been 5 star but no loos gets a mark down. Would still recommend."
tracy jones
"Cycled there from Wick River Side Campsite. There is a Car Park just before the gate entrance. We pushed our bikes up to the lighthouse the land and surrounding buildings are private, the Lighthouse is operated by, The Northern Lighthouse Board. Fabulous views and nesting birds. The friendly owner came and had a chat happy for walkers and cyclists to enter the compound and Blue Badge Vehicles. All they ask is that people respect the fact that the area is a private home & garden."
Christopher J McAuley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Noss Head Lighthouse is accessible by car, with a dedicated parking area just before the entrance gate. It's also reachable by bicycle, with space to push your bike up to the lighthouse compound.
Yes, Noss Head Lighthouse is located near Wick in Caithness. Many visitors cycle from Wick River Side Campsite or drive to the location.
Yes, walking is a great way to experience the beautiful scenery around Noss Head Lighthouse. Parking is available a short walk away.
Driving or cycling are the most convenient ways to reach Noss Head Lighthouse, offering flexibility and access to the parking area.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Noss Head Lighthouse directly. It's best accessed by private vehicle or bicycle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the grounds of Noss Head Lighthouse. The land and surrounding buildings are private property, but visitors are welcome to enter the compound.
Noss Head Lighthouse itself is operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board and is not typically open for interior tours. The grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Noss Head Lighthouse grounds. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the private property.
Access to the interior of the lighthouse tower is generally not permitted as it is operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
The main restriction is to respect that the area is a private home and garden. Be mindful of the owner's requests and stick to designated areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beautiful coastal scenery, observe nesting birds, and explore the exterior of the historic lighthouse. Nearby castle ruins also offer a point of interest. +1
Unfortunately, there are no public toilets available at Noss Head Lighthouse. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Yes, it's a lovely walk with beautiful scenery. The grounds are accessible, and the surrounding coastal paths are scenic.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them, respecting the private property aspect.
The area is known for its nesting birds, offering opportunities for birdwatching. You'll also experience the marine environment of the North Sea.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There is a small cafe on-site that offers coffee and cakes, but its operating hours can be limited, especially outside of peak season. +1
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can enjoy a picnic on the grounds, provided you are respectful of the private property and clean up thoroughly.
The nearest dining options would likely be in Wick, which offers a range of cafes and restaurants.
The cafe is known for serving great coffee and cakes. +1
The cafe's hours can be limited, and it may have just closed if you visit after 5 pm in late September.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lighthouse against the North Sea backdrop, the dramatic coastline, and any nesting birds. The surrounding landscape offers picturesque views.
Absolutely. The remote location, coastal cliffs, and expansive sea views make it an excellent spot for landscape photography. +1
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer dramatic lighting for photography. However, daytime offers clear views of the scenery and wildlife.
No, the interior of the lighthouse is not accessible to the public for photography.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of the private property aspect and avoid intrusive photography of the residence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a stop at the nearby castle ruins for an added historical element. The walk from the car park is manageable, making it a feasible destination for a family day trip. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the coast, and are aware of the private nature of the lighthouse grounds.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Cyclists
The nearby cafe provides a welcome stop for refreshments, offering great coffee and cakes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Operation of Noss Head Lighthouse
The surrounding land and buildings are part of a private residence, and visitors are welcomed onto the grounds with the understanding that they are guests. This unique arrangement allows for appreciation of the lighthouse's exterior and its dramatic setting, while respecting the privacy of the inhabitants. Information leaflets are sometimes available on the entrance pillars, offering insights into the lighthouse's past and function.
Experiencing the Coastal Environment
This remote location offers a sense of tranquility and a chance to connect with nature. The walk from the car park is pleasant, and the proximity to nearby castle ruins means you can combine a visit to historical sites with the natural beauty of the coast. It’s a place where the raw power of the sea meets the enduring presence of human endeavor in the form of the lighthouse.
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