Caithness Broch Centre
Discover ancient Iron Age history at the Caithness Broch Centre, a small but significant site with friendly volunteers and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteers are often present
Caithness Broch Centre
Best Time
Volunteers are often present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Iron Age history at the Caithness Broch Centre, a small but significant site with friendly volunteers and stunning coastal views.
"A beautiful area with great views and scenery. Amazing walking paths around this area."
🎯 Check Opening Hours First
Volunteers run the centre, so check online for opening days/times before you go!
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach Below
Lovely views and walking paths await at the small harbour and beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Broch Itself
Auchengill
Discover the fascinating Iron Age roundhouse, a testament to ancient Scottish history.
Informative Centre
Auchengill
Engage with friendly local volunteers and learn about the history of the area and its many brochs.
Coastal Views
Auchengill Beach
Enjoy stunning scenery and walking paths along the beautiful Caithness coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Times
Explore the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours First
Volunteers run the centre, so check online for opening days/times before you go!
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach Below
Lovely views and walking paths await at the small harbour and beach.
🚗 Free Parking Available
There's a small, free parking area near the path with bins and a bench.
🗺️ Grab Local Leaflets
The centre has leaflets for other local attractions and things to do.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours First
Volunteers run the centre, so check online for opening days/times before you go!
🚶♀️ Explore the Beach Below
Lovely views and walking paths await at the small harbour and beach.
🚗 Free Parking Available
There's a small, free parking area near the path with bins and a bench.
🗺️ Grab Local Leaflets
The centre has leaflets for other local attractions and things to do.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Caithness Broch Centre for its historical significance and the welcoming nature of its volunteer staff. The beautiful coastal location and free entry are also frequently mentioned positives. However, some find the centre itself to be small, and its variable opening hours can be a point of frustration.
"A beautiful area with great views and scenery. Amazing walking paths around this area. There is a free parking area with bins and a bench. A lovely place.
The actual building is well worth a visit, the staff were lovely, friendly and welcoming, it was free to enter and informative about the area. There was free parking out front, a garden to look around and toilets. There were leaflets to take about other things to do in the area. Check online for opening days and times."
Matthew Young (Urban Tiger)
"Great little Historical site on A99 at Auchengill was lucky enough to be there when local volunteers were busy grass strimming the site and access paths and one of the lads give me a history lesson on the site and surrounding area well worth a look and the small harbour and beach below"
Barrie Monkley
"Centre was closed when we visited. Small parking near the path. Lovely views from the beach, some information on the broch but itself not properly marked and could be easily missed."
Dominika Demczuk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Caithness Broch Centre is located on the A99 at Auchengill. There is a small, free parking area available near the path leading to the site.
Information on public transport to Auchengill is limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider driving to reach the centre.
Look for signs along the A99 at Auchengill. The centre is situated near a small harbour and beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Caithness Broch Centre is free. It is run by local volunteers who are happy to share their knowledge.
The centre is run by volunteers, so opening hours can vary. It's essential to check their online presence or local listings for the most up-to-date information before visiting.
The broch site itself may be accessible even if the centre building is closed, but information and volunteer interaction will be unavailable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remains of an Iron Age broch, learn about its history from local volunteers, and enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery.
Yes, there are toilets available at the centre.
Yes, it's a small site, making it ideal for a brief stop to learn about local history and enjoy the views.
Caithness is known for having around 200 other brochs and Iron Age roundhouses, so exploring the wider area can be very rewarding.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ancient broch structure, the scenic coastal views from the beach, and the charming small harbour. The volunteers can also offer insights for unique shots.
Absolutely! The rugged Caithness coastline provides dramatic backdrops for landscape photography, especially around the beach and harbour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to imagine life in an Iron Age dwelling. The nearby beach and harbour also provide space for them to run around and explore after learning about the broch. It's a great way to break up a car journey and offer a glimpse into Scotland's ancient past.
🚶 History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The insights provided by the local volunteers are invaluable, offering a deeper understanding of broch construction and the lives of the people who inhabited them. The proximity to other historical sites in Caithness makes this a perfect starting point for a more extensive exploration of Scotland's ancient past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Brochs
Visiting a broch site like the one at Auchengill offers a tangible connection to the past. While many brochs are now ruins, the preserved structures and the surrounding landscape help visitors imagine life in Iron Age Scotland. The local volunteers at the Caithness Broch Centre are a valuable resource, often sharing detailed historical context and local lore that brings the site to life.
Beyond the main structure, the area around the Caithness Broch Centre is rich with potential for further exploration. Caithness is dotted with numerous other brochs and Iron Age settlements, making it a prime destination for history enthusiasts. The coastal setting also adds to the experience, with opportunities for scenic walks and enjoying the wild beauty of the far north of Scotland.
Community Spirit and Local Volunteers
Interacting with the volunteers is often highlighted as a key positive aspect of visiting the centre. They are described as lovely, friendly, and welcoming, eager to impart historical lessons about the broch and the surrounding area. This community-driven approach makes the centre feel personal and authentic, a stark contrast to more commercialized tourist attractions.
This reliance on volunteers means that checking opening times is crucial. However, the benefit of this model is a genuine connection to the local heritage. Visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for Caithness, not just for its ancient sites but also for the people who care for them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit