Name: THE FERRY INN, Thurso
Address: Scrabster, Thurso

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Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

Scrabster, Thurso

Next to Holburn Head Lighthouse

Very good

7.9

/10

4.0

4.5

Loved by The Ferry Inn guests

Helpful staff

Comfortable beds

Good breakfast

Delicious meals

Convenient location

"If you are catching an early ferry, this is the perfect location."

Rona from United Kingdom

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"Lovely warm homely room with a nice touch of two glasses and some sherry."

Duncan T from United Kingdom

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"The restaurant associated with this property is incredible!"

Charles from United States

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3-Star Coastal Lodging in Thurso

Dining

The Ferry Inn includes a restaurant and bar known for hearty, locally-sourced meals. Guests can savor a diverse menu ranging from fresh seafood to traditional Scottish dishes. The on-site bar offers a selection of fine wines and local ales.

Rooms

The hotel provides 6 well-appointed guest rooms, each featuring en-suite bathrooms and complementary tea and coffee facilities. Select rooms offer views over Thurso Bay, providing guests with scenic backdrops throughout their stay. Ideal for travelers seeking a cozy and functional lodging option.

Location

Located on Caithness Road, The Ferry Inn is just a short walk from the shores of Thurso Bay. Guests enjoy easy access to local attractions such as the Thurso Beach and the nearby Orkney Islands ferry terminal. The hotel is positioned to offer a convenient base for exploring the northern Highlands.

Activities

The Ferry Inn provides access to various local activities, including fishing, hiking, and water sports. Guests can also enjoy cycling trails that meander through the stunning landscapes of Caithness. Enthusiasts of history can take advantage of proximity to landmarks like the Old St. Peter's Church.

Special Offerings

The Ferry Inn offers complimentary breakfast to all guests, ensuring a satisfying start to the day. The hotel also accommodates pets, allowing travelers to bring their furry companions along. With a welcoming atmosphere, The Ferry Inn caters to both solo travelers and families.

Highlights

Dining: Locally-sourced meals and fine ales

Rooms: 6 well-appointed guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Location: Short walk to Thurso Bay and ferry terminal

Activities: Fishing, hiking, and local landmark visits

Must-do experiences

Visit the stunning Dunnet Head for breathtaking coastal views.
Try the fresh seafood at The Captain's Galley for a local delight.
Explore the fascinating Caithness Horizons Museum for rich history.
Discover the ruins of Old St. Peter's Church for hidden charm.
Walk along the Thurso East beach for a peaceful sunset stroll.

Choose Your Room Category

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including doubles, family rooms, and suites—plus breakfast, free cancellation, and special rates.

Family Room

2 persons

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Heating

Shower

room details

Guest Room

2 persons

1 Double bed

Heating

Shower

room details

Room Availability and Pricing Calendar

Find available rooms and check today's best prices!

June 2026 - June 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel Location

Scrabster, Thurso

Explore Thurso

Holburn Head Lighthouse

1 minute walking

Holburn Head Lighthouse offers stunning coastal views and a chance to see marine wildlife. An iconic landmark in the area.

Caithness Horizons Museum and Art Gallery

3-minute drive

A hub for local history and art featuring exhibits about the Caithness region's culture. Regular workshops and events held.

Original Wolfburn Distillery

3-minute drive

Wolfburn Distillery is renowned for its whisky tours. Learn about the distillation process and enjoy tastings of their unique spirits.

Old St Peter's Church

4-minute drive

A historic site showcasing intricate stonework and beautiful architecture. A serene place for reflection and culture.

Thurso River Kayaking

2-minute drive

Kayaking on the Thurso River offers thrilling rapids for adventure seekers. Rental services available nearby.

Harold's Tower Mausoleum Walk

40-minute walk

A peaceful walking trail to Harold's Tower, ideal for leisurely strolls while enjoying nature and historical significance.

The Upper Deck Restaurant

1 minute walking

Offers local seafood and a picturesque setting with waterfront views. Popular dishes include fresh fish and chips.

Ferry Inn

1 minute walking

A cozy pub serving traditional Scottish fare with a warm atmosphere. Reservations recommended for dinner.

Thurso Cinema

3-minute drive

Shows a variety of local and international films. Features weekly family-friendly screenings and comfortable seating.

Thurso Social Club

3-minute drive

A vibrant venue for live music and community events. Hosts quizzes and themed nights for all ages.

Navigating city

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:

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Ferry Inn is frequently chosen for its superb location, a mere 150 meters from the NorthLink Ferry for the Isle of Orkney, and many rooms offer harbour views, letting guests watch fishing boats. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the great water pressure in the showers. A complimentary carafe of red wine or a tot of whisky is offered in some rooms. Some guests have noted that the exterior looks a bit tired. Breakfast is included in the restaurant upstairs, providing multiple options, and the hotel is dog-friendly with no extra charges.

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Review score

Based on 254 verified reviews

7.9 /10

Very good

81 %

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

9.1/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Facilities

7.6/10

Pros

Comfortable rooms

Friendly staff

Fantastic food

Cons

Noisy location

Unpleasant smell

Accessibility issues

Jimmy from Australia

Single

Single Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 16, 2026

6/10

adequate stay near the ferry

badly stained carpet broken tv

the staff were friendly, and the location was convenient for catching the early ferry.

The room was quite dated and the carpet had some pretty bad stains. The tv DIDN'T even work, and they couldn't fix it . It was a bit of a nuisance.

0 Helpful

owen from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

9.0/10

convenient stay near the ferry

great location comfortable bed friendly staff

The location was excellent for accessing the ferry. It was directly adjacent. the room i had included a comfortable bed, ensuring a restful night. the staff were friendly, and they were always available to help with any questions i had. ample parking was available across the road.

The shower in my room was not functional. I needed to use one in a different room.

Rooms

8/10

The double room was a good size and very clean. It had all the necessary amenities. the bed provided a comfortable sleep, and fresh towels were available every day. the room offered sufficient space for luggage and personal belongings.

Dining

9/10

the hotel restaurant, upper deck, served excellent meals. i tried the fish and chips, and the food was AMAZING!!! the staff were very attentive, and the breakfast service was quick and efficient.

Service

10/10

the staff provided great service and were always very helpful with directions and information. they quickly addressed any requests. they were really patient and always had a smile.

0 Helpful

Daniel from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 17, 2025

6/10

satisfactory stay near the port

clean room helpful location good water poor breakfast non-functional fan peeling paint

the room was very clean with everything necessary. the food was good. the location near the port was very helpful, i appreciate that. the shower had good water pressure.

the vegetarian breakfast was not so good. i got served spicy veg burger from the prior night. the bathroom fan wasnt working, it also had paint peeling from the ceiling.

0 Helpful

Annie from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

2 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 12, 2025

8.5/10

Convenient Stay Near the Harbour

convenient location red wine

The hotel's location was very convenient for ferry access I appreciated the complimentary carafe of red wine in the room. Breakfast next door included multiple options. The staff was friendly and helpful.

The carpet showed stains I found that a bit off-putting. The noise from the extractor fan was a bit disturbing. The window faced the rear of the hotel.

Location

9/10

The hotel is ideally located near the harbour, which makes it perfect for those needing to catch an early ferry. There are also walks around the harbour. A restaurant is located right next door.

Dining

8/10

Breakfast is served in a restaurant located next door, offering a menu with several options. may need to go outside and climb an external staircase to get to the restaurant. This could be problematic during wet weather.

0 Helpful

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