John o' Groats, Scotland: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

John OGroats from the air
John OGroats from the air
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Madras9096

John o' Groats is a village 2.5 mi (4 km) northeast of Canisbay, Caithness, in the far north of Scotland. John o' Groats lies on Great Britain's northeastern tip, and is popular with tourists as one end of the longest distance between two inhabited British points on the mainland, with Land's End in Cornwall lying 876 mi (1,410 km) southwest, but it is not the northernmost point of mainland Great Britain, which is the nearby Dunnet Head.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting John o' Groats for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in John o' Groats on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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Best things to do and See in John o' Groats

Best Day Trips from John o' Groats

A day trip from John o' Groats offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around John o' Groats provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Sutherland

Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Phillyacct
Experience the most incredible landscapes and seascapes. Sutherland makes up a large part of the North Coast 500, and will leave a lasting memory too. From the dramatic north-western scenery, where the mountains meet the sea, to the varied lands of the east – with scattered fishing communities, award winning golf courses, fairy tale castles, archaeological wonders and quaint harbours.…
Visiting Sutherland

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in John o' Groats. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

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Dornoch

Dornoch beach
Dornoch beach
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Neil Aitkenhead
Dornoch is a town, seaside resort, parish and former royal burgh in the county of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland. It lies on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, near to where it opens into the Moray Firth to the east. The name 'Dornoch' is derived from the Gaelic for 'pebbly place', suggesting that the area contained pebbles…
Visiting Dornoch

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Inverness

Inverness pano
Inverness pano
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Avarim
Inverness meaning "Mouth of the River Ness" is a city in the Scottish Highlands. Inverness attracts visitors from across the world for its natural landscapes, quaint towns, medieval ruins, and prehistoric sites. Located in the Scottish Highlands, it’s a great place for nature lovers looking to explore its vast landscape. There are many hiking and cycling trails of various lengths…
Visiting Inverness
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Where to Stay in John o' Groats

The best place to stay is in the village itself, where cozy guesthouses and lodges provide scenic views over the Pentland Firth and easy access to ferry trips to Orkney. For a more rural experience, accommodations along the coastline offer stunning landscapes and seclusion.

A 1 to 2-day stay is enough to visit the northernmost point of mainland Britain, explore Dunnet Head, and take a boat trip to Orkney. A 3-day stay is ideal for exploring the North Coast 500 further, visiting Castle of Mey, and spotting local wildlife.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in John o' Groats. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

John o' Groats Accommodation Map

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