10 Things to Do in Dornoch That You Shouldn't Miss

January 15, 2018 Concepcion Newsome

Dornoch (/ˈdɔːrnɒx/;  Scottish Gaelic: Dòrnach pronounced [ˈt̪ɔːrˠn̪ˠəx];  Scots: Dornach) is a town and seaside resort, 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 town is within the Highland local government council area.
Restaurants in Dornoch

1. Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Royal Dornoch Golf Club Golf Road | Dornoch, Dornoch IV25 3LW, Scotland +44 1862 810219
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 305 reviews

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1886, this challenging, historic course has spectacular views of the North Sea and goes almost straight out and straight back, with the angle changing subtly at each hole.

Reviewed By prakthomas - Southeast Pennsylvania

If you are planning to go here, you are already likely a golfer looking for spectacular venues. The Championship Course has been in existence seemingly since the beginning of time, an Old Tom Morris course. It is seaside, links layout, with the usual Scottish contours and pot bunkers. Many of the greens are diabolical, with the muffin-top feature that leads to back and forth and back and forth dismay. It is extremely well kept, interesting. I thought it to be similar in character and beauty to Kingsbarns, though with a much more extensive history.
Golf staff is helpful and friendly. We encountered none of the obnoxious staff snobbery sometimes seen at high-end clubs. The adjacent non-championship Struie course played by my colleagues, was reported to be easier and still quite fun. Also, the replay rate for that course was a modest 15 pounds.
Caddies were available on request and were very helpful, particularly the first time through. I think it would take 40 or 50 plays of this course to get a true feel for many of the nuances.
This place is out of the way , in the north of Scotland, but a worthy golf destination.

2. Dornoch Beach

Beach Road, Dornoch, Scotland
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 356 reviews

Dornoch Beach

Reviewed By margaret h - Leeds, United Kingdom

Beautiful, wild, unspoilt, expansive and just gorgeous. Cannot describe this beach any other way. It’s easy to park anywhere along the back of the beach in any of the dune car parks. You can literally walk fo miles whether the tide is in or out as you can move to the paths in the dunes and grasses. The sea can be pretty wild at times but is impressive too. Any time of year this place is awesome so why not go have a walk and take in the gorgeous fresh air.

The Cathedral | High Street, Dornoch, Scotland
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 316 reviews

Dornoch Cathedral

13th century historic church - the most northerly Cathedral on the Mainland of Great Britain

Reviewed By Nalpick - Melbourne, Australia

I have labelled the review read the history first and that's because the build and the refurbishment have not been a state / government funded project. This beautiful Cathedral is very special and has a charming, calm presence to it. The Cathedral like the whole town should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

The Meadows, Dornoch IV25 3SF, Scotland +44 1862 811275
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 90 reviews

Historylinks Museum

Reviewed By Philip M - London, United Kingdom

This small community museum, run by enthusiastic volunteers, is a little gem. Do make sure that you visit it when in Dornoch. It is divided into about fifteen themed niches, each providing a different aspect of Dornoch history from neolithic times through to the 21st...MoreHi Phillip. Many thanks for your very thoughtful review.We are glad you enjoyed your visit and thanks you for your support.

5. The Carnegie Whisky Cellars

The Carnegie Courthouse, Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3DF, Scotland +44 1862 811791
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 37 reviews

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars and Tasting Vault is among the Highland's finest, bespoke whisky shops. Now open in the new Carnegie Courthouse in the historic Royal Burgh of Dornoch. The Carnegie Whisky Cellars hold an extensive selection of whiskies from across Scotland, as well as whisky related merchandise and other spirits.

Reviewed By mcauley2015 - Battle, United Kingdom

Very informative. Only went in to be nosey, ended up with recommendations of places to visit, see, eat and drink! He certainly knew his stuff and was so enthusiastic and informative with everything whisky related including local history. Sorry didn't catch your name!

6. Simply The Best Fair Trade Shop

Dornoch Retail Park | The Meadows, behind Historylinks, Dornoch IV25 3QY, Scotland +44 1862 810340
Excellent
85%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 44 reviews

Simply The Best Fair Trade Shop

Proud supplier of the Good Feeling you get when you support Fair Trade. In 2005, Dornoch became the first Fairtrade Town in the Scottish Highlands. In 2009, Simply The Best opened their doors, becoming the first (and still the only) shop in Dornoch dedicated to Fair Trade. We sell a wide variety of gifts, clothes (including baby and children's clothing) and everyday items from around the world. All Ethical, Fair Trade, and/or Recycled, Organic and Vegan. Enjoy! Buy Fair Trade - Feel Great! :-)

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member

Took a day trip to Dornoch and got excited when I saw Simply the Best as I am always on the hunt for vegan chocolate. I was not disappointed! Could have spent many hours looking at all the trinkets and chatting to lovely staff. Love this wee shop and will definitely visit again!

7. Jail Dornoch

Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SD, Scotland +44 1862 810555
Excellent
57%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Jail Dornoch

Reviewed By RIDINGAROUND - Machynlleth, United Kingdom

We stopped here on our way to a whisky distillery and really loved the stay. This shop has all you would expect and more from a tourist attraction shop and makes full use of this historic building. The town is well worth exploring as there is plenty to see and do.

8. Coast Candle Co.

1 Church Street, Dornoch IV25 3LP, Scotland +44 1862 811333
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 18 reviews

Coast Candle Co.

Experience something truly unique and take in the stories, the memories and the fragrances at Coast Candle Co. Or take part in one of our Drop In Workshops, where you can make your own bespoke candle. Make candles, make friends, make memories. Be creative and have fun!

Reviewed By Kerry V - Highlands

I attended one of Coast's candle making workshops as part of a special birthday celebration in a group of five friends. The workshop lasted approximately 2 hours and started with drinks (tea/coffee/prosecco/water) and birthday cake - great start! Claire then led the workshop with Stephanie...MoreHi Kerry, Thankyou for your review! It was great fun having you lovely ladies for a candle making workshop? Your candles you all made smelt fantastic?? we look forward to seeing you again at Coast Candle Co. ?☕️??Claire xx

9. The Dornoch Bookshop

High Street, Dornoch IV25 3SH, Scotland +44 1862 810165
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 20 reviews

The Dornoch Bookshop

Reviewed By Seniordad - Saint Paul, Minnesota

We really enjoyed coming here. The owner was very pleasant and friendly. She helped us pick out books for our grandchildren, explaining what books Scottish youngsters enjoyed. This is a wonderful example of an independent bookshop. We came for golf but but were very glad...MoreThank you so much for your positive review. Glad we could be of service and thank you for your custom. Hope the Grandchildren enjoy the books.

10. Dornoch Pipe Band

Dornoch Town Square Sutherland, Dornoch, Scotland
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 20 reviews

Dornoch Pipe Band

Reviewed By RiverbendTX - Blanco, Texas

They come marching into the Cathedral Square at 8pm on a Saturday night. What a Terrific Group of Men and Women.. They did several formations and a small platform was placed for the dancers ( four girls ranging in age). The performance of the band and dancers lasted an hour. What fantastic local talent.

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