"Dornoch" Dornoch by scottishvisitor

Dornoch Travel Guide: 43 reviews and 110 photos

A Seaside Town

Dornoch is a small seaside town which sits on the Dornoch Firth in Sutherland. It is a pretty town built mainly of local red sandstone. When we visited the summer colours were vibrant, the beach delightful and the weather just perfect with blue skies and sunshine.

Dornoch's secluded beach

Summer Skies

Dornoch has a large caravan park which proves popular in summer with families. The Beach adjacent to the park can be busy in summer - but the secret to seclution is a short walk onto the golf course and onto the second bay. Life really is a beach when you have all to yourself.

History dating back to the 13th. Century

Dornoch Cathedral

Dornoch Cathedral is a compelling reason to visit. I know there are many greater Cathedrals but this one is wholesome and homely.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A small compact town brimming over with history
Cons:I don't think it would be appealling in the rain

Last visit to Dornoch: Aug 2008
Intro Updated Feb 20, 2009
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Reviews (14)

The Free Church of Scotland Things to Do (7)

In the year 1843 there was a split in the Church of Scotland. Most of the members of the Parish Cathedral Church... more travel advice

Car travel is the easiest option - Dornoch

Car travel is the easiest option Transportation (1)

We prefer to travel by car as it is easiest for us and we have full control of when and where we can visit. Dornoch can... more travel advice

A Great Disturbance from the skies Warnings and Dangers (1)

To the unassuming visitor with an untrained ear - the sound of an ear piercing approaching fighter jet can cause quite a... more travel advice

Antiques & on-line shopping Shopping (3)

A very nicely laid out shop with some stunning art work and lovely (if pricey porcelain) I did like this shop and the... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Sandwiches to satisfy

Local Customs (1)
How cloth was measured

Comments (16)

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JLBG Jun 6, 2009 at 10:12 PM

I remember the name of Dornoch and the look of the cathedral. Interesting page!
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christine.j Mar 13, 2009 at 8:57 AM

I just came back to enjoy the rest of your tips.
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yumyum Mar 6, 2009 at 9:27 AM

I like the mesuring stone! The golden figure on the fountain reminds me of the golden figures on the fountains at Peterhof near St. Petersburg.
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robertgaz Mar 4, 2009 at 2:50 PM

Just making sure I haven't missed any tips here ;~)
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HORSCHECK Mar 3, 2009 at 1:55 PM

Joan, gorgeous little page about this Scottish gem. As far as I remeber I once passed through Dornoch by train on the way from Inverness to Thurso up north. Is that possible?
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Cristian_Uluru Feb 26, 2009 at 12:20 PM

What a lovely town!!! I'd like to stay in the Bishops' Palace :)
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Feb 26, 2009 at 8:46 AM

Thank you Joan for another interesting page! Loved this wholesome and homely Cathedral. You’ve caught those summer colors and your pics are beautiful as always. Life is a beach? May be…
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Trekki Feb 25, 2009 at 9:58 PM

Ah, I bet the dogs loved to play hide & seek in the beach grass :-) I love that cloth measuring device and will add it to my old measuring stuff :-) Oh my, how do I understand how mad the locals are with these stop-dead noise of the jets..
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mircaskirca Feb 24, 2009 at 10:51 PM

What a pleasant place to explore, with so many attractive historic buildings! I would love to stay in the Bishops' Palace and do some shopping in the Old Town Jail :)
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Bwana_Brown Feb 24, 2009 at 4:31 PM

I really enjoyed your various little 'insider' bits of information on the history of Dornoch! That is quite a history both Dornoch Cathedral and the 'Castle' have! Your pics of Scotland are so beautiful too.