THINGS TO DO

Come Celebrate with us in the North Highlands!

The North Highlands is the perfect place to celebrate life’s most special moments. From romantic escapes and weddings to family gatherings and vibrant festivals, Caithness and Sutherland provide breathtaking backdrops and unforgettable experiences.

Discover golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic castles, and lively Highland traditions, the ideal setting for celebrations big or small

Romantic Escapes in the North Highlands

Whether you’re dreaming of a secret honeymoon hideaway, celebrating a special anniversary, or planning the perfect proposal, the North Highlands offer endless ways to kindle romance.

From exploring the windswept heights of Dunnet Head to walking hand-in-hand along the golden sands and turquoise water of Achmelvich Beach, with plenty of space and far from the crowds, you’ll feel like the world has been made just for the two of you.

For weddings and elopements, the North Highlands is just as magical. Here you’ll find dramatic scenery, unforgettable backdrops, tranquillity and a warm Highland welcome.

The picture-perfect counties of Caithness and Sutherland are perfect for romantic escapes of all kinds. Take a scenic North Coast 500 road trip, enjoy a cosy night in a Highland cottage, or share a dram of whisky in a warm, welcoming distillery and create memories that will last a lifetime together.

Celebrate in the North Highlands, where our stunning landscapes meet warm hospitality, perfect for unforgettable gatherings amid breathtaking scenery and rich cultural traditions.

Dornoch Station, Sutherland, image by Alexander Baxter

Weddings and elopements in the North Highlands are truly unforgettable. Imagine exchanging vows against dramatic cliffs, in historic castles, or on a quiet, secluded beach. Celebrate your special day surrounded by some of Scotland’s most stunning natural scenery and romantic fairytale backdrops.

In the North Highlands, you can say “I do” or register a civil partnership almost anywhere; from an ancient castle or a hidden beach to a cosy village hall, a distillery, or a charming boutique hotel – the only limit is your imagination!

From flowers to favours, you’ll find local wedding suppliers and venues, and everything you need to make your day extra special while soaking in the warmth of Highland traditions.

Image by Highland Love Stories, courtesy of Thistle & Cloth
Sutherland Sessions Ceilidh, image by Ewen Pryde Photography

The North Highlands offers the perfect setting to bring people together for life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, a family reunion, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, Caithness and Sutherland provide the space, scenery, and warm hospitality to make it truly unforgettable.

Gather with loved ones on golden beaches, share stories beside a roaring fire in a cosy Highland lodge, or raise a toast surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Scotland’s far north. With unique venues ranging from castles and distilleries to cosy cottages and boutique hotels, there’s a location to suit every celebration.

Family-friendly activities, cultural events, and beautiful scenery to explore mean there’s always something for everyone to enjoy together. Whatever the occasion, the North Highlands will ensure you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

From vibrant summer music festivals to cosy winter ceilidhs, there’s always something happening in Caithness and Sutherland. The North Highlands’ cultural calendar is packed with family-friendly events that celebrate music, art, science, storytelling, and the rich traditions of Highland heritage.

Whether you’re cheering on world-class athletes at the annual Highland Games, dancing to live music, or savouring local flavours at a foodie festival, the diverse events on offer ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For the latest information and inspiration, the Venture North Events Calendar is the go-to resource for discovering what’s on in Caithness and Sutherland all year round.

A pipe band walking down the street in Wick, Caithness, Scotland
Wick Gala, image by Colin Campbell

SB Photography

Inspiration

Romantic North Coast 500

Discover why the NC500 is one of the world’s most romantic journeys. This 500-mile route through Scotland’s northern Highlands offers breathtaking scenery, historic castles, cosy stays, and unforgettable experiences, from stargazing under dark skies to beach picnics and whisky tastings.

Perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or honeymoons, the NC500 promises magical moments and memories that last a lifetime.

Useful Information

The North Highlands is beautiful year-round, with each season offering something different. Spring and summer bring long days, wildflowers, and beach walks. Autumn offers golden landscapes, whisky tastings, and cosy nights in. Winter is perfect for stargazing, northern lights spotting, and romantic hideaways by the fire. Whenever you visit, you’ll find romance in the air.

The North Highlands is accessible by road, rail, air, and sea. Many couples enjoy driving the scenic North Coast 500 route, which offers stunning views along the way. Regular trains connect Inverness to Wick and Thurso, while Wick John O’Groats Airport provides flights from major hubs. Ferries also connect nearby islands, adding to the adventure of your journey.

Yes, the North Highlands is one of the most magical places in Scotland to get married or elope. Couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding and elopement venues in Caithness and Sutherland.

You can exchange vows almost anywhere: on a secluded beach, in a historic castle, beside a loch, in a boutique hotel, and even unique spaces like whisky distilleries.

In Scotland, you can legally marry or register a civil partnership almost anywhere, as long as you have a registered celebrant. This means you can choose a dramatic cliffside, a peaceful beach, or somewhere with special meaning to you both.

Planning a family celebration in the North Highlands is easy thanks to its wide choice of venues and activities. Large group-friendly lodges, castles, and cottages provide the perfect setting for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions. Families can enjoy outdoor adventures, explore local culture, and share meals by the fire, creating unforgettable moments together.

Visitors enjoy a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year. Highlights include lively Highland Games, traditional ceilidhs, music and arts festivals, and foodie events celebrating local produce. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or simply a fun day out together, there’s always something special happening in Caithness and Sutherland.