Discover the North Coast Visitor Centre, a vibrant hub celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and stories of Caithness. Explore fascinating exhibitions, browse unique collections, and enjoy engaging displays that bring the area’s history to life. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Centre offers an inspiring experience for all ages.
North Coast Visitor Centre
North Coast Visitor Centre
Thank you!
We’re incredibly grateful to our dedicated team for their hard work this season, to our local community for their continued support, and to all the visitors who joined us from near and far. The North Coast Visitor Centre is now closed until 1 April 2026, but if you visited us this year, we’d love to hear your feedback. Please take a moment to complete our Visitor Survey.
Thank you!
We’re incredibly grateful to our dedicated team for their hard work this season, to our local community for their continued support, and to all the visitors who joined us from near and far. The North Coast Visitor Centre is now closed until 1 April 2026, but if you visited us this year, we’d love to hear your feedback. Please take a moment to complete our Visitor Survey.
Explore North Coast Visitor Centre
Museum
Explore Caithness history at North Coast Visitor Centre with exhibitions on Picts, geology, and Dounreay.
Cafe North
Relax at Café North with coffee, homemade cakes, Scottish treats, and free Wi-Fi in Thurso.
Gift shop
Browse unique gifts, local crafts, books, and souvenirs at the North Coast Visitor Centre shop.
Available for hire
Caithness Room
The Caithness Room here at North Coast Visitor Centre is used for bookings, events and meetings, and is a multi-purpose rental space.
Collections blog
The Collections blog features some deep dives into the history of additional artefacts, items, and curios.
Useful links
Explore useful links to museums, heritage projects, and cultural resources across Scotland and locally.
Donate to North Coast Visitor Centre
Donations play a vital part in helping us maintain and improve our wonderful visitor attractions and the activities we offer.
Opening times
We’re currently closed and will reopen on 1 April 2026.
From Thurso town centre, it’s just a short walk to the North Coast Visitor Centre, located on High Street near the main shops and amenities.
Local bus services stop in Thurso town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the Visitor Centre. Thurso railway station is also nearby.
The Visitor Centre is easily accessible via the A9 and A836 routes into Thurso.
The North Coast Visitor Centre does not have its own private parking, but there is a public parking area at the entrance available on a first-come, first-served basis, including designated disabled spaces. These spaces have no time restrictions. Additional parking is available within walking distance, such as the Co-op car park and spaces along the main street, though these may have time limits.
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets
- Level access
- Level access from entrance to reception
- Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
- Wheelchair access throughout
Additional accessibility information:
North Coast Visitor Centre is spread across four floors. There is a passenger lift available for visitors to access all exhibition and gallery spaces, and the café. All public areas are wheelchair accessible.
