Caithness Chamber Communications Manager, Laura, tells us why she returned home to Caithness with her young family!

Nearly five years ago, we made the decision to return to Caithness with our young family. With our son growing fast, life had become a whirlwind of work, school runs, and packed weekends. We wanted somewhere to slow down, be more present, and enjoy his childhood before it zoomed past us.

Moving back to the North Highlands has been everything we hoped for. From excellent schools with small class sizes to a welcoming community where people genuinely look out for one another, life here offers the perfect balance of community and peace. And while it’s certainly not quiet, there’s always something to do and explore, it’s just a different kind of busy.

Whether it’s chasing sunsets on the beach, camping along the coast, or taking part in community events, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. Here are just a few reasons why we love raising our family in Caithness.

Endless Outdoor Adventures

One of the best things about living in Caithness with kids is the sheer freedom to explore. With wide-open spaces, rugged coastlines, and unspoiled landscapes, you can go weeks without spending a penny on activities. Just pack a picnic, grab a bucket, kite, or bike, and you’re off!

Our favourite spot? Dunnet Beach. The kids love chasing the waves, climbing the sand dunes, and spending hours running under the vast, ever-changing sky. And it’s not just a summer destination—some of our best Sunday afternoons are in autumn and winter, wrapped up warm with hot chocolate, tucked into our secret spot in the dunes, watching the sunset over the sea.

Living here means being more connected to nature and the seasons. From orca spotting in early summer to watching lambs leap through the fields in spring, from foraging for blackberries in autumn to snowy adventures in winter, life follows a natural rhythm.

They say there are no bad days, only bad clothing choices! Whatever the season, there’s always something new to explore. Some of our favourite family activities are, Rock pooling at Thurso East, Fishing for mackerel at Scrabster Harbour, Hunting for hidden geocaches and Stepping back in time at Camster Cairns. The best part? This time together isn’t saved for holidays or weekend treats, it’s part of everyday life.

A Day Trip to John O’Groats

A visit to John O’Groats is always a highlight. No trip would be complete without stopping at Puffin Croft, the UK’s northernmost petting farm, B&B, and farm shop. Nestled on scenic farmland overlooking the Pentland Firth, Puffin Croft is home to a joyful mix of feathered, furry, woolly, and wiry residents!

The kids love visiting the animals, and we’re always greeted by the big smile of farm owner Cara – better known as Miss Puffin. The farm shop is brimming with delicious treats, fresh eggs, local crafts, and produce.

Afterwards, we usually grab an ice cream from Flavours and stroll along the John o’Groats trail coastal path to hunt for Groatie Buckies, tiny cowrie shells said to bring good luck!

 

Sports, Culture & Community Spirit

Caithness has a fantastic community feel with a huge range of activities for kids of all ages, big kids too!

From the junior park run at Thurso Boating Pond to clubs for martial arts, football, rugby, gymnastics, Highland dancing, Brownies, Beavers, lawn bowling, and badminton, there’s something for everyone.

If your kids love the sea like ours, the North Coast Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire, with a fantastic kids’ surf school from age 8.

For a splash about, Caithness has two excellent swimming pools in Wick and Thurso, run by Highlife Highland. Their affordable family membership includes access to a great “schools out” programme during school holidays, perfect for keeping busy kids entertained and active.

Festivals & Entertainment

Summertime in Caithness is packed with community events, a great way to meet friends and enjoy long, sunny days.

Calendar Highlights:

• Halkirk Highland Games – A spectacular sporting event featuring pipers, Highland dancers, track and field athletes, cyclists, and clay pigeon shooters. The iconic “Heavies” compete in caber tossing, hammer throwing, and shot putting.
• Mey Highland Games– A celebration of North Highland culture and hospitality, first held to mark the Queen Mother’s 70th birthday. It continues to enjoy strong royal patronage today.
• Caithness County Show – The region’s premier agricultural event, showcasing livestock competitions, equestrian displays, and rural industries. The industrial and flower sections highlight local talent in baking, crafts, photography, and floral art.
• Wick Gala – Every July, Wick comes alive for its annual Gala—a week of fun for the whole family! It all starts with a colourful street parade, complete with floats and footwalkers, and continues with events and activities throughout the week, ending with a fantastic fireworks display.

And when the weather really isn’t playing ball? We head to Merlin Cinema in Thurso. With five modern screens, it shows everything from the latest blockbusters to family classics and live theatre events. Plus, the cinema’s restaurant and bar are great for a mid-week treat..

Creative Fun at Lyth Arts Centre

Our family are lovers of arts and culture and we’re lucky to have Lyth Arts Centre just a short drive away. Located 20 minutes from Wick and 25 minutes from Thurso, it showcases some of the best live performances from Scotland, the UK, and beyond. LAC also brings its events out into the community, hosting performances in village halls, open spaces, and even on the beaches.

Their family-friendly programme is packed with exciting events including theatre, dance, and live music, drama and music workshops. Some of our favouries over the years have been, silent disco in the forest, immersive lighthouse festival, giant puppets parading through the streets, and the much-loved Christmas cèilidh.

We always keep an eye on what’s coming up next, it’s a brilliant way to meet fellow creatives in the North Highlands.

Winter Magic, Snow Days & Starry Skies

While a white Christmas isn’t guaranteed, Caithness always gets its fair share of snow! And when it comes, the kids are ready, sledges and snow boots at the door!

Winter days are made for, sledging down hills and building snowmen, building igloo forts and having snowball fights, cosy nights by the fire with hot chocolate and a movie.

One of the most magical things about living here has to be the night skies. On crisp winter evenings, we bundle up and head outside to watch the stars and, if we’re lucky, the Northern Lights too. There’s something very special about standing in the dark, watching the sky dance with colour. It’s one of those moments that reminds us why we love calling Caithness home.

Caithness Feels Like Home for Our Family

Living in Caithness with our family has given us the perfect blend of adventure, community, and connection to nature. From the freedom to explore to the warmth of the people, we wouldn’t change it for the world.  If you’re looking for a place where childhood still feels like an adventure, Caithness might just be the perfect place for your brood too!