Planning your February half-term Short Break in Scotland? See our ‘Ten things to DO in Dornoch with Children’

There is so much to Do in and around the Dornoch area and across the Northern Highlands. Here are our top ten suggestions for you to enjoy whilst on your holiday in Scotland.

1) Grannie's Heilan' Hame

Embo boasts its very own holiday park, “Grannie’s Heilan' Hame”, with several facilities that are open to the public including a swimming pool, tennis courts, crazy golf and much more. There is also a bar, restaurant, live entertainment, a convenience store and takeaway. The park is right on the beach which boasts the best rockpools around!

2) Skelbo Woods Walk

Families love the variety in Skelbo, from dipping for mini beasts in the wildlife pond beside the car park to hunting out the chainsaw-carved woodland creatures along the trail. It's a fun forest full of interesting twists and turns, open views and fascinating features, including the remains of an iron age broch and some impressive drystone walls.

3) Natural Play area at Camore woods

Camore Woods has a natural play area which includes tunnels, dens, a fort and games for children and the whole family. Soak up the tranquility of the forest whilst watching out for buzzards hunting voles, roe deer flitting through the trees and woodland birds feasting on wild raspberries and blaeberries in summer. Hidden in the forest are more than 25 hut circles and chambered cairns.

4) Fishing at the Dornoch Lochans

At Dornoch Lochans there is open air recreation for everyone, novice and expert, young and old, in attractive surroundings with breathtaking views over the Dornoch Firth. You can fish, play golf, croquet or boule, or simply relax and enjoy.

5) History Links 5* Museum

Historylinks is one of the very few 5 star museums in the Highlands.  Dedicated to the history of Dornoch parish, current displays include a golf professional’s workshop where Donald Ross honed his skills, Carnegie at home at Skibo, the shameful burning of Scotland’s last condemned witch and the impact of the Picts and the Vikings. Films include Sutherland in 1950 and the Dornoch Light Railway. There are lots of games for children as well as costumes to dress up in. Visitor translations in German, French, Italian, Spanish and Swedish.

6) Dornoch Beach Treasure Walk

Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is ideal for families with its gentle shallows, sheltering dunes and miles of golden sands. Perfect for paddling and swimming on warm summer days. Throughout the year it is popular for walkers taking a gentle stroll or carrying on north to Embo. The Dornoch treasure walk takes approximately 1.5 hours and is great way to explore the beach and learn a thing or two about the wildlife along the way! It is available on our app (Discover Dornoch) or as a booklet which you can pick up from the Visitor Centre or the beach carpark.

7) Natural play area and leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin

Follow the winding road through Achany Glen to a forest clearing where salmon leap and children play. You’ve reached the Falls of Shin, a wonderful starting point for a range of trails through beautiful mixed woodland and along the rocky banks of the Shin. It’s a great place to get out and enjoy the forest whatever your ability – there are natural play areas here and easy trails suitable for all users.

 

8) Seals and bird watching at Loch Fleet Nature Reserve

Loch Fleet, a sea loch, lies just north of Dornoch and is a haven for fauna and flora. It has a variety of species including otters and seals, wild fowl and sea birds, orchids and butterflies. The loch is a large tidal basin with sand dunes, coastal heath and pine woods. The woodland supports species such as Scottish crossbills, crested tits and pine marten.

9) Falconry display at Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands.  Enjoy a  wonderful day out here exploring the house and its treasures, the gardens and museum. The bird of prey displays are always very impressive and contribute to an enjoyable visit for the whole family. Daily birds of prey flying demonstrations at 11.30am, and 2.00pm on the Castle lawn. See spectacular shows featuring golden eagles and peregrine falcons, both resident birds in the Scottish Highlands. Learn more about other local birds of prey as well as the ancient art of falconry. Additional attractions include more exotic species such as the European Eagle owl.

10) Cycling

The Dornoch area offers varied terrain for cyclists of all standards. There are many excellent road routes and recommended is the 34 mile trip from Dornoch to Spinningdale and then round by Loch Buidhe to the Mound and back to Dornoch via Embo. This route is hilly and passes through wonderful scenery. Cycle hire is available at Sam’s Bike Shed and Grannie's Heilan' Hame.

Download the Discover Dornoch App (from windows, apple or play stores) for more ideas on walks and activities as well as places to eat and stay.

See Full Article Here: Planning your February half-term Short Break in Scotland? See our ‘Ten things to DO in Dornoch with Children’

Planning your February half-term Short Break in Scotland? See our ‘Ten things to DO in Dornoch with Children’ posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Your short break in Scotland

Are you planning a short break in Scotland, then why not visit Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands? Only an hour north of Inverness with flights to London, Bristol and Manchester, but a world of difference! Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the miles of sandy beach or play golf on Royal Dornoch Championship Course, rated #1 in Scotland and #5 in the world.

There are lots of things to do. If you are interested in handicrafts then come 11-13 March when Fibre Fest is running - and try machine embroidery, indigo dyeing or Fair Isle knitting.

Find our about the rich Scottish history by visiting the 13th century Dornoch Cathedral and exploring the 5 star Historylinks Museum.

There is a range of independent shops to browse including Jail Dornoch, Kingcraig Woollens, Simply the Best Fair Trade and Coast Candle Co (which runs candle making workshops). Enjoy locally sourced food and drink in the Dornoch restaurants, cafes, pubs and takeaways.

So start to plan your Scottish holiday by checking out the accommodation in Dornoch - select from the range of hotels, b & bs and holiday cottages.

Article Source Here: Your short break in Scotland

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December in Dornoch

The nights draw in, the log fire beckons and we look forward to crisp frosty walks on the beach. Time to think about the Festive Season and Christmas shopping. With over 20 independent shops to choose from and free parking, Dornoch is an ideal place to enjoy the experience!

We have a special Late Night Shopping event on Thursday 1st December, with shops and eateries open till 8pm.  Many shops are offering discounts that evening and serving complimentary seasonal goodies.

On 5th December the community holds the St Andrews Fair from 10-4, with a craft fair and Santa's Grotto in the Social Club, carols in the Cathedral and the Christmas lights are switched on. All the shops and restaurants take part in this annual Christmas Bazaar.

A special Christmas Community market is being held for the first time, on Tuesday 20th December from 9:30 - 1:30 in the Social Club - with local craft and produce for sale.

Links House at Royal Dornoch offers a sumptuous Sunday Lunch menu, prepared by award winning chef Jon-Paul Saint.

We are looking forward to welcoming visitors for our 3 days of New Year Celebrations centred on the famous Dornoch Hogmanay Street Party with the Red Reel Ceilidh Band, a lone piper at midnight on the Castle ramparts to herald in the New Year and a fabulous Fireworks Display. Check out our late availability page for acccommodation deals.

For More Information Go Here: December in Dornoch

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Christmas Shopping in Dornoch

Get into the festive spirit and start your Christmas Shopping in Dornoch on Thursday 1st December when shops and eateries are open till 8pm.  Kingcraig Fabrics will welcome you with wine and nibbles as well as are offering a 10% discount and free entry to a raffle with all purchases (for example handmade cards, scarves, throws & bags).  Staff in Mitchells Chemist will be sporting their Christmas jumpers and offering mince pies and coffee while you browse their gifts including Beauticology products for under £5. A free sample of Bruadar can be enjoyed at the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, with gifts ranging from £3.95 for miniatures to a Dalmore Gift Set at £64.95.

At Gordon House there is 20% discount on all items, including coasters, mugs, candles, jewellery and paintings -  and a great stop for coffee and cake. The Dornoch Bookshop is a fantastic place to browse at any time of year! A visit to Coast Candle Co awakens the senses, with a range of hand poured fragrant candles in all shapes and sizes, with a 10% discount. Mulled wine and sweet treats will be served.

Be sure to visit the Retail Park where Simply the Best has a variety of Fair Trade gifts from Angels at £4.99 to a chess set at £69.99. Why not pick up your real Christmas tree from the Dornoch Garden Centre?

For unusual and imaginative gifts made by local artists, ranging from Harris Tweed bookmarks at £4.20 to a Lopi Hood Sweater at £70, visit Scots Corner. Don’t forget a present for your pet at That Really Good Pet Shop, and a range of cushions, walking sticks and jewellery at Budding Genius. Enjoy a glass of bubbly or mulled wine with nibbles at Aspen Spa, while you check out their range of quality beauty products (Vita Liberata, Delilah, Voya, Image & Skinade), all of which will be discounted on the night!

No trip to Dornoch would be complete without a visit to Jail Dornoch, which offers a superb selection of unique Scottish gift ideas, jewellery accessories, luxurious cashmere and quality country wear and its sister shop Country Interiors, which is an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful decorative objects, gifts, soft furnishings and furniture.

Why not make a day of it and book into Links House for afternoon tea before you start your shopping? They also have an exclusive range of tweed products in their own tweed for that special gift.  Relax after your shopping in the Carnegie Tea Room with mulled wine and mince pies and don’t forget to pick up some great Scottish food from their deli section. Round off the night with a meal at The Eagle Hotel or sample the new gin cocktails at the Dornoch Castle Hotel.

To help plan your shopping trip, check out the suggested range of gifts on offer, sorted by price.

For More Information Go Here: Christmas Shopping in Dornoch

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The Great British High Street Judges visit Dornoch on Friday 18th November!

"The Great British High Street supports those working to revive, adapt and diversify high streets. Not for profit and government funded, we aim to provide resources for high street regeneration and celebrate innovative work going on in high streets across Britain."

We are looking forward to hosting the judges of the Great British High Street awards this Friday.

They will arrive on Thursday night and experience a Gin Tasting session at the Dornoch Castle Hotel where they will then spend the night.

The next day they will have a tour of the town and take in the Carnegie Tea Room whilst enjoying coffee with members of staff from the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the Tearoom itself before going to the Visitor Centre to meet with staff and then heading over the Carnegie Whisky Cellars to meet with members of staff from the Whisky Cellars, the Dornoch Castle and Links House.

After that they will visit Historylinks Museum, the Jail Dornoch, Coast Candle, Kingcraig Fabrics, the Dornoch Bookshop and the Eagle Hotel before having lunch at Gordon House.

There is much much more to show them in Dornoch of course,  but in the short time they have here, this tour will give them a good idea of what Dornoch has to offer: independent shops, great food and entertainment, top class accommodation and a fantastic new Visitor Centre.

The winner is chosen by taking into account a combination of the outcome of the judges visit and the public vote. The voting closes at midnight on Friday night (so still a few days left to vote!)

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on the 12th of December. Fingers crossed for Dornoch!

 

Source Here: The Great British High Street Judges visit Dornoch on Friday 18th November!

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MP Paul Monaghan supports Dornoch’s campaign to win Great British High Street awards.

Dornoch has been shortlisted in The Great British High Street Awards, which celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets. It is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

Local Councillor Jim McGillivray and Lou Rollason from DACIC (Dornoch Area Community Interest Company) were pleased to welcome Dr Paul Monaghan, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, to Dornoch last Sunday. He got the chance to see the new Carnegie Courthouse and Visitor Centre during his visit. Dr Monaghan has been very supportive of Dornoch’s campaign to win the 'Rising Star' Category of the Great British High Street Awards and has said “I am delighted that Dornoch has reached the final and will certainly do all I can to help encourage votes.”

Dornoch’s campaign to win is nearly at an end and the Great British High Street judges will be visiting this week. They are staying at the Dornoch Castle Hotel and will be taking part in a Gin Tasting event on Thursday night. On Friday, the judges will get the chance to meet with local businesses and soak up the atmosphere of the town. Representatives from DACIC will travel to London for a ceremony on the 12th of December where the winners will be announced.

If Dornoch wins, they will get £10,000 towards further improving their High Street and visitor experience. Businesses will also receive expert training from Google’s digital taskforce and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to boost their social media skills.

Jim McGillivray says “The Dornoch renaissance continues onwards and upwards.  We never envisaged when we started out on the 2013 HIE Masterplan that so many valuable initiatives would emerge.  To reach the last 3 of this part of the Great British High Street Competition is an achievement in itself, and we can only hope that, as the only Scottish representative in the final, we continue to get as much support as possible and the Judges see Dornoch at its very best on Friday”.

Please continue to vote for Dornoch at: www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/finalist-rising-star. One vote per email address per day until the 18th November.

Learn More Here: MP Paul Monaghan supports Dornoch’s campaign to win Great British High Street awards.

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Wonderful Whisky Festival Dornoch Scotland – Join us at our annual Scottish Malt Whisky Event

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