John o' Groats, the most northerly point in mainland Britain, is usually only visited by intrepid hikers or people crossing something off their bucket list. It has some gorgeous views, but other than saying you’ve been there, there aren’t many reasons to visit. That is, until now.
An old watermill, built around 1901, has just reopened right by John o' Groats as a tourist attraction. After falling into disrepair after being abandoned in 2001, locals have voiced excitement about seeing it back up and bringing visitors back into the area. Rognvald Brown, chairman of the charity overseeing the mill’s renovation, told the BBC that ‘we've had a lot of local people in already and the response has been overwhelmingly positive’, adding that ‘it means an awful lot to the community’.
As well as offering something for tourists to do, the mill will act as a venue for those who live nearby, so it really is a win for everyone.
Works began back in 2023, when Scottish company AOC Archaeology Group submitted plans proposing to add a car park, a visitor centre, and landscape the area to turn it into a functioning attraction. The project cost around £4.5 million all in all, as the building had to be restored for safety and future proofing. It’s now open, and connected to the famous John o' Groats sign by a coastal path, which will have some pretty stunning views across the water to the Orkney Islands.
A trip to the mill could include a real life demonstration of how it would have worked in its prime, or just a guided tour around the facilities. You can head any day except Wednesday from 10am-5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Other events at the venue include an evening of traditional Scottish folk music and a ceilidh, with more set to be planned for the future. If you fancy a visit and a dance against the dramatic Caithness scenery, make sure to book yourself in via the mill’s Facebook page here.
Here’s a sneak peek of the refurb of mainland Scotland's most northerly tourist attraction, including the cafe where you can enjoy a coffee with stunning highland views.
Enjoy the sun with Time Out
If you want to get outdoors but don’t fancy the journey to the highlands, why not head to one of our favourite coastal towns, or visit one of these natural wonders. Alternatively, here are some of our favourite wild swimming locations, and some of our favourite pub gardens to soak up the sun in.
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