8.9

587 reviews

Northern Sands Hotel

Northern Sands Hotel

Northern Sands Hotel, Brough, KW14 8XD, United Kingdom

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Beachfront

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Bar

Parking On Site

Terrace

Northern Sands Hotel

Welcome to the Northern Sands Hotel, your cozy coastal retreat in the enchanting village of Dunnet, just 0.1mi from the bustling city center! With room rates starting at a wallet-friendly price, this hidden gem is the perfect spot for your next adventure in the United Kingdom. Picture yourself waking up to the sound of the waves and enjoying a delicious complimentary breakfast to fuel your day of exploration.

Nestled right by the beachfront, the Northern Sands Hotel offers an array of delightful amenities. Savor mouthwatering dishes at the on-site restaurant, unwind with a drink at the bar, or catch some rays on the terrace with stunning mountain and garden views! And for all our activity lovers, the hotel features nearby horse riding and a golf course—because why not tee off with a view? Plus, free private parking and Wi-Fi make it super convenient for your stay.

With an impressive 587 reviews, this hotel has become a favorite among travelers seeking both comfort and adventure. Guests rave about the live music performances and the welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families with kids—yes, they offer kid’s meals too! Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a fun family trip, Northern Sands Hotel is ready to welcome you with open arms and unforgettable experiences. Happy travels!

At the Northern Sands Hotel, dining is a feast for the senses! Get ready to indulge in delicious British cuisine at The Pentland Lounge, where traditional flavors take center stage. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely breakfast or winding down with a sumptuous dinner, the rustic yet inviting ambiance sets the perfect backdrop for your culinary adventures. For a more casual atmosphere, Logan's Bar welcomes families with open arms, offering a blend of modern flair and classic dishes. Feeling extra hungry? The Links Restaurant adds a touch of elegance to your dining experience, ensuring you never have to venture far for mouthwatering meals.

After a satisfying meal, why not enjoy some lively entertainment? The Northern Sands Hotel is renowned for its vibrant live music performances that create a joyful atmosphere just steps away from your seat! Whether you want to dance the night away or simply kick back and enjoy the tunes, these memorable evenings are a great way to mingle with other travelers and local guests alike. Keep an eye on the hotel's schedule to see when your favorite artists will be performing—you don’t want to miss out!

As the sun sets over the horizon, take a stroll along the picturesque beachfront or unwind on the terrace, where the stunning mountain and garden views can steal your breath away. With so much to experience in and around the hotel, every moment spent at the Northern Sands Hotel becomes a cherished memory. So come and immerse yourself in the charm of Dunnet, where adventure, comfort, and fun are always just around the corner. Your perfect getaway awaits!

Closest airports

Wick Airport

14.4mi

Kirkwall Airport

28.1mi

Stronsay Airport

44.6mi

Sanday Airport

51.4mi

North Ronaldsay Airport

60.9mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Beachfront

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Bar

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Wheelchair accessible

Garden view

Picnic area

Bathtub

Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)

Rooms

Standard King Double Room in Northern Sands Hotel

Show 5 photos

Standard, King Size

1 King Size Bed

55 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

This double room has a tea/coffee maker, satellite TV and electric kettle.

Family Room in Northern Sands Hotel

Show 5 photos

Family

2 Twin Beds

1 Sofa Bed

1 King Size Bed

1 Sofa Bed

75 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

This family room has a tea/coffee maker, electric kettle and seating area.

Superior King Room in Northern Sands Hotel

Show 4 photos

Superior, King Size

1 King Size Bed

75 sqft

Mountain view

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Coffee machine

+

More details

This double room has a sofa, flat-screen TV and seating area.

Standard Twin Room in Northern Sands Hotel

Show 4 photos

Standard, King/Twin

2 Twin Beds

1 King Size Bed

55 sqft

Private Bathroom

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Deluxe Twin Room in Northern Sands Hotel

Show 4 photos

Deluxe, King/Twin

2 Twin Beds

1 King Size Bed

75 sqft

Mountain view

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

More details

Standard Single Room with Shower in Northern Sands Hotel

Standard, Single

1 Twin Bed

55 sqft

Private Bathroom

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

This single room has a tea/coffee maker, electric kettle and garden view.

Show 2 photos

Standard, 2 Twin Beds

55 sqft

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

This twin room features a tea/coffee maker, flat-screen TV and electric kettle.

Show 2 photos

Deluxe, 2 Twin Beds

75 sqft

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

This twin room features a electric kettle, tea/coffee maker and seating area.

Standard Room

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Premier, King Size, Sea View

1 King Size Bed

More details

Classic, King Size

1 King Size Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Classic

x6

+

x3

More details

Guest reviews

8.9

587 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇦🇺

Claire

9.1

May 2025

Our room had king bed with lovely large bathroom & a bath (shower over bath) that we loved as it was a cold night. Heated towel rails. Bed very comfy. Easy to get dinner & a drink downstairs.

Breakfast whilst very good wasn’t quite up there with other hotels - having to order the night before - that’s just ok as hot choices were great but it’s whole fruit that you have to slice yourself and no plain yoghurt, nuts, seeds etc which we experience elsewhere in Scottish hotels but maybe we are a minority.

🇬🇧

Christopher

10

January 2025

Staff were extremely pleasant and helpful . Room was well designed and had plentiful hot water . Towels were large ! Dinner was limited choice,but delicious . Breakfast was pre ordered the night before,but freshly cooked and made for efficient delivery . We stayed the night before . One hotel we wouldn’t ever stay again and ine we would definitely use, I leave it to the reader to decide which this is !

More milk in room ,and I would like to see fresh milk offered instead of McDonalds sachets where you need at least two to a cup

🇬🇧

Louiseo1976

10

September 2024

We chose the Northern Sands hotel as an overnight stop off between John O'Groats and Durness along our NC500 trip. The staff are super friendly and the our room was really spacious, the bed was huge and everywhere was very clean - It felt like it had recently been refurbished. We visited mid-September 2024. We chose to eat in their restaurant for dinner and it was really great - the food was really good quality and they had a a nice welcoming bar area too. We'd be happy to recommend this hotel to anyone doing the NC500. Oh and the breakfast was super too!

🇬🇧

Deborah

8.2

May 2025

My room was clean and comfortable. My evening meal was rump of lamb and it was cooked well. Breakfast offered considerable choice. My porridge and kipper was just to my liking. Breakfast time service was very good.

I would have liked a small table with a bedside light in my room (Smith). I had to get out of bed to turn off the overhead light after reading. Service in the dining room in the evening was slow and it wasn't because the dining room was busy.

🇬🇧

Alan

9.1

October 2024

We have stayed here before. A nice hotel in a pleasant location next too Dunnet Bay. Rooms are all well equipped and comfortable. Staff are helpful and pleasant. Had an evening meal which was good and the breakfast range was also very good. Parking for your car is available in the adjacent Car Park. If you are looking to stay in this part of Scotland Northern Sands Hotel would be a good place to stay.

Couldn't fault anything.

🇬🇧

Maxine

9.1

June 2025

This was a great place as part of our NC500 trip. The room was nice and the shower was fabulous!!! All the staff we met were really friendly. There was a nice bar and some outside seating. Plenty of parking available too. We had an evening meal which was delicious and plentiful. Breakfast was really good and a great choice. We would certainly stay here again

🇬🇧

Nicholas

8.2

June 2024

Great location for users either ferry and on N500 for that crowd. Really good restaurant with very friendly staff, good bar with well kept real ale. Room fine size with adequate storage. Breakfast generous and good quality.

In ‘could have been better’ (but not bad) category bed pretty hard, for us at least. Bathroom tight, shower small for a 6’1” bloke (good pressure and temp though) and light over basin mirror not working. £140 a night but steep for what it was.

🇦🇺

Philip

9.1

June 2023

Very friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable rooms. Kitchen provides very good food. Spacious rooms and shared areas for dining. Plenty of on site parking. Windows all operated fine and could be opened for ventilation.

I stayed with my 94 year old mother. When we booked we knew that there was no lift and that she would have to use the stairs. Whilst the stairs are wide with normal size steps the handrail is of a design (similar to a picture rail) that you cant wrap your hand around and she found this a challenge to hold on to and had to be helped up and down stairs by myself. A better hand rail should be installed which runs all the way from the bottom to the top and around the mid staircase landing.

🇬🇧

Anonymous

8.2

June 2025

The staff were superb. Nothing was too much trouble. Friendly and helpful at all times. Really good location.

The room (named Smith, no room numbers used in this hotel) had everything I needed but until about 11.00 at night was a bit noisy due to it being near the kitchen extractor fan and the bar sound system.

🇬🇧

Ann

9.1

July 2024

I came across the Northern Sands quite by accident and I am very glad I did. A little gem. The hotel is located approximately 8 mile out of Thurso but well worth the additional mileage. The staff couldn't have been more helpful if they tried. I had both a lovely dinner in their onsite restaurant & a freshly prepared breakfast even though I wanted it before their normal starting time of 0700.

Nothing.

Points of Interest Around Northern Sands Hotel

Attractions

Thurso

6.7mi

Standing Stones of Stenness

26.2mi

St. Magnus Cathedral

28.4mi

Scapa Flow

29.5mi

Skara Brae

29.6mi

Restaurants

The Pentland Lounge

Cuisines

  • British

Ambiances

  • Traditional

Logan's Bar

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly
  • Traditional
  • Modern

Amenities of Northern Sands Hotel

Restaurant

Beachfront

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Bar

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Wheelchair accessible

Garden view

Picnic area

Bathtub

Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)

Stay rules - Northern Sands Hotel

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property