Castle of Mey
Mey, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
Turreted 16th-century castle with a beautiful rose garden – the former summer retreat of the Queen Mother.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Best places to stay:
Granary Lodge
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Until Prince Charles opened this luxury B&B in the old grain store just across the fields from his late grandmother’s Scottish holiday home, the Castle of Mey, it was slim pickings up here in terms of upmarket holiday accommodation.
The 17th-century granary has been painstakingly restored and converted into a cosy, chintz-clad guesthouse with stellar green credentials, of course, by the Prince’s Foundation.
There are 10 individually designed rooms and suites in fabulous fabrics, a log fire-basted drawing room and a corridor lined with black and white photographs of the Queen Mother enjoying blustery picnics – one for Royalist road trippers.
There are sweeping views out across the Pentland Firth to Orkney, and it’s the perfect pitstop if you’re driving the North Coast 500.
Surrounding area
The Caithness coast is wild, windswept, sheep-pricked and empty – a vast sweeping landscape with big, open skies. The cliffs are dramatic and seabird-swooped, the beaches dune-backed and endless.
There are few locals but there is an influx of tourists during the summer months driving the NC500 and ticking off sites such as John O’Groats, the Castle of Mey and Rock Rose gin distillery.
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Key facilities
Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: < 10 mins walk
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga
Food & drink
All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional chargeRoom types
Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts
Room facilities
Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi
Bedding options
2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Experience
Dunnet Bay Distillery
Dunnet, Thurso, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[7.6 miles]
This small artisan distillery produces award-winning Rock Rose seasonal gins and vodka made from Holy Grass (once laid on church floors to scent the air). The copper still is named Elizabeth in honour of the late Queen Mother who summered at the Castle of Mey nearby – and famously liked a G&T.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Overview >
Experience
John O’Groats
John o' Groats, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[9.3 miles]
Famously ‘the end of the road’ and touted as the most northerly point on the UK mainland (although that’s actually Dunnet Head nearby), this once tacky tourist spot has now been spruced up. There are wildlife-watching boat trips from the little harbour and spectacular clifftop walks.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.
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