North Coast Visitor Centre

North Coast Visitor Centre Museum, gallery, café & shop exploring Caithness past, present and future.

This , make sure you pay a visit to our Coffee Shop and try our new loose leaf teas.Whether you prefer something bold a...
21/05/2026

This , make sure you pay a visit to our Coffee Shop and try our new loose leaf teas.

Whether you prefer something bold and warming, light and refreshing, or fruity and caffeine-free, our range of loose leaf teas has something for every taste.

Why not take a moment to slow down, relax, and enjoy a proper pot of tea surrounded by the stories of Caithness?

From Tropical Mango Fruit Tea to Together Mint Herbal Blend and classic favourites, there’s plenty to discover on our tea menu.

Museum open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Coffee Shop open 10am – 4pm

If you've not yet had the joy of visiting our current exhibition, don't leave it too late!Joy, by the Caithness Society ...
15/05/2026

If you've not yet had the joy of visiting our current exhibition, don't leave it too late!

Joy, by the Caithness Society of Artists, is a vibrant mixed-media exhibition exploring the people, places and moments that bring happiness and inspiration. Featuring a wide range of styles and subjects, this uplifting exhibition showcases the creativity and talent of local artists.

Come along and discover what Joy means to the artists of Caithness before 30th May.

Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
Café North open 10am–4pm

“There is not, I believe, in this round world anything to which you can compare this place or thing.”We were recently se...
12/05/2026

“There is not, I believe, in this round world anything to which you can compare this place or thing.”

We were recently sent this wonderful review of Thurso Museum from the Northern Ensign, published on Thursday 5 October 1871.

The writer described the museum as a “most perfect state of confusion” and suggested that only the ruins of Pompeii could rival what they saw!

Today, the North Coast Visitor Centre offers a welcoming, engaging, and hopefully less confusing, experience that brings the story of Caithness to life across three floors, from Pictish and Viking stones to the fascinating story of Dounreay.

Have you visited recently? We’d love to hear what you thought.

Leave us a review on TripAdvisor and help others discover us:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186541-d24091425-Reviews-North_Coast_Visitor_Centre-Thurso_Caithness_and_Sutherland_Scottish_Highlands_Sc.html

Museum open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm Coffee Shop open 10am – 4pm

Newly on display in our changing highlights case, is the Caithness Football Association County League Trophy, our Object...
11/05/2026

Newly on display in our changing highlights case, is the Caithness Football Association County League Trophy, our Object of the Month for May, alongside a display featuring historic photographs of local football teams from years gone by.

From village pitches to cup finals, these images capture generations of players, supporters, and communities brought together by the beautiful game.

Read more about the history of the trophy and the story behind this month’s featured object on our blog: https://www.highlifehighland.com/blog/posts/may-26-ootm-caithness-football-association-county-league-trophy

Why not pop in and see if you can spot a familiar face in the photographs?

Museum open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Coffee Shop open 10am – 4pm

We’re looking for a new member of staff to join our 2026 seasonal Front of House team across our museum and café and got...
26/04/2026

We’re looking for a new member of staff to join our 2026 seasonal Front of House team across our museum and café and got less than a week to go until applications close!

If you enjoy history and heritage, meeting people, and ensuring every guest has an exceptional experience this could be for you.

Find out more and apply by 29th April: www.highlifehighland.org/recruitment

Our current exhibition Joy, by the Caithness Society of Artists, invites you to explore what happiness means through art...
24/04/2026

Our current exhibition Joy, by the Caithness Society of Artists, invites you to explore what happiness means through art. Showcasing a wide range of styles and subjects, each piece offers a unique perspective on the moments and inspirations that spark joy.

Come in and see what Joy means to our local artists!

We’ve just taken delivery of this beautiful panel from the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Tapestry and it’s now on ...
22/04/2026

We’ve just taken delivery of this beautiful panel from the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Tapestry and it’s now on display in our café!

Designed by renowned Scottish artist Andrew Crummy, the wider tapestry brings together stories from across the Highlands and Islands, brought to life by community stitchers.

This panels central image is a memorial to the Highland Clearances when a significant number of people in the Highlands and Islands were displaced, forced to leave their homes and livelihood with the journey stones surrounding it, weaving together local landscapes with personal memories and stories.

The tapestry form part of the visitor experience at Inverness Castle Experience, where some of these community created panels will be displayed as a lasting celebration of Highland life, past and present.

This panel was stitched by West Caithness Stitchers, Ena, Andi, Catriona, Anne, Sarah, Harriette, Phyllida and Justine, who gave their time, skill and energy to completing this fantastic artwork.

Find out more: www.discoverhighlandsandislands.scot/en/tapestry/the-highland-clearances

Museum open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Coffee Shop open 10am – 4pm

Are you looking for a role where you can meet people from all over the world and make a real impact on their experience?...
21/04/2026

Are you looking for a role where you can meet people from all over the world and make a real impact on their experience?

An opportunity has arisen to join the team as a Seasonal Visitor Experience Assistant (Front of House) at the North Coast Visitor Centre!

If you enjoy history and heritage, meeting people, and ensuring every guest has an exceptional experience this could be for you.

Find out more and apply by 29th April: www.highlifehighland.org/recruitment

BookBug tomorrow at NCVC!Join us Thursday 16 April, 11am – 11.30am for a fun session of stories, songs and rhymes for ba...
15/04/2026

BookBug tomorrow at NCVC!

Join us Thursday 16 April, 11am – 11.30am for a fun session of stories, songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.

A lovely way to introduce little ones to books and enjoy some time together.

Museum open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Coffee Shop open 10am – 4pm

What does Joy look like to you?Our latest exhibition "Joy", by the Caithness Society of Artists, showcases the moments, ...
13/04/2026

What does Joy look like to you?

Our latest exhibition "Joy", by the Caithness Society of Artists, showcases the moments, places and inspirations that bring happiness to local creatives. Expect a vibrant mix of styles, subjects and mediums celebrating the talent of Caithness’ artistic community!

Come and experience it for yourself until 30th May.

Museum open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Coffee Shop open 10am – 4pm

Address

High Street
Thurso
KW148AJ

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441847805020

Website

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