"Fabulous hotel, rooms are specious, surrounded by woodland and lake."
Deryl from United Kingdom
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"Evening dinner was an absolute joy, fabulous menu from start to finish with all dishes perfectly executed."
Wiltshire8 from United Kingdom
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"The decor of the main hotel is exceptional, the breakfast was excellent with a lot of choice."
Emma from United Kingdom
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"Great selection (possibly hundreds) of Whisky & other spirits, the local rum (1 mile away) & local whisky (8 miles away) were very nice indeed."
Earthlyone from United Kingdom
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4-star Historic Country House Hotel on 20-acre Estate with 2 AA Rosette Restaurant
Accommodations
Forss House offers cottage-style rooms such as Miller's Cottage and riverside lodges like Falls Fishing Lodge, each with super-king-size beds and spacious en-suite bathrooms. The Radcliffe Bedrooms provide additional space with views of the gardens or river. Some rooms feature freestanding copper baths that overlook the surrounding woodlands.
Dining
The hotel's restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes, making it the only restaurant in Caithness with this award. Menus showcase Scottish cuisine with options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also book private dining arrangements or enjoy afternoon tea with freshly baked treats in the conservatory.
Grounds and Location
The 20-acre estate includes woodlands, a waterfall, and walking trails that follow the river down to Thurso Beach. Forss House sits on the North Coast 500 route, with the Orkney Islands accessible via a short ferry ride from Scrabster. The Castle and Gardens at Mey lies 30 km from the hotel, and Wick John O'Groats Airport is 40 km away.
Pet-Friendly Policies
Dogs are welcome in several accommodations, including the Falls Fishing Lodge and Hairy Mary garden room, with pet bowls and pet baskets provided. The grounds offer direct access to walking paths along the river and through the woodlands. A dedicated 'hound bag' with treats and a ball is placed in each pet-friendly room.
Activities and Services
Fishing is available directly from the hotel's riverbank, and hiking trails start on the estate. The bar stocks an extensive whiskey selection, and board games are available for guest use. Meeting and banquet facilities can be arranged, with fax and photocopying services offered.
Highlights
Accommodations: Cottage-style rooms and riverside lodges with super-king beds
Dining: Only 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Caithness
Grounds: 20-acre estate with waterfall and woodland trails
Location: On the North Coast 500, near Orkney ferry
Pet-Friendly: Dog-accepted rooms with dedicated pet amenities
Activities: River fishing and hiking on-site
Must-do experiences
Stroll along Thurso East for breathtaking coastal views and surf spots.
Visit the Caithness Horizons Museum for local history and culture.
Savor fresh seafood at The Captain's Galley, a local favorite.
Check out the Thurso Market on Saturdays for artisan goods and local treats.
Take a day trip to Orkney Islands for stunning landscapes and ancient sites.
Select your room type
Forss House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Two-Bedroom Suite Annex
2 persons
40 m²
1 Double bed
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
28 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Superior Twin Room
2 persons
28 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Forss House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Services
Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Heating
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Forss House Location
Forss House, Forss, Thurso, KW14 7XY,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Brims Castle
2.37 km
Landmark
St Mary's Chapel
2.36 km
Landmark
Cnoc-na-h'Uiseig
4.05 km
Explore Thurso
Explore Forss and Beyond
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Brims Castle
5-minute drive
Historic remnant of a 16th-century fortress, offering stunning coastal views and fascinating insights into local history.
St Mary's Chapel
10-minute drive
Beautifully preserved chapel from the 12th century, known for its intricate stone carvings and tranquil setting.
Cnoc-na-h'Uiseig
10-minute drive
A prominent hill offering walking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Hiking at Cnoc-na-h'Uiseig
10-minute drive
Challenging hikes with breathtaking scenery. Trail access is straightforward; suitable for both solo adventurers and families.
Local Market Visit
10-minute drive
Seasonal markets showcasing local produce and crafts. Check for dates; perfect for cultural immersion and unique buys.
The Forss Hotel Restaurant
5-minute drive
Modern British cuisine made from local ingredients. Cozy atmosphere and signature dishes like lamb shank; reservations recommended.
The Keiss Castle
10-minute drive
Charming pub serving hearty Scottish fare. Known for seafood specialties and local ales; family-friendly and casual vibe.
The Thurso Cinema
10-minute drive
Family-friendly cinema featuring the latest films. Check schedule for special viewings and themed movie nights.
The Weigh Inn
10-minute drive
Vibrant pub with live music events and quiz nights, creating a fun atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Getting around Scotland
City Centre
Thurso 12 min · 7.9 km
Airports
Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 67 min · 44.1 km
Kirkwall (KOI) 132 min · 87.9 km
Train
Scrabster Train Station 11 min · 6.7 km
Thurso Railway Station 12 min · 7.8 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 17.5 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
23
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Forss House from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.7/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
8.7/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
7.6/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Historic charm
Quality breakfast
Whiskey bar
Spacious rooms
Cons
Outdated facilities
Inconsistent housekeeping
Parking issues
Guest reviews
based on 582 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.