Family Focus in Dornoch

Family Fun in Dornoch

Dornoch is a natural playground for all ages, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, historical discovery, and creative play. Whether you are seeking high-energy activities or quiet moments in nature, Dornoch and Embo provide a safe and welcoming environment for families to make lasting memories together.

Beach & Shoreline

Dornoch and Embo beaches offer miles of golden sand perfect for sandcastle building, kite flying, and paddling. For a closer look at local marine life, head to the rocky outcrops at low tide for rock-pooling, where children can discover crabs, sea anemones and more! Dornoch Beach also features a fantastic playground.

Forest Explorations

Explore the magical woodland trails at Camore and Skelbo Woods. Children can hunt for "dragons," discover chainsaw-carved sculptures, or enjoy the natural play areas featuring dens and tunnels. These sheltered paths are ideal for family walks and bike rides in any weather.

Active Play & Discovery

From the indoor soft play at The Hub in nearby Bonar Bridge, to the "Stones and Bones" pit at Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack, there are plenty of ways to keep little hands busy. For older children, Dornoch's own MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) offers tennis and pickleball, while Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame features crazy golf and a swimming pool.

Animal Encounters

Nature-loving families can spot seals basking at Loch Fleet or watch salmon leaping at the Falls of Shin. For a more "hands-on" experience, Davochfin Farm allows children to meet farm animals and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

Highland Heritage

Little ones can have fun Dragon Hunting with Winston the Bear. Historylinks Museum brings the past to life for younger visitors with dressing-up boxes, interactive films and a town trail to follow.

Local Treats & Traditions

No family trip is complete without a stop at Dornoch Stores for a classic "Mr. Whippy", or visit Sandstone Cafe for a Yarde Farm award-winning ice-cream.

Annual Events

From the spectacle of the Dornoch Piped Band on summer Saturday nights, to the ever-popular Festival Week in August, Dornoch offers a wealth of events throughout the year for all ages. Take in the sights and sounds of the Sutherland Agricultural Show, and enjoy children's sports and events at the Dornoch Highland Games.

Geocaching

Add a modern twist to your family walks with Geocaching—the world’s largest outdoor treasure hunt. Using just your smartphone or a GPS device, you can track down hidden containers (caches) tucked away in and around Dornoch. It’s a fantastic way to motivate children to explore, leading you on foot through the historic town centre, along the winding paths of Camore and Skelbo Woods, or further afield in the wider county of Sutherland. Each cache contains a logbook to sign and often small trinkets for trading, making every discovery a rewarding experience for little explorers. Simply download the Geocaching app, check the map for nearby coordinates, and begin your Highland adventure. It’s free, fun, and the perfect way to uncover Dornoch’s hidden corners.