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3-star hotel Check-in 13:00 · Check-out 10:00

The Ferry Inn Scrabster

Discover The Ferry Inn Scrabster, a welcoming 4.4-star inn overlooking Scrabster Harbour. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, hearty local seafood, and warm service just minutes from Scrabster Ferry Terminal and Thurso Castle.

Scrabster, Thurso KW14 7UJ, United Kingdom View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 415 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Breakfast Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable harbour views and friendly service

Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, scenic location overlooking Scrabster Harbour, and the quality of the food and drinks. The hotel suits travelers seeking a relaxed stay with convenient access to nearby ferry and attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and accommodating staff praised for their warm hospitality.
  • Clean, comfortable rooms with charming harbour views.
  • Good quality food in the restaurant, especially local seafood dishes and drinks.
  • Relaxed, cozy atmosphere ideal for unwinding after outdoor activities.
  • Convenient proximity to Scrabster Ferry Terminal and scenic walking routes.

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are simple and may lack some modern amenities (e.g., no hairdryer provided).
  • No air conditioning, fitness center, pool, or airport shuttle available on site.
  • Pet-friendly and family-friendly facilities make it accessible for various travelers.
  • Some rooms are small, but views and comfort remain positive highlights.
  • Parking is available nearby at Scrabster Car Park.

Best for

  • Visitors arriving by ferry or exploring Scrabster Harbour and Thurso area.
  • Travelers seeking a relaxed stay with a focus on local food and drink.
  • Those wanting a friendly, no-frills inn with easy access to coastal walks.
  • Families and pet owners looking for accommodating lodging options.
  • Guests wanting a cozy bar setting to enjoy regional beverages and seafood.
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About this property

Welcome to The Ferry Inn Scrabster

The Ferry Inn Scrabster stands as a charming beacon for travelers seeking a cozy and authentic Scottish coastal experience. Nestled in Scrabster, just a short walk from the ferry terminal, this quaint inn effortlessly blends warmth and rustic hospitality with stunning views of the bustling harbor. Rated at an impressive 4.4, the inn’s reputation for friendly service and comfortable accommodations speaks volumes through the voices of its guests.

Visitors often highlight the genuine friendliness of the staff, whose warm welcome sets the tone for a memorable stay. The rooms may be modest and unpretentious, but they offer a comforting retreat with harbor views that bring the vibrant seaside life right to the window. The absence of modern luxuries like air-conditioning or a hairdryer is offset by the inn’s genuine charm and thoughtful touches.

Food lovers will appreciate the inn’s hearty local offerings, especially the renowned seafood chowder served alongside a carefully selected pint of local ale. The bar, known for its nice pints of Tennants and local IPA, creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day exploring nearby attractions, including Thurso Castle and the scenic Scrabster Ferry Terminal.

Practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and free parking enhance the overall guest experience without overshadowing the inn’s intimate, smoke-free setting. The pet- and kid-friendly environment broadens its appeal, making it an inviting stop for a variety of travelers. While it lacks fitness centers or airport shuttles, The Ferry Inn excels in offering an authentic harbor-side haven that encourages guests to slow down, absorb the maritime ambiance, and connect with the essence of Northern Scotland.

In sum, The Ferry Inn Scrabster feels less like a hotel and more like a home rooted in tradition and local spirit. Whether you are arriving after a bracing walk from Thurso or preparing to catch the ferry, this inn invites you to savor the simple pleasures of hearty food, warm company, and captivating coastal views that stay with you long after your visit.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Air-conditioned
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JR
John Reen Dec 24, 2025
8.0

Nice pints of Tennants. Good service. I walked from Thurso and it was good to get some refreshments before the walk back. Some bold eyed sheep along the way

CB
Claire Bedworth Oct 20, 2025
10

Lovely cozy little Inn located in the heart of Stromness. Staff friendly, welcoming and very accommodating. Clean and comfortable attic room. Loved the food set-up with a warming cup of the local seafood chowder which I enjoyed back in the bar, accompanied by a wee pint of the local IPA. I hope to return someday!

AF
Alison Fisher Oct 17, 2025
10

Literally the friendliest staff of any hotel. The room overlooked the harbour and although small, was very comfortable. The food in the restaurant was really good too both dinner and breakfast. We stayed 3 nights to look around the area and were very happy to have booked this hotel .

YR
Yoga Rocks Oct 04, 2025
8.0

Went in with minimal expectations, but ended being pleasantly surprised. The room although not modern had everything we needed (except a hairdryer). We enjoyed looking out of the windows at the busy port and even saw a man feeding a seal! The staff at both the Hotel & Restaurant were friendly and accommodating. Our room (room 5) had the best loo view we have ever seen!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Ferry Inn Scrabster

Scrabster, Thurso, UK

This simple hotel overlooking Scrabster Harbour is a 6-minute walk from Scrabster Ferry Terminal and 3 miles from Thurso Castle.

  • Thurso 46 min Walk
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal 4 min Walk
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal 4 min Walk
  • Kirkwall Airport 2 hr 17 Car · 2 hr 47 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

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The Castle & Gardens of Mey 1,462 reviews

The Castle & Gardens of Mey

Mey, Thurso KW14 8XH, United Kingdom

4.5 · Castle
Holborn Head 3 reviews

Holborn Head

United Kingdom

4.7 · Peninsula
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