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Old St Peter’s Church

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Richard Webb via Geograph.org.uk

Old St Peter's Church is a roofless medieval church in the old part of Thurso in Caithness, near the harbour and the mouth of the river, standing in an open churchyard. Its walls survive unusually complete, never robbed for their stone, with a south tower set off to one side and a fine traceried win...

7

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

3 day, 4 overnight

The Holborn Hotel Bar – Thurso, Pentland Hotel Bar – Thurso, The Ferry Inn – Scrabster

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Old St Peter’s Church?
Caithness hosts these atmospheric coastal ruins on the windswept far northern edge of Scotland. Hikers usually stroll over from the nearby harbour or beach to explore the site.

What type of place is Old St Peter’s Church?
Old St Peter’s Church is a ruined twelfth-century parish church in Thurso in the north of Scotland.

When is the best time to visit Old St Peter’s Church?
Clear autumn afternoons offer the most beautiful natural light because the low-slung sun beautifully illuminates the intricate interior stonework. Spring and summer also bring decent weather, though you must always prepare for fierce North Sea gales.

What can you do at Old St Peter’s Church?
People typically explore the historic graveyard to study the ancient gravestones and memorials. Anyone can walk around the outside of the rubble-slab enclosure to photograph the unique stone-carved window.

How long should I spend at Old St Peter’s Church?
Allocating roughly half an hour gives you plenty of time to take photos and wander through the burial ground. Combining the stop with a longer town walk or a coastal stroll makes a great itinerary.

Where do I park at Old St Peter’s Church?
Vehicles can use the seven spaces nearby, providing three day spots and four overnight options. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Old St Peter’s Church?
The Holborn Hotel Bar - Thurso, Pentland Hotel Bar - Thurso, and The Ferry Inn - Scrabster offer three nearby spots to grab a bite. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Old St Peter’s Church?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Old St Peter’s Church, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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