John O'Groats

Clearly, if you’re only going to do one thing, it should be having your pic snapped with the famed John O’Groats signpost, 15 minutes’ walk from the lodges. Beyond that, it’s up to you… Active types will want to be out on the coastal path, taking the 45-minute walk to see the sea stacks at Duncansby Head, or tackling the trickier task of navigating around the cliffs of Dunnet Head (25 minutes’ drive). Pack binoculars if you’re heading that way, as the RSPB reserve at Dunnet Head is an excellent place to spot puffins, guillemots and other sea birds. Two castles, two completely different experiences – the Queen Mum’s old pad Castle of Mey (10 minutes) has stunning gardens and lots of personal bits on display inside, while medieval Castle Sinclair Girnigoe (half an hour) is now a clifftop ruin where it’s often possible to spot seals between the rocks below. If gazing at Orkney isn’t enough, take a 40-minute ferry ride from John O’Groats for a day checking out its main sights.