Even though the most northerly point of the British Mainland is Dunnet Head, the tiny scattered settlement of John O’Groats is renowned as the furthest point on the UK mainland. It is a popular tourist attraction at the end of the long journey from Land’s End at the tip of Cornwall. Everyone wants their photo taken at the famous signpost.
The settlement takes its name from Jan de Groot, a Dutch merchant who was granted a franchise by James IV of Scotland in 1496, to run a ferry between Caithness and the Orkney islands. The Islands had recently been acquired from Norway in lieu of the unpaid dowry of Margaret of Denmark on their marriage.
The route was vital for travel and trade and his surname was given to the coin used to pay for the crossing.
Jan de Groot built a harbour here. The ferry crossing was a great success and Jan de Groot built a house and ran a successful business here. He had seven argumentative sons who all jostled for power and control of the business. According to legend, Jan’s house had 8 doors so irritable sons and he never had to cross paths when entering or leaving the family home.
Jan de Groot is buried in Canisbay churchyard where his tombstone can be seen, now moved to inside the entrance porch for protection against the weather.
At the moment, there is no longer a ferry service between John o’Groats and Orkney. In 2025, the company that had run the summer service was for sale and no buyer had yet been found. Passengers now have to travel from Gills Bay on Pentland ferries.
The tower of the John O’Groats hotel built in 1875 was built with eight sides , in keeping with the legend. This now self catering provision with a series of brightly painted Norwegian style wooden buildings. There are more wooden self catering chalets above the settlement.
The First and Last Shop on by the harbour is also eight sided. This sells the usual selection of tourist gifts.
Near it is the splendid red foghorn from Dunscanby Head Lighthouse, which was automated in 2000.
Over the years the settlement has grown with additional buildings including a very good information centre selling a wide range of books and maps. There is a brewery as well as gift shops and cafes.
John O’Groats wasn’t as tacky and commercialised as I’d expected. There’s isn’t really a lot to do here, but there are good coastal walks in both directions.
website
The settlement takes its name from Jan de Groot, a Dutch merchant who was granted a franchise by James IV of Scotland in 1496, to run a ferry between Caithness and the Orkney islands. The Islands had recently been acquired from Norway in lieu of the unpaid dowry of Margaret of Denmark on their marriage.
The route was vital for travel and trade and his surname was given to the coin used to pay for the crossing.
Jan de Groot built a harbour here. The ferry crossing was a great success and Jan de Groot built a house and ran a successful business here. He had seven argumentative sons who all jostled for power and control of the business. According to legend, Jan’s house had 8 doors so irritable sons and he never had to cross paths when entering or leaving the family home.
Jan de Groot is buried in Canisbay churchyard where his tombstone can be seen, now moved to inside the entrance porch for protection against the weather.
At the moment, there is no longer a ferry service between John o’Groats and Orkney. In 2025, the company that had run the summer service was for sale and no buyer had yet been found. Passengers now have to travel from Gills Bay on Pentland ferries.
The tower of the John O’Groats hotel built in 1875 was built with eight sides , in keeping with the legend. This now self catering provision with a series of brightly painted Norwegian style wooden buildings. There are more wooden self catering chalets above the settlement.
The First and Last Shop on by the harbour is also eight sided. This sells the usual selection of tourist gifts.
Near it is the splendid red foghorn from Dunscanby Head Lighthouse, which was automated in 2000.
Over the years the settlement has grown with additional buildings including a very good information centre selling a wide range of books and maps. There is a brewery as well as gift shops and cafes.
John O’Groats wasn’t as tacky and commercialised as I’d expected. There’s isn’t really a lot to do here, but there are good coastal walks in both directions.
website