The charming seaside town with magical waterfalls and breathtaking beaches
- UK Hidden Gems
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
This quiet town in the Scottish Highlands is a hidden treasure full of magical views.
Time Out named it one of the “20 coolest, prettiest, and quirkiest seaside towns in the UK.”
With its old-fashioned charm, beautiful coastline, and fascinating history, this special place is perfect for anyone looking for both peace and adventure.
The town sits on a narrow stretch of land that reaches into the Cromarty Firth, and it’s surrounded by incredible natural scenery.
You’ll find sparkling waterfalls, mystical wells, and wide beaches in this historic spot, which is known as the best-kept 18th-century town in Scotland.
Pretty little cottages line the streets, many with lovely views across the water. With only about 700 people living there, Cromarty has always been closely connected to the sea.
It used to be busy with trades like making rope and working with iron, and its history is full of stories from its time as a coastal hub.
Visitors can wander down cobbled lanes, admire the old fisherman’s cottages, and visit the East Church, known for its beautiful clear windows.
If you love nature and walking, nearby places like Fairy Glen are a must-see – a green, wooded valley with waterfalls – and Clootie Wells, where you’ll find cloth tied to trees in a centuries-old Celtic tradition.
You can also take a boat trip from the harbour to see bottlenose dolphins – it’s home to the world’s most northerly pod, and they often swim close to the boats.
For a fun and old-fashioned experience, there’s a small car ferry that crosses the firth to Nigg, carrying people and cars alike.
With its mix of natural beauty, history, and peaceful seaside charm, Cromarty truly feels like a place from a storybook – and it definitely deserves a spot among the UK’s loveliest seaside towns.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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