Discovering Wick by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to Wick! Looking for a magical getaway in Scotland? Look no further, because this guide is made for you. We’ll take you on a journey to discover the fascinating history of this medieval town, tell you how to get there on a road trip or in a campervan, and give you tips on the best time of year to visit Wick. And of course, we’ll reveal the hidden secrets of the local culinary specialties. Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Wick? Then buckle up, because you’re about to join the passionate vanlife community and experience unique moments in this Scottish gem. So, let’s head to Wick!
Don’t like reading? A video is available at the end of the article or by clicking here.
What is Wick – Scotland?
History of Wick
Wick, a small town located in the north of Scotland, has a history as fascinating as its picturesque landscapes. Founded in the 12th century, it was once an important fishing port, attracting sailors from around the world. But it’s not just its maritime past that makes this town so special. Over the centuries, Wick has had its ups and downs. In the 19th century, it became a major center of the fishing industry, with an impressive fleet of boats and a bustling port activity. However, the advent of World War II dealt a blow to this prosperity. Ships were requisitioned by the military and many fishermen were sent to the front. The town went through tough times, but it rose up with determination. Today, Wick is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its charming stone cottages and historic ruins. Nature lovers can explore the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches that surround the town, while history buffs can discover remarkable sites such as the famous Sinclair Castle. Wick is a town that breathes the past while embracing the future, and it continues to evolve with grace and charm.
Geographical Location
Wick, a scenic small town located in the northeast of Scotland, benefits from a unique and enviable geographical location. Nestled between the rugged cliffs of the North Sea on one side, and the vast green moors on the other, Wick offers breathtaking landscapes. This coastal town is surrounded by preserved natural beauty, with its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
How to Get to Wick?
To get to Wick by plane, you have several options. The nearest airport is Wick John O’Groats Airport, located just 1.6 km from the town. This airport offers domestic flights to Wick, as well as international flights from some major cities.
If you prefer to land at a larger airport, Inverness Airport is also an option. It is about 177 km from Wick. This airport offers domestic and international flights to many major cities.
Edinburgh Airport is the largest airport in Scotland and is about 356 km from Wick. This airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
In summary, you have the choice between Wick John O’Groats Airport, Inverness Airport, or Edinburgh Airport to get to Wick by plane.
If you prefer to travel by train, there are several national and international rail lines that will take you to Wick.
The main railway line is the Highland Main Line, which connects Wick to different Scottish cities. The closest stops to Wick on this line are Thurso and Georgemas Junction. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Wick.
For international travel, you can take a train to Edinburgh and from there, travel to Wick by plane or by car.
In summary, you can take the Highland Main Line to get to Wick by train, stopping at Thurso or Georgemas Junction. You also have the option of traveling to Edinburgh by train and from there, taking another mode of transportation to reach Wick.
To get to Wick by car or campervan from the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, you need to take several main roads.
First, you can take the A9 motorway north from Edinburgh. Continue on the A9 motorway until you reach Inverness, then take the exit for the A99 road towards Wick. Follow the A99 road to Wick.
Another option is to take the A90 motorway from Edinburgh north to Aberdeen. From there, you can take the A952 road towards Fraserburgh and then the A98 road towards Wick.
In summary, to get to Wick by car or campervan from Edinburgh, you can take the A9 motorway to Inverness, then the A99 road, or take the A90 motorway to Aberdeen, then the A952 and A98 roads. These roads will take you to Wick.
To reach the United Kingdom, we did not take the Tunnel or the Ferry from Calais, we left from the Netherlands! From Rotterdam, it is quite possible to reach the UK fairly quickly. So just follow the East coast of the country to reach the wonderful world that is Scotland!
Climate: When to Visit Wick in a Campervan?
| Month | Avg. Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°/8° | 78mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| February | 4°/8° | 62mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| March | 4°/10° | 57mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| April | 5°/12° | 49mm | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| May | 7°/15° | 47mm | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| June | 10°/17° | 49mm | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| July | 12°/19° | 53mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| August | 12°/18° | 53mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| September | 10°/16° | 64mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| October | 8°/13° | 70mm | 🌧️ | Not very favorable |
| November | 5°/9° | 81mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| December | 4°/7° | 82mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
If we had one tip to give you, visit this town in summer, between the months of June and August. This is when Wick shows its best with sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and many outdoor activities to discover. Take the opportunity to explore its beautiful coastal landscapes, visit its famous lighthouse, and participate in the summer festivities that bring the town to life. Wick in summer is an unforgettable experience not to be missed!
Places to Sleep and Campervan Service Areas in Wick
- 📍🥇 Wick River Campsite: A charming campsite located not far from the seaside,
- 📍🥈 Heritage Coast Campsite: A campervan park and service area, for tents and small campervans, near the sea,
- 📍🥉 Llandow Caravan Park & Storage: Friendly staff and a nice place to park your campervan,
- 📍 Southerndown: A spot facing the beach, the kind of small spot that brings joy.
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We chose Southerndown in Scotland. We had an incredible time at this charming campsite located by the seaside, offering breathtaking views of the northern islands. The fresh air of nature combined with this idyllic setting allowed us to completely relax. It was simply magical! We highly recommend experiencing this spot on your next visit to Wick.
Where and What to Eat in Wick?
Restaurants in Wick
- 🍽️ The Bay View Restaurant: A picturesque place with stunning views of the bay. Their menu offers traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis and smoked salmon.
- 🍽️ The Seafood Shack: A small seafood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. Their dishes are fresh and delicious, especially their oysters and fish soup.
- 🍽️ The Captain’s Table: A historic restaurant located in an 18th-century building. Their cuisine is mainly based on local produce, offering an authentic culinary experience.
- 🍽️ The Whistle Stop Cafe: A cozy café serving homemade dishes and tempting desserts. Their apple pie and hot chocolate are must-try.
- 🍽️ The Old Pulteney Restaurant: An elegant place with a varied menu including meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Their speciality is perfectly cooked Scottish salmon.
Specialties in Wick
Food lovers, let us introduce you to the delicious culinary specialties of Wick, Scotland! In this charming destination, you will be enchanted by the famous haggis, a national Scottish dish made of stuffed sheep’s stomach and oats. Not to mention the traditional black pudding, a tasty and irresistible black sausage. Accompany these dishes with excellent Scottish whiskies to appreciate their richness and flavors.
Among these restaurants, we ate at “The Seafood Shack” and had a great time there! The relaxed and friendly atmosphere put us at ease right away. The dishes were fresh and delicious, especially the fresh oysters and tasty fish soup. The view of the bay was stunning and added a special touch to our meal. If you’re a seafood lover, we highly recommend visiting “The Seafood Shack” on your next visit to Wick, Scotland.
Travel Budget for a Road Trip in Wick
If you’re an American traveler going to Scotland, you’ll be using the British Pound (GBP) for all your expenses. Budget at least £92 per day for each individual, which is about $125 in U.S. dollars.
– Moderate restaurant meal: £25 (around $34)
– Fast-food combo: £6 (about $8)
– Local draft beer (50 cl): £4 (close to $5)
– One-way public transport ticket: £2.5 (nearly $3)
– Public transport pass for a month: £65 (approximately $88)
– One liter of unleaded gas: £1.4 (roughly $2)
– Basic hotel room: £58 (around $79)
– Medium-tier hotel room: £89 (about $121)
– Luxury hotel room: £148 (nearly $201)
– Levis 501 jeans or similar: £58 (close to $79)
– Summer dress at major retailers like Zara, H&M: £29 (roughly $39)
– Athletic shoes: £62 (around $84)
If you’re an American visiting Scotland, allocate at least £92 per day, equivalent to $125. Typical costs include £25 ($34) for a meal at a moderate restaurant and £2.5 ($3) for a single public transport ticket.
Rooms range from £58 ($79) for budget options to £148 ($201) for luxurious stays. When shopping, items like jeans or athletic shoes are usually priced at £58 ($79) and £62 ($84), respectively. Don’t forget to consider currency exchange and extra fees.
Video of our City Trip in this city
What to Do in Wick?
Here is a list of activities we invite you to do in Wick depending on your tastes and preferences:
– Enjoy a romantic walk along the coast of Wick.
– Have a candlelight dinner at one of the local restaurants.
– Admire the sunset from the cliffs of Duncansby.
– Visit the Wick Museum to learn more about the town’s history.
– Attend a show at the Wick Theatre.
– Explore Sinclair Girnigoe Castle, an impressive historic site.
– Go hiking along the famous North Coast 500.
– Try deep-sea fishing in the waters surrounding Wick.
– Go surfing on the sandy beaches of the area.
– Attend the annual Wick Arts Festival, featuring art exhibitions and live performances.
– Don’t miss the Wick Music Festival, which showcases local and international artists.
– Join in the Christmas festivities at the Wick Market, where you can buy unique gifts and taste seasonal local specialties.
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Wick?
In conclusion, Wick is more than just a picturesque small town in Scotland. It is a destination steeped in history, with a fascinating past and a promising future. Its breathtaking landscapes, delicious culinary specialties, and numerous activities make it an essential place for travelers seeking adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking for a romantic getaway, Wick will charm you with its authentic charm and unique Scottish culture. So, embark on a memorable road trip to Wick and immerse yourself in a world where past and present meet to create unforgettable memories.
FAQ
To get to Wick by car or campervan from the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, you need to take several main roads.
First, take the A9 motorway north from Edinburgh. Continue on the A9 motorway until you reach Inverness, then take the exit for the A99 road towards Wick. Follow the A99 road to Wick.
Another option is to take the A90 motorway from Edinburgh north to Aberdeen. From there, you can take the A952 road towards Fraserburgh, then the A98 road towards Wick.
In summary, to get to Wick by car or campervan from Edinburgh, you can take the A9 motorway to Inverness, then the A99 road, or take the A90 motorway to Aberdeen, then the A952 and A98 roads. These roads will take you to Wick.
If we had one tip to give you, visit this town in summer, between the months of June and August. This is when Wick shows its best with sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and many outdoor activities to discover. Take the opportunity to explore its beautiful coastal landscapes, visit its famous lighthouse, and participate in the summer festivities that bring the town to life. Wick in summer is an unforgettable experience not to be missed!
– Attend the annual Wick Arts Festival, featuring art exhibitions and live performances.
– Don’t miss the Wick Music Festival, which showcases local and international artists.
– Join in the Christmas festivities at the Wick Market, where you can buy unique gifts and taste seasonal local specialties.
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