View Full Version : John O'Groats
Mr P Cannop
21-Mar-06, 21:35
The Lonely Planet's dubbed it Scotland's most embarrassing tourist attraction but now John O'Groats is fighting back. Locals in the most north easterly part of the UK are calling for tourists to ignore the backpackers bible and see for themselves what the area has to offer
As a tourist attraction, John O Groats just doesn't hack it.
It is not necessarily the locals fault but when compared to Lands End, it lacks everything.
Jeepers - a car park, a few shoppies, and a closed Hotel. Why would tourists be thrilled with that?:evil
cuddlepop
21-Mar-06, 21:56
There is something very magical about the scenery around John O Groats.I dont like the tacky tourist shops and the huge car park.The place could be so much better.
Its the fixtures and fittings that let it down; that is what makes the place a huge disappointment:p
I hate the shop with all the flies in it yuck
Violetsky
21-Mar-06, 23:05
who says Groats wants to be anything like Lands End?
I know its not the best tourist attraction in the world but there is a lot more to Groats than just the harbour - there is a wonderful walk round the shore that nature destroys every year - which is then repaired - and while there - there is a chance you could see the killer whales that are making more and more appearances each year - there are the stacks with all the birds.
All it needs is for people to take their blinkers off and they would be able to see loads more than just the carpark.
But then again there are some people who only see what they want to see!
Groats has lovely scenery and great coast line but at the end of the day it's just a big car park with a few little shops in the middle that charge a fortune lol
Well it's great to see the truth at last IT'S A HOLE .Your could find better stuff in a landfill site .C A S E spent a forture on Groat's and its still crap. There is not enough visitors to the area to make it pay ,so there is no reason to spend money on it . Its the Buttlands of the North, its had its day .Closed for most of the year .So will the last to leave ,Turn off the light .
I like John O' Groats. Yeah sure they could do more with it commercially, and maybe they will. For me though, it's not about the carparks and shops, it's about the sea and the land.
Sutherland850
21-Mar-06, 23:58
I think it would be alot better if someone would open the hotel thats shut - or atleast do something to it. Who owns it?
I think it would be alot better if someone would open the hotel thats shut - or atleast do something to it. Who owns it?
Don't know who owns in but i think it is beyond repair its such a shame .
I like John O' Groats. Yeah sure they could do more with it commercially, and maybe they will. For me though, it's not about the carparks and shops, it's about the sea and the land.
Yep, and the sea and the land at Land's End is equally spectacular, and there is a great coastal walk round to the centre, but they also have some amenities and you don't quite feel you are getting your eyes ripped out!
<snip>... and you don't quite feel you are getting your eyes ripped out!
I can't say I've had that experience at John O'Groats.
webmannie
22-Mar-06, 00:27
Know what you mean about the flies Unicorn.
My Two year old went in the door and about turned, she refused to go in because 'it stinked'. Wasn't even in the summer it was about a month ago!
Cedric Farthsbottom III
22-Mar-06, 00:31
When I was a kid growing up in Ayrshire,I thought John O Groats was a famous Scotsman like Rabbie Burns.[para]
Its not the most exciting place in the world,but it has got a wee bit o' magic about it.
Its not the most exciting place in the world,but it has got a wee bit o' magic about it.
I totally agree with you Cedric. I would often drive out to John O'Groats just to enjoy the scenery.
willowbankbear
22-Mar-06, 02:45
When I was a kid growing up in Ayrshire,I thought John O Groats was a famous Scotsman like Rabbie Burns.[para]
Its not the most exciting place in the world,but it has got a wee bit o' magic about it.
There was a bloke called Jon de Groot up therre a few years ago, thats why its called John o groats ,or Car park city if yer P.C & trendy.
Hands up who thinks theres lots to do up there? :o Come on yer having a laugh. I personally like Groats,the people up there are Ace but its been found wanting in a very big and hardly indefensible manner today & I think that it`ll struggle to shake off the tag of car park rip off & Grotty shoppie Groats
neepnipper
22-Mar-06, 09:39
The hotel is owned by the same people that own Lands End. I think the hotel could be a real asset to JOG, it looks so dismal at the moment. It should be renovated back to its former glory, it has a lovely restaurant with a huge bay window over looking the sea. imagine having your wedding there. There could be antique fairs and craft fairs held there, business seminars, special weekend offers in the winter, a good restaurant serving local produce.
I think it's disgraceful the way it has declined, it's a superb building, when I was working in JOG last year the amount of people that said how awful the hotel looked spoke for itself.
I don't know if the council could intervene before the place totally fall to pieces, something should definitely be done.
If I win a couple of mil on the lottery I'd give it a go!
The hotel is owned by the same people that own Lands End. ...................business seminars, special weekend offers in the winter, a good restaurant serving local produce.
That's what it used to be like - a great place for a meal.
Countryman
22-Mar-06, 11:26
Yes year ago a great place for food and a dram, but how things have changed, Still a great view of the sea and Stroma - BUT derelict Hotel - and how much money has been spent on Tatty shops that are the worst in the county.
It is known the world over it's about time that the Highland Council plus others got their act together and put real investment and expertise into making it one of the best sites in Scotland.
It is being done in Inverness with the multi million upgrade to Eden Court and even in Thurso with the Town hall project.
Lets see some action.
It is known the world over it's about time that the Highland Council plus others got their act together and put real investment and expertise into making it one of the best sites in Scotland.
It is being done in Inverness with the multi million upgrade to Eden Court and even in Thurso with the Town hall project.
Lets see some action.
Aye, recent tender advert in The Herald for a £5m refurbishment of Inverness Town Centre..
How long since it was last done?????
This the best thing about john o groats
http://www.northcoast-marine-adventures.co.uk/
and trust me the white water adventure is not for the fainthearted but i highly recommend it i coulnd have enough of it last year went on it about three time in one month cant wait til the season opens again lol:grin: :grin: :grin:
This the best thing about john o groats
http://www.northcoast-marine-adventures.co.uk/
and trust me the white water adventure is not for the fainthearted but i highly recommend it i coulnd have enough of it last year went on it about three time in one month cant wait til the season opens again lol:grin: :grin: :grin:
White Water Rib Adventure...i was unaware of this...i need to get out more..
looks fun:)
who says Groats wants to be anything like Lands End?
I know its not the best tourist attraction in the world but there is a lot more to Groats than just the harbour - there is a wonderful walk round the shore that nature destroys every year - which is then repaired - and while there - there is a chance you could see the killer whales that are making more and more appearances each year - there are the stacks with all the birds.
All it needs is for people to take their blinkers off and they would be able to see loads more than just the carpark.
But then again there are some people who only see what they want to see!
Yes i agree with you. Groats is a beautiful place if people would just take a look around they would see. If Groats was just like all the cities and and everywhere else then what is the point in people coming here.:grin:
Yes i agree with you. Groats is a beautiful place if people would just take a look around they would see. If Groats was just like all the cities and and everywhere else then what is the point in people coming here.:grin:
I agree with you also..what is expected of Groats..Tescos[lol] ..i admit the hotel does need some attention but Groats is a lovely place with friendly people.
willowbankbear
22-Mar-06, 14:02
I saw thaT white water rafting when I was up for my annual summer visit last year, Im dying for a go at it,just like the paintball:D
I been on it a few times what a laugh we had i will defiantly be going back when it opens again and there is no chance of your getting your money back believe me lol
I been on it a few times what a laugh we had i will defiantly be going back when it opens again and there is no chance of your getting your money back believe me lol
thats right krieve thats there famous saying if you come back dry we will give you your money back but there is no chance i thought i was well waterproofed up but i thought wrong lol i was that wet i had to go home in the car in my boxer shorts lol[lol]
willowbankbear
22-Mar-06, 14:27
As long as it is value for my hard earned Krieve, I donot mind. How much for a birl in the fastship?
I did notice they supply the oilskins,plus point, Ive been through the firth many times & had some dodgy crossings at times,but im sure Id enjoy this a bit more:grin:
As long as it is value for my hard earned Krieve, I donot mind. How much for a birl in the fastship?
I did notice they supply the oilskins,plus point, Ive been through the firth many times & had some dodgy crossings at times,but im sure Id enjoy this a bit more:grin:
Well if you don't mind skating a cross the firth at 40 knots and then al a sudden stopping dead on the spot and doing a full 360 degrees turn half under water you will love it
thats right krieve thats there famous saying if you come back dry we will give you your money back but there is no chance i thought i was well waterproofed up but i thought wrong lol i was that wet i had to go home in the car in my boxer shorts lol[lol]
lol never icebox
Well if you don't mind skating a cross the firth at 40 knots and then al a sudden stopping dead on the spot and doing a full 360 degrees turn half under water you will love it
yes half under the water lol don't sit at the front they brake and the water goes right over you nearly choke on the water lol
yes half under the water lol don't sit at the front they brake and the water goes right over you nearly choke on the water lol
But that wont stop me i will be booking it this year again for sure :grin: :grin:
The wild life cruise is also good trip they take you in to a cave with seals and you get a good view of the wild life and the stroma coast there is so much to see .
willowbankbear
22-Mar-06, 15:36
Not worried about the wildlife cruise mate, but the white water sounds magic fun, another thing I must do this year
Cedric Farthsbottom III
22-Mar-06, 16:51
This the best thing about john o groats
http://www.northcoast-marine-adventures.co.uk/
and trust me the white water adventure is not for the fainthearted but i highly recommend it i coulnd have enough of it last year went on it about three time in one month cant wait til the season opens again lol:grin: :grin: :grin:
Oh yesssssssss!!!!!Ice-box ye arenae wrong there!!!!All ye orgers try at least in one o' yir days to try this!!!!The scenery is breath taking but the joys of flying cross the water with the wind blowing through yir hair(well whats left of it in ma case):lol: .
Just remember though,even wi the waterproofs they give ye.Ye're gonna get soaked..........rare fun though!!!!!!!!
Having been to Lands End on a few occasions, and having paid a small fortune for the pleasure (??), it is massively overpriced, and you still have to pay extra to 'enter' some of the other bits and bobs when your 'on site' Follow that with queing , and massive crowds, overpriced food, and its no pleasure at all. J O'G has a natural beauty, is much more pleasent to visit, but is in desperate need of another decent hotel/pub/cafe. Surely some-one with the cash can see the potiental !!
Having been to Lands End on a few occasions, and having paid a small fortune for the pleasure (??), it is massively overpriced, and you still have to pay extra to 'enter' some of the other bits and bobs when your 'on site' Follow that with queing , and massive crowds, overpriced food, and its no pleasure at all. J O'G has a natural beauty, is much more pleasent to visit, but is in desperate need of another decent hotel/pub/cafe. Surely some-one with the cash can see the potiental !!
Couldn't have put it better myself, lol! At Lands End they even charge you to park your car!
i once had to pay 20p to fart in John O'Groats ... will use the cafe loo next time
Couldn't have put it better myself, lol! At Lands End they even charge you to park your car!
Ah well, fresh air and scenery are all very well but busloads of tourists aren't going to come here to stand in the wind and rain and gaze at Orkney.
They will just bypass JOG and go to Orkney.
If we want to part the tourists from some of their spending cash then there needs to be a lot more to do and see than a 'bonnie view'. The local businesses want the tourists to spend their money, not just look out the bus window.
We could learn lessons from the Orkney Tourist industry, they haven't ruined anything but they certainly know how to market it and maximise the earning potential.
The sooner we lose this parochial " Let then come and look at the sea and the land" attitude, the sooner the cash will start to flow into the county. The local population need to be able to make a living and if fowk fae the south want to live on fresh air, bonnie views and acres of ozone then let them. But Caithness needs earnings fro tourism to increase the standard of living of those who work here.
Rant over ( for now) [lol]
Ah well, fresh air and scenery are all very well but busloads of tourists aren't going to come here to stand in the wind and rain and gaze at Orkney.
They will just bypass JOG and go to Orkney.
If we want to part the tourists from some of their spending cash then there needs to be a lot more to do and see than a 'bonnie view'. The local businesses want the tourists to spend their money, not just look out the bus window.
We could learn lessons from the Orkney Tourist industry, they haven't ruined anything but they certainly know how to market it and maximise the earning potential.
The sooner we lose this parochial " Let then come and look at the sea and the land" attitude, the sooner the cash will start to flow into the county. The local population need to be able to make a living and if fowk fae the south want to live on fresh air, bonnie views and acres of ozone then let them. But Caithness needs earnings fro tourism to increase the standard of living of those who work here.
Rant over ( for now) [lol]
Have you been to John O' Groats in the middle of July? It's packed!
Come the end of August it almost empty righ enuff....but at the height of summer it's buzzing with tourists.
Have you been to John O' Groats in the middle of July? It's packed!
Come the end of August it almost empty righ enuff....but at the height of summer it's buzzing with tourists.
My point is that it doesn't matter how many that there are ......
are they spending?
how much are they spending?
how can we encourage them to spend more?
how can we encourage them to come back, bring friends, and spend more?
If all there is is a bonnie view, fresh air, a boat trip and a killer whale, how on earth are people to make a good living out of this.
I am a bit afraid of the attitude that some people have, that nothing should change because they like it, the way it is.
My point is that it doesn't matter how many that there are ......
are they spending?
how much are they spending?
how can we encourage them to spend more?
how can we encourage them to come back, bring friends, and spend more?
If all there is is a bonnie view, fresh air, a boat trip and a killer whale, how on earth are people to make a good living out of this.
I am a bit afraid of the attitude that some people have, that nothing should change because they like it, the way it is.
Well I agree the killer whales should be paid more. They're only part time and they want things to stay the same, always complaining that the humans are changing things (like the ph of the oceans.)
Lets employ some better views as well, and the air, well don't get me started. If we could just get it to slow down once in a while......
Lets get a casino, a badminton court and a fire-eater.....
I suppose I could swoop in once in a while, cause a stir...
The Enigma
22-Mar-06, 23:09
I know someone from England that visited Groats, who moaned afterwards about how rubbish it was, about how Lands End was so much better cause it had a laser-light show, etc, etc.
A laser-light show?!?! Is this the sort of thing that people expect? If I was to go to somewhere like John O'Groats or Lands End it would be to see it for what it is, to say I've been to the farthest corners of the country, to enjoy the scenery, etc, not to see a laser show. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy a laser show as much as the next person, but at some sort of show or event that benefits from such a thing.
Maybe Groats could do with a bit of work done on it, I dont know, its a while since I've been there, but nothing too drastic, and certainly not something thats going to detract from the whole point of the place and turn it into some sort of sideshow.
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