John O'Groats Signpost Reviews Summary

Accessibility

Pros:

• "All bar one of the shops are wheelchair accessible."
• "There is a boat trip they need you to use a small ramp or a manual wheelchair to get on it if you are a full time wheelchair user."
• "An accessible trail both east and west of the signpost was an unexpected bonus."
• "Great they have longer parking spaces for motor homes."
• "Family friendly camping site and caravan parking spaces with electric connectivity."
• "The nearby car park is conveniently located and easily accessible."
• "Parking is only £3 for the whole day."

Cons:

• "It was difficult for my husband to push the wheelchair on the gravel path along the sea front and around the limited number of open shops."
• "If taking small children, be aware of the dangers of the dock. There are no bars or walls and the stones on the beach are extremely sharp."
• "The roads to and from are full of potholes, so be careful."
• "Parking needs to be paid for and 50p coin for toilets."
• "Parking was busy and costs £2, machine only accepts cash."
• "Parking isn't too expensive either!!"
• "Parking now £3 for all day, a bit steep for a 20 minute stop."

Atmosphere & Scenery

Pros:

• "Scotland has some of the best scenery on this planet and its been a once in a lifetime experience."
• "Fantastic walks along the coat in both directions."
• "It's in a spectacular setting and surrounded by a neat little community of cafes, gift shops and ample car parking."
• "Really nice views over the northern islands with a few small shops full with Scottish memorabilia, a small tea room and close by beautiful small cabins to rent."
• "The whole area was stunning with amazing scenery."
• "As expected, the views are beautiful and the set of recreational facilities nearby, makes for an amazing scene."
• "The views from the signpost are breathtaking."

Cons:

• "A disappointment with no sandy beach, cliffs, or anything special to see."
• "Nothing really to do besides take a pic of the signpost. We were there for 10 mins and left."
• "I found this place to be quite depressing, nobody seemed happy to be there."
• "It's less touristy than lands end and in my opinion much better."
• "The area itself was OK but a little bit of litter and dirty conveniences. Shocking for a tourist attraction of this importance."
• "Unfortunately “John’s Old Scrote” as we came to call it is run down, dowdy and rather unpleasant."
• "Underwhelming and desolate wasteland dotted with run down shops catering for tourists desperate to prove they've been there."

Facilities & Services

Pros:

• "There are numerous shops and eateries at John o'Groats along with a visitors centre."
• "There is even a charge point for electric cars and majestic looking hotel."
• "Boat tours around and to the next Orkney Island."
• "The public toilets were also very clean which was a welcome change."
• "Very clean and well maintained."
• "The Cafe was pleasant and clean with helpful staff."
• "Toilets were lovely and clean, they have hand driers too."

Cons:

• "Cafe not doing hot food. Customers eating but cafe is shut!"
• "None of the toilets had toilet roll or hand wash which in the year of covid is pretty poor."
• "The toilets in the car park close rather early and open rather late."
• "Toilets are cr*p too, pardon the pun."
• "The public toilets were disgusting no other word for it."
• "Manky toilets are 50p."
• "Toilets are pretty manky given they cost - that's really unforgiveable especial during pandemic."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "What a lovely place! Easy to park, £2 to park our campervan all day if we wanted."
• "Plenty of parking at £2 for the day."
• "Parking only £2 for the day and lovely gift shops to visit."
• "Cheap all day car park for local development fund (£2)."
• "It only cost £2 for all day parking."
• "Parking is decent price."
• "Parking charges great. Scenery fabulous sea air was breath taking."

Cons:

• "Food and drinks overpriced as expected and shops full of tat."
• "The the carpark WAS free but now charges £2 per visit.. plus all the shops increased all their prices.. NOT a good way forward and becoming VERY commercialised over the past year."
• "Parking needs to be paid for and 50p coin for toilets."
• "Parking was busy and costs £2, machine only accepts cash."
• "Had to pay 50p to go to the toilets."
• "Obviously an iconic landmark but parking prices extreme."
• "Parking now £3 for all day, a bit steep for a 20 minute stop."

Commercialization & Authenticity

Pros:

• "The most northerly community in mainland Great Britain, this is where the ferry leaves to take you to the Orkneys."
• "Unique place, with a local group now running the businesses and environment around the harbour."
• "Nice to see John O'Groats haven't capitalised on the sign here!"
• "Not commercial like lands end, really nice with a homely feel."
• "More open and accessible than its counterpart at Land's End."
• "It's all about contributing to the local economy."
• "Always wanted to visit & was a great day out."

Cons:

• "Visited on 19th May, n quite a few travellers also arrived in car park. However only 1 shop appeared open, nothing to see, soulless place, not at all welcoming."
• "Of course its incredibly busy but nothing seems to be sympathetic to the views or the location."
• "Selection of tourist - trap souvenir shops around, selling mainly stuff that has nothing to do with the place."
• "The stores and restaurants around the point are horrible."
• "The area has the usual shops selling overpriced tat and poor food places costing double what it should."
• "It just seems like a tourist trap to me that's why I'm giving it 3 star."
• "Designed to get your cash into their pocket."