UK seaside town with world's shortest street that only has room for one address
Measuring in at just 6ft and nine inches in length (2.06m), the world's shortest street is actually located in a UK seaside town known for its beautiful scenery, rich wildlife, and ubiquitous history
A quaint coastal town dripping with natural beauty and maritime history has one bizarre fame to claim - it is home to the world's shortest street.
Situated in the far north of Scotland, in Caithness, lies the former Viking settlement of Wick. Once the busiest herring port in Europe, the tiny seaside town now attracts tourists from all over the globe thanks to its intricate castle ruins, rugged cliffs, and rich wildlife.
"Around three miles north from Wick the dramatic 15th to 17th century ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe castles rise steeply from a needle-thin promontory," hails Visit Scotland, the area's official tourist board. "There is a good clifftop walk to the castle via Noss Head Lighthouse from the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe. Visitors will encounter a wide selection of wildlife along the way including various species of seabirds and puffins and a beautiful scenic beach, popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting, awaits them at the end of Sinclair Bay."
For tourists wanting to visit something a little more unusual, head over to Ebenezer Place, the world's shortest street. Measuring in at just 6ft and nine inches in length (2.06m) - the street is so tiny it can only fit one address, Mackay's Hotel's No. 1 Bistro.
The eatery, idyllically set next to the Wick River, serves up mouth-watering dishes based on local produce - as well as afternoon tea, cocktail masterclasses, and (of course) whisky. In 2006, the street - which is maintained by Highland Council as road authority - scooped a Guinness World Record on October 28, 2006, officially crowning it the shortest street on the planet.
"When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883, after making his fortune, he built Mackays Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street," Mackay's Hotel's website states. "The council instructed him to put a name on the short end of the building, as they deemed it a separate street. Ebenezer Place then appeared in the town's records from 1887."
Located more than 670 miles from central London, driving to Wick from the Big Smoke will take you almost 13 hours. If you're not prepared for such a gruelling car journey, you can fly to Inverness, and then drive two and a half hours down to the town. Flights to Inverness take just one and a half hours, and depart from both London Luton and Heathrow Airport. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £44 in July.
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17 of the best river cruises in Europe for 2025
There are clear differences between river and ocean cruising. Unlike the sea-crossing kind, river cruises in Europe (and beyond) offer smaller ships, more regular stops and, almost always, a far more central dock from which to explore some of the continent's great cities. These cruises are all about living life in the slow lane, with time spent drifting gently past vineyards, villages and meadows. The majority of operators deliver a good standard of luxury, with large staterooms, quality cuisine and sundecks; increasingly you'll also find spas and pools; better yet, all-inclusive board is common, including an excellent range of excursions focused on topics from food to history. Some, such as Viking and Avalon, also book your flights; others, like Scenic, offer door-to-door transfers. Now that really is relaxing. Here are the best river cruises in Europe. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for romanceWith big cruise ships now banned from the heart of Venice, an unobtrusive luxury river cruise boat is the best way to explore the city and the islands of the misty lagoon. You'll dock at San Basilio on the Giudecca Canaland usually spend three or four nights here, with plenty of time to lose yourself among Venice's greeny-blue waters, marble palaces and sunlit squares. There'll be forays into the lagoon and, water levels permitting, along the River Po. Here you can take in islands including Burano, famed for its brightly painted houses, Murano, the centre of Venice's glassblowing industry, and sleepy Torcello. Most cruise lines offer a day trip to Bologna, including a pasta-making demonstration, while others treat you to the unforgettable experience of a private, after-hours view of St Mark's Basilica, guided by an art historian. • Discover our full guide to Venice Best for longer sailingsThe narrow Moselle River flows into the Rhine at Koblenz and is often featured as part of a longer European river cruise. The Moselle valley is especially scenic, with terraced vineyards clinging to almost sheer slopes guarded by craggy castles, and the banks dotted with water meadows and quiet villages. The river loops around a series of curves as you head upstream to the historic villages of Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, both renowned for their wine production, and on towards Trier. The city has some of the best-preserved Roman structures in the whole of Germany, including the original Porta Nigra town gate and an amphitheatre built for 20,000 spectators. • Best cities to visit in Germany Best for going back in timeBeyond Budapest, the Danube cuts its way through the southern Carpathian Mountains, continuing under the vast skies of the steppes and finally reaching its marshy delta in Romania. Along the way are cool cities such as Novi Sad and Belgrade, standing in stark contrast to swathes of forested countryside in Bulgaria and Serbia. There's ancient history in Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria, at the medieval fortress of Baba Vida; and in the wind-sculpted rock formations at Belogradchik. But this is also an opportunity to learn about the tragedies of the much more recent Balkans conflict, which kept this stretch of the river off limits for decades. Several lines have now added the eastern Danube to their river cruise collections, some of them providing an extension to Bucharest, a city of grand boulevards and brutalist architecture, and to mysterious Transylvania, a region of jagged mountains where vampires are still very much part of the local for cultureSpring is the most popular time to cruise the network of waterways criss-crossing the flat countryside where the multiple arms of the Rhine flow into the North Sea. The fields in spring are dazzling with stripes of scarlet, orange and yellow tulips, while a day at the award-winning Keukenhof garden, brilliant with blooms, is a winner of an excursion. But this historic region is worth exploring by water at any time of year. Cruises may start in Amsterdam, where you'll need a couple of days to take in the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the canals. Stops on the voyage might include the medieval harbour town of Veere, and the Unesco world heritage site of Kinderdijk, its canals lined with 18th-century windmills. Across the border in Belgium, you can shop for diamonds in Antwerp and handmade chocolate in Bruges, or join a beer-tasting tour in Brussels. • Read our full guide to Amsterdam Best for oenophilesSailing through the rolling countryside of one of the world's greatest wine-growing areas, a cruise from Bordeaux is, naturally, all about wine. The inclusive experience of a cruise here will feature visits to Saint-Émilion, Cadillac and Sauternes, with tours of honey-coloured châteaux slumbering amid lush vineyards. Pedal between the vines on guided cycling excursions, drool over the cheeses in the market at Libourne and gaze from the sun deck at the passing countryside, with salty sea breezes from the nearby Atlantic hanging in the air. You'll sail three waterways: the Gironde estuary, and the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, with the city of Bordeaux sprawling elegantly along the banks of the latter. Bordeaux is one of the few ports in Europe where ships on ocean cruises dock alongside smaller riverboats. Here, check out the grand 18th-century architecture, the classy shops and the cleverly designed Cité du Vin wine for countrysideThere are many reasons to cruise the Seine, not least the glorious countryside of Normandy, with apple orchards, weeping willows and thatched cottages lining the banks. You'll call at historic Rouen and have a chance to visit the poignant D-Day landing beaches and cemeteries. Cruises also take in the Palace of Versailles and, in season, Monet's house and garden at Giverny. Best of all, though, you're usually docked close to the centre of Paris at the beginning and the end of the cruise, with all its magnificent sights a stroll away, from the Champs-Élysées and Montmartre to the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. Add this all together and a voyage on the Seine has to be one of the loveliest cruises in Europe in terms of scenery and history — and the most effortless way to enjoy Paris and the surrounding countryside. • The best of Paris Best for dramatic scenery The Elbe is tricky for most river cruise ships to navigate but a generation of shallow-draft boats and paddle-wheelers is able to take you from edgy Berlin to medieval Prague. A typical cruise visits Wittenberg, including a look at Martin Luther's house, Meissen, of pottery fame, and elegant Dresden. The landscape is especially spectacular as you head south from here, cruising through 'Saxon Switzerland', where the river slices through dramatic sandstone mountain ranges. Some river cruises end in Melnik in the Czech Republic, while others join the Vltava River and sail into the heart of historic Prague. Either way, you can easily bolt on a stay in Prague as an extension to your trip. • Best river cruises for solo travellers• The world's best rivers to cruise on Best for a Christmas cruiseWhile many European cruises sail from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine, others leave the river near Mainz and sail the navigable stretch of the Main. This takes you as far as Bamberg, where the Main-Danube canal begins, to continue your journey to Nuremberg. The river flows through forested hills and past lush water meadows. Between Frankfurt and Würzburg, you'll visit a typical village along the way for a guided walking tour past half-timbered houses straight out ofGrimms' fairy tales. A cruise in winter is particularly scenic, the banks cloaked in snow and the Christmas markets in full swing. Frankfurt, Germany's financial centre (its nickname is 'Mainhattan'), is a largely modern city with a sensitively restored medieval heart and lively pubs lining the riverbank. In the elegant university town of Würzburg, meanwhile, you'll visit the Residence, one of Europe's most opulent baroque palaces. • Best Christmas market cruises Best for seeing the Black ForestOne of Europe's longest and most important waterways begins its journey high in the Swiss Alps and finds its way to the North Sea in the Netherlands. The Rhine is yours to discover on a romantic river cruise — a voyage that can cover the Netherlands, Germany and Austria all on one sailing, on a trip that can last up to 23 days. Whichever direction you choose to head in, and whichever cruise ship you choose, you'll pass lush vineyards, medieval towns and dramatic rocky gorges with stops to explore the cities of Strasbourg, Koblenz and Cologne. It's also possible to go beyond the typical Black Forest routes and wind along the Moselle. • Best Rhine river cruises Best for sun-soaked French landscapesIf you'd like to experience France in microcosm, a cruise along the Rhône is going to tick all the boxes. Sailing one of Europe's finest rivers will take you to the vineyards of Burgundy and charming Avignon, showcasing some of the country's finest landscapes on the way. Highlights include winding through Burgundy and the sun-soaked countryside of Provence. You'll explore Lyons, with its grand boulevards and quaint old town, the medieval streets of Avignon and its opulent papal palace, and the stupendous Roman amphitheatre in Arles — and much for food and drinkWine tasting, gourmet cuisine, beautiful landscapes … the treasures of the Douro River are easy to discover on a luxurious river cruise, usually from Porto or Lisbon in Portugal to the Spanish city of Madrid. Enjoy the medieval architecture and bountiful local tastes of Porto's wine regions, and drift through the peaceful Iberian countryside. Possible shore inclusions allow you to discover the most beautiful towns and monasteries in Portugal along the way, including the ceramic-laden Lamego and Barca d'Alva, with its 13th-century castle. Some cruises also visit Salamanca in Spain, where you could try a flamenco show and tour the city — a historic beauty with a fascinating past. • The best of Portugal Best for varietyThe Danube River has been the lifeblood of central Europe for centuries and there's no better way to experience it than on a river cruise. Wake up each morning in a new destination — such as the charming cities of Vienna and Bratislava, home to some of Europe's most stunning Christmas markets — and spend your days admiring the ever-changing countryside of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You'll soon see how Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube', earned its nickname: on the western bank of the Danube you'll find the medieval city of Buda, and on the opposite bank is Pest, with its fabulous neo-gothic architecture and fistful of Unesco world heritage sites. • Best Danube river cruises Best for unique sailingsThe Vltava is shallow enough in places to wade across, so it's understandably not an option for the ships of most river cruise lines. But the lightest vessels can sail here, heading deep into the countryside of the Czech Republic. A voyage on the Vltava is certainly an unusual experience, offering an intriguing insight into forested Bohemia as you head south from Prague to Stechovice, known for its gold mines and pottery, and the former Habsburg hunting lodge, Konopiste Castle, once the home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. There's time in Prague itself too, to see the Charles Bridge, the castle and the atmospheric old town. • Read our full guide to Prague Best for hunting for the Loch Ness MonsterThe Caledonian Canal follows the natural fault line of the Great Glen, which slices through northern Scotland. A cruise along it means sailing over silent lochs, framed by brooding mountains, forest and heather-clad hillsides, on a voyage that takes you between Oban, on Scotland's west coast, and Inverness in the northeast. You'll explore the sea lochs of the west, stopping at Loch Leven and the Highlands village of Glencoe, before sailing the length of Loch Linnhe and into the canal itself. One of the highlights here is Neptune's Staircase, an extraordinary flight of eight locks. You'll also sail the length of narrow Loch Ness, sheer-sided mountains plunging into the deep, dark, peaty waters that conceal the secret of 'Nessie'. • Discover our full guide to Scotland Best for impressive architecture The very name Andalusia conjures up images of flamenco and sherry, of narrow winding streets through historic old towns. It's not normally associated with cruising, but it is possible to experience the charms of southern Spain and see some of its greatest classical cities on a river cruise. You'll typically wander the elaborate Alcazar and beautiful gardens of Seville, discover the sherry bodegas of Jerez, spend time in the coastal city of Cadiz, and discover Cordoba's celebrated mosque-cathedral. • Discover our full guide to Andalusia Best for la dolce vitaThere's no better way to explore the world's most famous city on water than from a cruise between Venice and Mantua, or vice versa, on the Po River. You'll glide to some of Italy's prettiest towns including Chioggia, with its winding canals and gelato-coloured buildings, and Adria, an Etruscan town known for its archaeological museum. Excursions included along the way will see you snooping around the gothic Doge's Palace in Venice, enjoying a private wine tasting in the cellars of the Bagnoli Estate and dining ashore at the 17th-century villa Ca'Zen, where Byron wrote some of his best poetry. Best for history lovers Flowing through nine counties, the Thames is England's longest river and passes some of the country's most fascinating historical sites. After meeting fellow guests over (what else?) a traditional afternoon tea in central London, you'll transfer to an eight-passenger barge and sail to Hampton Court Palace to tour Henry VIII's apartments, cruising onwards through Runnymede to Windsor Castle. Other history-heavy highlights include the 11th-century village of Hurley, the Tudor manor house of Dorney Court and the impressive Cliveden estate, as well as an optional trip to the Olde Belle, one of the oldest hotels in the world. Additional reporting by Richard Mellor and and Siobhan Grogan • Best cruises with fewer than 200 passengers
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
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UK seaside town with world's shortest street that only has room for one address
Measuring in at just 6ft and nine inches in length (2.06m), the world's shortest street is actually located in a UK seaside town known for its beautiful scenery, rich wildlife, and ubiquitous history A quaint coastal town dripping with natural beauty and maritime history has one bizarre fame to claim - it is home to the world's shortest street. Situated in the far north of Scotland, in Caithness, lies the former Viking settlement of Wick. Once the busiest herring port in Europe, the tiny seaside town now attracts tourists from all over the globe thanks to its intricate castle ruins, rugged cliffs, and rich wildlife. "Around three miles north from Wick the dramatic 15th to 17th century ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe castles rise steeply from a needle-thin promontory," hails Visit Scotland, the area's official tourist board. "There is a good clifftop walk to the castle via Noss Head Lighthouse from the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe. Visitors will encounter a wide selection of wildlife along the way including various species of seabirds and puffins and a beautiful scenic beach, popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting, awaits them at the end of Sinclair Bay." For tourists wanting to visit something a little more unusual, head over to Ebenezer Place, the world's shortest street. Measuring in at just 6ft and nine inches in length (2.06m) - the street is so tiny it can only fit one address, Mackay's Hotel's No. 1 Bistro. The eatery, idyllically set next to the Wick River, serves up mouth-watering dishes based on local produce - as well as afternoon tea, cocktail masterclasses, and (of course) whisky. In 2006, the street - which is maintained by Highland Council as road authority - scooped a Guinness World Record on October 28, 2006, officially crowning it the shortest street on the planet. "When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883, after making his fortune, he built Mackays Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street," Mackay's Hotel's website states. "The council instructed him to put a name on the short end of the building, as they deemed it a separate street. Ebenezer Place then appeared in the town's records from 1887." Located more than 670 miles from central London, driving to Wick from the Big Smoke will take you almost 13 hours. If you're not prepared for such a gruelling car journey, you can fly to Inverness, and then drive two and a half hours down to the town. Flights to Inverness take just one and a half hours, and depart from both London Luton and Heathrow Airport. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £44 in July. Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@ for a chance to be featured.
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From luxury castles to rustic brochs – seven of the most unique overnight stays across Scotland
Scroll down to find the seven most unique overnight stays across Scotland RELAXING RETREATS From luxury castles to rustic brochs – seven of the most unique overnight stays across Scotland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER has officially arrived, and if a trip abroad isn't in the cards, then there are plenty of unique staycations to choose from. With the season starting off rather dreich, a getaway is often the perfect remedy for the June gloom. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 15 If a trip abroad isn't on the cards, then a staycay is often just as good Credit: Alamy From luxury castle stays to rustic brochs or even monasteries, here are seven of the most unique overnights across the country. Fingal Hotel, Water of Leith, Edinburgh 15 Fingal Hotel is a Northern Lighthouse Board Ship turned floating hotel Credit: Alamy 15 Each room is beautifully decorated Credit: Visit Scotland This former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, now a floating hotel, features 22 luxurious cabins that promise an unforgettable stay. Permanently berthed along the picturesque Leith waterfront, this five-star vessel offers breathtaking views of twinkling city lights as you drift off to sleep. Each room is beautifully decorated and comes equipped with a lavish king-size bed and rain showers. The onboard Lighthouse Restaurant is a culinary gem, recognised with 2AA Rosettes. The Brochs of Coigach, Achiltibuie, Highlands 15 The Brochs of Coigach are situated in one of Britain's most stunning National Scenic Areas Credit: Visit Scotland 15 Both properties feature saunas and expansive panoramic observation areas Credit: Visit Scotland Nestled in one of Britain's most stunning National Scenic Areas, The Brochs of Coigach offer an unparalleled luxury getaway. These roundhouse buildings are modern interpretations of ancient brochs, offering views of the rugged coastline and majestic highland mountains. Set on four acres at the end of a private farm track, each broch is decorated with original works from renowned contemporary Scottish artists. Inside Binky Felstead's getaway to Spencer Matthews' lavish Scots family estate Both self-catering properties feature saunas and expansive panoramic observation areas, ideal for wildlife watching. Despite their secluded setting, the charming retreats are conveniently close to a highly-rated restaurant. You can also enjoy various activities such as hill climbing, sea kayaking, sailing, surfing and motor cruises. The Monastery, Fort Augustus, Highlands 15 The Monastery in Fort Augustus is a the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge Credit: Visit Scotland 15 It is a spacious one bedroom apartment Credit: Visit Scotland Situated in a striking monastery building in Fort Augustus, this venue is an exceptional retreat to unwind and recharge. The spacious one-bedroom apartment boasts a double-height living room with Gothic-style windows, an open-plan kitchen and a stunning master bedroom offering breathtaking views over Loch Ness. The luxurious bathroom features a soaking tub and underfloor heating for added comfort. On-site amenities include a heated indoor pool, a games room, and captivating vistas. Guests can explore nearby whiskey trails, take scenic countryside walks to the local pub or even try their luck at spotting Nessie. The Suites at Urquhart Church, Elgin, Moray 15 The Sanctuary Apartments at the Suites at Urquhart Church sleep up to 11 guests Credit: Visit Scotland 15 Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings Credit: Visit Scotland The Sanctuary Apartments at the Suites at Urquhart Church are the perfect place for a bit of peace and quiet. The apartments sleep between two and eleven guests, making it an ideal retreat for couples, families or groups of friends. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings and modern amenities. The converted church is surrounded by nearly two acres of rolling farmland. The picturesque gardens include a pond, a charming waterfall, and a stream that meanders through the landscape. In the Moray region, there are plenty of attractions to explore, such as centuries-old whisky distilleries, the historic Elgin Cathedral and beautiful white sandy beaches. Chaffeur's Apartment, Lochinch Castle, Stranraer 15 The Chaffeur's Apartment is located in the Victorian Stable Courtyard of Lochinch Castle Credit: Alamy 15 It was originally the residence for the Earl and Countess of Stair's chauffeur Credit: Visit Scotland The Chaffeur's Apartment, located in the Victorian Stable Courtyard of Lochinch Castle in Stranraer, is a newly refurbished three-bedroom self-catering accommodation. Originally serving as the residence for the Earl and Countess of Stair's chauffeur, it maintains some of its historical features while incorporating modern upgrades. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the White Loch and the turreted Lochinch Castle. The apartment includes three spacious bedrooms, an open-plan living room with a log fire and all essential amenities. Guests have unlimited access to the stunning Castle Kennedy Gardens, which are open to the public from 10am to 5pm, February to October. Visitors can partake in a variety of activities, such as pony riding, exploring a nearby chocolate factory or mountain biking in the surrounding area. Rua Reidh Lighthouse, Gairloch, Wester Ross 15 Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located at the entrance to Loch Ewe Credit: Alamy 15 The former Keepers' Quarters have been converted into a cosy retreat Credit: Visit Scotland Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located at the entrance to Loch Ewe - making it perfect for a secluded getaway. First lit in 1912, this Stevenson lighthouse provides breathtaking views across the Minch to Skye, the Shiants and the Outer Hebrides. The former Keepers' Quarters have been converted into a cosy retreat featuring two ensuite bedrooms, both with stunning sea views. It's a dream destination for nature lovers as sightings of whales, dolphins and basking sharks are not uncommon. Bracken Treehouse, St Andrews, Fife 15 Bracken Treehouse is a romantic adults-only hideaway Credit: Alix McIntosh 15 It features a stargazing window and is designed to maximise natural light Credit: Visit Scotland Nestled among the treetops, Bracken Treehouse is a romantic adults-only hideaway set in an ancient 36-acre woodland. It sleeps two guests and features a stargazing window and is designed to maximise natural light. Modern amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, a flushing toilet and a shower with panoramic views of the surrounding canopy. While it offers a serene and tranquil retreat in the beautiful Fife countryside, there's easy access to the picturesque East Neuk, St Andrews, and Dundee is just a short distance away.
