This small sheltered village is the southernmost in Caithness. It has one main street at the foot of the Berriedale Braes, at the confluence of the Berriedale and Langwell Waters. The village is dominated by the Langwell Estate, belonging to the heirs of the Duke of Portland. There was once an inn in what is now the estate office. The deserted village of Badbea is also nearby.

There are the ruins of a two mediaeval castles at Berriedale, one overlooking the mouth of the river and the stony beach. The entrance to the small harbour is indicated by the Duke's Candlesticks, two towers on the hill above the village.