places to visit on orkney

15 Must Visit Sites In Orkney

Wild beaches, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, incredible produce, wonderful spirit – Orkney has most definitely stolen our hearts! Having lived there for almost 8 years, it was fantastic to return recently with our children and to introduce them to this special archipelago of islands. I thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering many of the must-visit sites in Orkney. If you’d like a full 3 or 4 day Orkney itinerary then be sure to check out this post .

The Italian Chapel

This is one of our most favourite sites to visit. From the front it looks like a fairly normal chapel, however, move round to the side and you’ll discover that the body of the kirk is actually made out of two Nissen huts! Presenting you the Italian Chapel.

This beautiful building was created by Italian prisoners of war during the 2nd World War in Lamb Holm in Orkney, Scotland. The POWs had been brought in to help work on the Churchill Barriers – causeways that linked the south islands to mainland Orkney and that also served to stop submarines from entering the area.

The Italian prisoners of war had requested a place of worship and were granted the opportunity to build this small chapel. It has now become one of Orkney’s most visted sites!

Old Man of Hoy

Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in Orkney – the Old Man of Hoy! It should definitely feature on your Orkney bucket list! This impressive 449 ft (137m) sea stack rises proudly out of the Atlantic ocean just off of Hoy. It was first climbed in 1966 (not for the fainthearted!) and is one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK.

You can reach the island of Hoy by ferry from Stromness to Moaness (passengers only) or with your car from Houton to Lyness (advance booking strongly advised). Depending on where you ‘land’, you can walk across the island to Rackwick and follow the path to reach the Old Man or park up/get a taxi straight to Rackwick for a shorter walk to the famous landmark.

An alternative way to see the Old Man of Hoy is from the sea, if you’re travelling aboard the ferry that goes from Scrabster to Stromness.

Yesnaby Sea Stacks

If you are unable to visit the island of Hoy to see the old man, then this place is a must. On a breezy day it’s a dramatic sight. The furious sea throws itself against the towering sea cliffs below, with such might, that spray is thrown over the top into your face. It’s wild and invigorating all at the same time. There is an impressive sea stack known as the ‘castle’ which is home to wild flowers and sea birds.

This 5000 year old neolithic village was uncovered in 1850 during a violent storm that ripped away the layer of grass that was covering it up. What a discovery for the locals! It is said to be one of the best preserved stone age villages in Europe and is even older than the Pyramids of Giza! And there’s a stunning beach just next to the settlement – not to be missed.

Stones of Stenness

It is believed that the origins of this stone circle go back at least 10,000 years, when it was used for rituals/sacrifices celebrating the dead. In more recent times it was tradition for couples to hold hands though a hole in the ‘Odin Stone’, during an engagement ritual. Unfortunately, this stone was destroyed by an angry land owner in 1814, fed up with people trespassing.

Ring of Brodgar

Continuing with the standing stone theme, very close by is the Ring of Brodgar . Made famous in modern times by Billy Connolly running around these stones naked to celebrate the summer solstice. This stone circle consists of 27 stones and is perfectly situated between the Lochs of Harray and Stenness on a thin strip of land.

Tomb of the Eagles – Update 2021 : this site has closed permanently

Update 2021 : sadly this site has closed permanently… We’re leaving this information here for a so that visitors are aware of the situation.

(Have you ever been to a site where you have to lie on a skateboard/trolley to access the attraction? Well this is certainly a fun one for the kiddos (and the grownups!) This 5000 year old Neolithic tomb was discovered by chance by local farmer, Ronnie Simson. When exploring the site, he found a collection of bones and skulls staring back at him! And don’t miss the beautiful scenic coastal path that leads you from the visitor center to the tomb.)

The Churchill Barriers

If you’re travelling from Orkney’s south islands to Orkney mainland, you’ll drive across some interesting causeways that are known locally as ‘the barriers’. These 4 causeways, the Churchill Barriers , referred to as barrier 1, 2, 3 and 4, were built during World War 2. They link Orkney mainland to the islands in the South (South Ronaldsay, Burray, Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm).

They were originally built as naval defences following the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak by a German U-boat in 1939. Following the war, roads were built on top of the causeways and now serve as road links. The Italian prisoners of war who built the Italian Chapel were part of the large workforce who built these causeways. As you drive along, you’ll also spot some interesting sunken wrecks that were used as block ships.

Maes Howe Chambered Cairn

From a distance, all you see is a mound on the horizon, however, as you get closer and enter the ‘mound’, you’ll discover an amazing 5000 year old burial tomb. Maes Howe is one of the finest examples of a burial chamber in Europe. The design and architecture of this prehistoric cairn was very sophisticated for its time. It featured a special passageway that aligned perfectly for the midwinter sunset to illuminate the tomb’s interior. There is also some more ‘recent’ history visible in the tomb in the form of Viking graffiti! The chamber was broken into in the 1100s by norse crusaders who left their runic graffiti on the walls.

Highland Park Distillery

Orkney is famous for its whiskies and a visit to the Highland Park Distillery in particular is a must. This 18th century distillery located in Kirkwall was founded by Magnus Eunson who was a direct descendant of the Vikings! You can choose various tours which will all include a wee dram or two at the end of the visit. And if you’re the designated driver, fear not, as you’ll receive your very own ‘driver kit’ of whiskies that you can take away with you and sample at home.

Orkney Brewery

Orkney is famous for its whiskies, gin and let’s not forget its craft beers! So why not include a stop at the Orkney Brewery on your itinerary? Craft beers have become all the rage in recent years and the Orkney Brewery was one of the first on the scene with its signature Dark Island beer. The brewery is located in a former Victorian school in Quoyloo just one mile from Skara Brae. It’s also the school that the owner’s father attended as a child and the Tasting Hall café used to be a classroom!

You can buy your tickets onsite and join a tour. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and talked us through the brewing process. At the end of the tour, you get the chance to sample 3 small beers of your choice. If you’re visiting with kids, rest assured they’ll be neither bored nor will they feel left out. There’s a great quiz for them, a Victorian school uniform dressing up corner, a large box of toys and they even get to take part in their own sampling (not alcoholic of course!). There’s great food onsite and kids won’t be able to resist the dragon sausages, viking burgers or peedies plates on the menu. So as you can see, this is a really fun place to visit – even with children in tow!

St Magnus Cathedral

Britain’s most northerly Cathedral. It’s impossible to miss the centre piece of Kirkwall; its huge spire almost touches the clouds. Constructed from red sandstone in the 12th century, it was owned by Norway and the first bishop was the Norseman William the Old. Interestingly it’s not owned by the church, but by the town of Kirkwall and even has a dungeon. The interior is as impressive as the exterior with huge stone circular stone pillars reaching into the heavens and ornate stained-glass windows.

Brough of Birsay

Check the tides before you vsit the Brough of Birsay so that you are able to reach this small tidal island! Once there, you’ll find the remains of Pictish and Norse settlements. It’s also a great place for a circular walk round the island or to the (working) lighthouse. If you have kids in tow, there are also some great rockpools on the beach area for spotting local sealife.

The Gloup is a partially collapsed sea cave that provides a fantastic view down the chasm to the sea. The word ‘gloup’ comes from ‘gluppa’ which is Old Norse for ‘chasm’. It’s a short stroll from the car park to reach the Gloup and if you’re feeling energetic, there is a lovely circular walk around Mull Head Nature Reserve (3.5 miles or 5.6km) that takes in the famous Gloup.

Waulkmill Bay

There are so many beautiful beaches to visit but this has got to be one of Orkney’s best! If you are lucky enough to arrive at this beach at low tide, then you are in for a big treat. There is an enormous expanse of pale sand and the water is clear and turquoise, reminiscent of the Caribbean.

So there you have it – so many things to do in Orkney! We hope this snapshot of some of our top picks will inspire you to visit Orkney in the near future!

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The Ultimate Orkney Islands Travel Guide

Discover amazing things to do in orkney islands, where to stay, and how to explore these mystical northern isles brimming with millennia-deep history, unique heritage, and out-of-this-world scenery..

There is more to Scotland than Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and the Scottish Highlands. Tucked away in the North Sea lie the Orkney Islands, a magical archipelago offering incredible scenery, wildlife walks, and adrenaline-inducing activities like diving among World War II shipwrecks and sea kayaking.

Giving off a distinctly Nordic vibe yet still unmistakably Scottish, the Orkney Islands are a treasure trove for outdoors enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking for active holidays.

Visit Orkney to explore the UK’s Viking past and see the Neolithic stone monuments rivalling Stonehenge, enjoy walks along the rugged coastline, spot the red-legged puffins and seal pups frolicking on sandy beaches, and enjoy Orkney’s famed seafood restaurants and Highland Park whiskey distilled here since the mid-1700s.

If you’re looking to plan a Scottish trip with a difference, this guide will help kick off your Orkney Islands adventure in style.

Best Time to Visit the Orkney Islands

Although boasting several pristine-white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the Orkney Islands aren’t a tropical paradise. The best time to visit the Orkney Islands is between late May and early September.

Don’t forget to layer up though! Even in the summer months, the Orkney weather can be chilly, and you might experience some rain.

How to Get To The Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands may feel like a remote, far-flung corner of the UK, but getting here is surprisingly easy. You can either take a ferry from Aberdeen, Scrabster, or John O’Groats, or hop on a flight to Kirkwall from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness, or Glasgow.

If you’re driving, your best bet is the Aberdeen ferry to Kirkwall (6 hours) or, if you prefer a shorter crossing, Scrabster to Stromness (1.5 hours).

For more information on how to reach the islands, check out our guide to how to get to Orkney .

Top Things to Do in Orkney

With stunning highland scenery, pretty harbour towns, and the largest concentration of Neolithic sites in Europe, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orkney.

Visit Kirkwall

The capital of Orkney, Kirkwall is an excellent place to start exploring the islands. Start off by taking a walk in the historic centre of Kirkwall and visit the incredible 12 th century St Magnus Cathedral. Next, stop by the small but fascinating Orkney Museum where you can find out more about the history of the islands, from the Viking period all the way to present day.

For a hearty lunch, grab a bite at Helgi’s , a cosy place serving up tasty comfort food on Harbour Street. There’s a quirky Viking-style interior and great seafood (vegetarian and vegan options are also available).

While shopping may not be high on your list of things to do in Orkney, Kirkwall has lots of amazing Nordic-inspired jewellery and crafts places that are ideal for gifts… for friends and family, or as a souvenir of your adventure!

Spend a day in Stromness

When visiting Orkney, a day in Stromness is a must. For one, this town boasts one of the most picturesque harbours in Europe (think Lofoten Islands in Norway!)

For another, Stromness has a charming old town with ancient stone houses lining the water. After a walking tour of central Stromness, try out the best seafood in Orkney at Hamnavoe Restaurant on Graham Place – the salmon here is especially delicious! If you’re looking for more active things to do in Orkney, Stromness is also a great place for diving, sea kayaking and nature walks.

Explore the Ring of Brodgar

Predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, the Ring of Brodgar is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the Orkney Islands. A mysterious circle of 27 standing stones built around 2500 BC, the Ring of Brodgar continues to puzzle the archaeologists of today as no one knows the exact purpose of this ancient monument.

If you have all day, be sure to visit the nearby Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge , another breath-taking site of standing monoliths, some of them towering at over 16 feet.

Visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae

Located near the Ring of Bordgar, Skara Brae is a Stone Age village dating back over 5,000 years. The prehistoric ruins tell a tale of an ancient society, long gone, but not forgotten.

You can still make out the remnants of walls and furnishings at the site, and it‘s worth spending an hour or two exploring on foot. After visiting Skara Brae, take a walk on the beach of Skaill, one of the most beautiful wild beaches in Orkney boasting white sands and tranquil blue waters.

Visit Churchill Barriers Church

If you‘re looking for more things to do in Orkney Islands, stop to admire the Churchill Barriers church built by Italian prisoners of war who were held in Orkney in the 1940s. The Italian prisoners convinced their camp command to let them build a chapel, and astonishingly, what they created with meagre means is nothing short of a work of art.

The church features an elaborate facade and special interior paintings created by Domenico Chiocchetti.

See the ancient tomb of Maeshowe

Another gem of prehistoric Orkney heritage, Maeshowe is an ancient tomb built around 5,000 years ago. Appearing like a grass-covered hill, Maeshowe is a chamber featuring ancient Viking runes on the walls and surrounded by myth and legend.

On winter solstice, the rays of the rising sun hit the entry of Maeshowe in such an angle that it illuminates the entire chamber, hinting at the ingenuity of the ancient builders’. Located just off Stoneyhill Road near Stenness, Maeshowe is one of the top things to do in Orkney.

Take a trip to the Isle of Hoy

As well as history, a visit to Orkney is all about scenery and nature. If you love hiking and wildlife, take a short ferry from Stromness and visit the Isle of Hoy, one of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago.

The Isle of Hoy is famous for its 450-feet tall sandstone rock rising from the sea. It resembles the profile of a face looking out to sea, so the rock has been nicknamed the Old Man of Hoy.

One of the most spectacular things to do in Orkney, is hike around the Isle of Hoy. There’s a narrow footpath which circles along the shore, and the rewards are big! The views are immense, with jagged cliffs, beaches, and turbulent waters below.

Scuba diving in Orkney

Because of the islands’ northern location, diving probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for cool things to do in Orkney. And yet, Orkney is one of the best dive locations in the world because of the presence of sunken World War II ships littering the seabed in Scapa Flow. In fact, it’s one of our 20 trips that show the best of Britain.

52 ships sank near Orkney during the war, and seven can be explored on a diving expedition just off the coast. The diving season in Orkney runs between April and November.

Where to stay in Orkney

Highland park house, kirkwall.

If you plan to visit Orkney and spend some of your stay in Kirkwall, Highland Park House is a great place to stay.

A stunning Victorian mansion, Highland Park is just ten minutes’ drive from the town centre and twenty minutes’ drive from Ring of Brodgar and other Orkney attractions.

You can check prices and availability at the Gilpin Hotel here.

Ferry Inn, Stromness

Looking for country charm and family fun? The Ferry Inn is a small but charming hotel situated in the dreamy harbour of Stromness, perfect for solo travellers and couples alike.

We hope this guide to visiting Orkney helps you plan your trip. Don’t forget to take a look at our guide to how to get to the Orkney Islands too.

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Things to Do in Orkney

The expansive archipelago of Orkney is perfect for any holiday you’re planning year-round. It’s best known for its history of fertile farmland, jaw-dropping coastlines, an abundance of ancient historical sites, and many more incredible attractions.

One day in Orkney can have you visiting Viking cathedrals in the morning, having lunch overlooking the magnificent Old Man of Hoy sea stack, and then finishing the day off with tasting fine Orcadian whisky!

Many sights and hidden gems are scattered across the island, making it one of Scotland’s most popular island destinations. People are drawn to the untameable atmosphere and wilds of Orkney – what more could you want from a holiday?

From its southern tip at South Ronaldsay, through the Mainland, to the top of North Ronaldsay, we’ve covered the best things to do in Orkney.

Highland Park Distillery

The northern archipelago of the Orkney Mainland holds the Highland Park Distillery, where some of the finest whiskey in the Orkney Islands are distilled.

The Highland Park Distillery has been creating its incredible single malt whisky blend the same way for over 220 years – because why change perfection? With a paid booking, Highland Park provides visitors with a unique tour of its facilities.

The Distillery’s passionate tour guides offer in-depth insight into the specific and meticulate steps that need to be taken for each and every bottle of single malt whisky they make.

You can cap off your Distillery tour by having one of Highland Park’s incredible whisky tasting experiences. You won’t want to miss an opportunity to sample some of their best.

St Magnus Cathedral

St Magnus Cathedral is Scotland’s most northerly cathedral and a fantastic location that you can’t miss out on while visiting Orkney.

The Cathedral is known as the ‘Light in the North’ and was founded by a Viking, Earl Rognvald, in 1137. The exterior of the Cathedral is imposing and has stunning Viking-inspired architecture. But within the interior, you’ll find an atmosphere of tranquillity and warmth that exudes history.

This beautiful cathedral is an essential location for the people who live in the royal burgh of Kirkwall and will welcome everyone who visits this immense attraction.

The Orkney Museum

The Orkney Museum is the custodian of all historical knowledge in Orkney, an essential visit if you want to dive deep into the Northern Isles’ past.

The Museum has exhibits and collections documenting Orkney’s history from the Neolithic Stone Age, the Picts and Vikings, and up until today. There are even pictures and activities throughout the Museum to entertain younger visitors.

Do yourself a favour and pay a visit to the Orkney Museum; your journey through the Orkney archipelago will be better for it!

The Old Man of Hoy

Travel to the Isle of Hoy Orkney, and you’ll find something astonishing – a towering sea stack that stands 137-metres tall!

The Old Man of Hoy is a sight you can only believe when you see it in person. It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Hoy, and some experience climbers have even chosen to climb the behemoth of a sea stack. We won’t blame you for just admiring its impressive height, though.

You can have some of the most incredible views of the Old Man of Hoy and the coastline from a trail path that starts at Raywick Bay. These trails put you right on the stalwart sea cliffs and are one of the most life-changing sights you can have in Orkney – make sure to take care when there are strong winds!

The Brough of Birsay

The Brough of Birsay is one of the unique attractions on Orkney Mainland, Scotland, and is located on a small island near Birsay.

This tidal island is only accessible for about 4 hours a day before submerging when the high tide arrives. If you’re lucky enough to access the island’s shore during low tide, you’ll be treated to one of the most well-preserved Pictish settlements, with the remains of ancient Viking ruined buildings still present.

The Brough of Birsay is one of your only chances in Orkney to come and see the relics of a Viking village firsthand, an opportunity that shouldn’t be squandered while you still have it. Race the tides and explore the remnants of the Vikings who once lived in Orkney!

The island also grants brilliant views of the west coast of Orkney and is one of the best places to see puffins during the summer months.

Marwick Head Nature Reserve

Spanning nearly 20 acres, the Marwick Head Nature Reserve is a stunning habitat for the many types of seabirds of Mainland Orkney.

From kittiwakes and guillemots to purple sandpipers, this Nature Reserve will have any budding birdwatcher’s head-turning and make them almost forget about the spectacular coastline and ocean views. The seasonal carpet of colourful flowers makes this Reserve look like heaven on earth in May.

Multiple trails lead you through the Reserve and highlight the abundance of animal life here, so make some time to tour this beautiful point in Orkney.

Journey to Orkney’s First Tomb

Orkney is home to many of the oldest ritual sites and burial cairns in the UK, but none were discovered before Maeshowe!

The grassy mound is in the centre of a Neolithic hub of historic sites and monuments, undoubtedly one of the densest in the UK. Maeshowe is a chambered burial cairn said to have been constructed over 5000 years ago, a number you’ll hear quite often while in Orkney.

The cairn is also home to one of the richest collections of runic markings, a byproduct of Viking graffiti over 3000 years ago when they first broke into the tomb. You can’t forget that Orkney was ruled by Vikings long ago; there’s always a fantastic attraction around every corner to remind you!

Deerness Distillery

Want a highlight in your distillery tours? The Deerness Distillery will tempt you with its impressive handcrafted gins, vodkas, and coffee liquors!

The eye-catching bottles from Deerness Distillery are instantly recognisable, and they pride themselves on being a self-made distillery, with the owners living right next door! You may be lucky enough to catch them when you visit and have the chance to chat with some of the most passionate distillers in the region.

Anyone who loves mixed drinks or mixology will be a big fan of the Deerness Distillery, so make sure to pop on by the next time you’re in Orkney.

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn

Just past the town of Grimbister is the Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, one of the most ancient monuments to Neolithic Orkney you can find on the Northern Isles.

You can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this great cairn, which held the bones of man, dog, and oxen for over 5000 years! Nowhere else in Orkney evokes the mysterious and mystical images of burial rites and ancient architecture quite like the Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn.

As you pass through Orkney, these chambered cairns are well worth visiting.

Bishop’s & Earl’s Palaces

At the heart of Kirkwall sits the Bishop’s & Earl’s Palaces, one of the last remaining remnants of Medieval Orkney!

These Palaces are the perfect way to explore the Orkney’s past, especially how close they are to the St Magnus Cathedral. Explore the ruins of these big households which were built for prominent individuals like the great Haakon IV, and you’ll be able to capture a glimpse into the 16th-century world they lived in.

This Palace complex is quite unlike anything else you can see in Scotland and is undoubtedly one of the best attractions in Kirkwall.

Cubbie Roo’s Castle

The Orkney islands are just brimming with Old Norse culture and heritage, and nowhere is this more evident than in this Castle.

You can find the ruins of Roo’s Castle on the quaint island of Wyre and be awestruck at the thought of what an immense fortress this site once was. What remains are 2-metre walls of ancient stoneworks that tell the Castle’s chronicles of sieges and battles fought over the Garisay Sound.

The gorgeous views from Wyre are also a great reason to check out this prime destination filled with the presence of Vikings.

Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is as mysterious as it is beautiful and one of the most spectacular prehistoric monuments you can find in the British Isles.

The Ring of Brodgar is packed with outstanding Neolithic sites, from the 36 surviving stones that make up the massive stone Ring of Brodgar, and the ancient burial grounds, to the large circular cut into the stone around the Ring – all of which was done 5000 years ago!

The atmosphere and presence of these particular stones make it easy to reimagine the old rituals here and are one more reason to visit the Orkney isles.

NorthLink Ferries

They say that the journey is sometimes more important than the destination, and Northlink Ferries makes travelling to Orkney a treat.

Catch one of these frequent trips from the ferry terminal at Scrabster or Aberdeen if you’re interested in seeing more of Scotland’s stunning coastline and wildlife. You may spot pods of dolphins and whales and even more of the immense variety of ocean animals that the Northern isles hold along your journey.

These ferries are also one of the best ways to see the Old Man of Hoy amidst the rugged cliffs of the North Sea.

Kirkwall Marina

The Kirkwall Marina is not only a place to relax and enjoy the gentle rocking of ships as the day slowly rolls by but an excellent place to spend a day exploring Kirkwall’s shops, restaurants, and cafes!

You can enjoy some of the Orcadian hospitality that Orkney is known for as you sample excellent fresh food and drinks and maybe even sample the traditional foods like seaweed-fed lamb, shellfish, beers, and more. Orkney maintains its heritage as a farming and livestock culture, and nowhere else is this more evident than the food you can savour here!

The Orkney Sailing Club can also be found at the Kirkwall Marina and welcomes all tourists, regardless if you’re interested in yachting or just admiring the beauty of the Marina.

Churchill Barriers

Born from the need to protect the Orkney Isles during the second world war, the Churchill Barriers now offer travellers an excellent way to traverse the smaller islands of Orkney.

This narrow strip of road provides visitors with an accessible way to reach the southern tip of Orkney’s South Ronaldsay from the Mainland. This is an easy way to explore these islands, but it also provides splendid views of the surrounding landscapes.

Many people who holiday in Orkney say that island hopping is one of the most fun parts of the trip, and there’s always something interesting around every corner.

So take a trip down the Churchill Barriers, and you’ll be treated to incredible beaches, a plethora of sea life and birdlife, and even an opportunity to enjoy the shallower waters of the archipelago.

Standing Stones of Stenness

The Standing Stones of Stenness tower amongst the flat hearth between Loch Stenness and Loch Harray, providing a gateway to an Orkney 5000 years ago.

These stones could be the oldest in the British Isles and were once used in rituals and other important events during their time. And although there were once 12 of these mighty structures, the remaining four impose a sense of size and scope and evoke imagery of ancient burial rites and rituals.

The Stones of Stenness may be one of the most popular attractions in Orkney, especially with their proximity to the Ring of Brodgar.

The waters of Scapa Flow are rich with crucial naval history and contain some of the most exciting places for scuba diving exploration.

This expanse of brilliant blue water tied to Viking invasions, and was once a base for the British Grand Fleet built by the Scottish Government. It holds the wreckage of German ships from the Scuttling of the German Fleet during the Second World War.

The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre, located in Hoy, also gives those who visit an in-depth insight into the many significant events at this attraction – the perfect destination for a budding historian to take advantage of!

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

Unearth the thousands of years old Neolithic village the next time you go to Stromness in Orkney, and you can look into the remarkable lives of the ancestors who lived here long ago.

The Skara Brae Prehistoric Village was discovered during a winter storm in the 1850s, which sounds like something out of a fiction novel! You can wander and see the fascinating artefacts left behind and entertain yourself with touch-screen presentations and fact-find quizzes that make learning about this site even more fun.

The stone beds, dressers, and seats of Neolithic Orkney remind us that some things weren’t so different 5000 years ago.

Eday is often described as ‘Orkney in miniature’ because it condenses so many attractions into one place – the perfect attraction if you’re only in Orkney for a short time!

You’ll find eye-catching archaeological monuments, sublime white-sand beaches, and a wide array of sea life and birdlife. There’s ample accommodation to enjoy this island’s serenity for however long you want.

Eday Island is one small island that offers many things to do, and well worth your time to book a trip to!

Yesnaby Cliffs

Orkney is undoubtedly known for its beautiful and expansive coastline, and there is no better place to see this than the Yesnaby Cliffs!

These Cliffs are a paradise for anyone who wants to see more of Orkney’s fantastic natural beauty. On particularly windy days, the sea waves bash against the cliffside. On calmer ones, the Cliffs come alive with the sounds of birdsong.

Many walking paths take you right up to the breathtaking views, but always take care when navigating the rocky cliffside.

Gill’s Bay

Gill’s Bay is the destination most travellers use to reach Orkney, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do here!

You can find Gill’s Bay next to John o’Groats, the northmost point of Mainland Scotland and one of the most popular places to visit while exploring the northern regions of the country.

It’s the best place to gather local information or news about the Orkney islands before catching the ferry up to South Ronaldsay or Mainland Orkney! You’ll get to navigate the Pentland Firth, home to dolphins, seals, and whales; a special treat to see as you begin your voyage.

If you are not in the mood to catch a plane to Kirkwall Airport, a quick ferry ride from Gill’s Bay along the Pentland Firth is just what you need to start exploring Orkney.

Papa Westray

Known locally as Papay, Papa Westray is one of the northernmost islands of Orkney. This hidden gem of the Orkney Islands contains numerous attractions that make it perfect for a day trip.

To reach Papa Westray, you can catch the world’s shortest flight. This quick journey takes you from Westray and Papa Westray in an astonishing 90 seconds! This leaves you plenty of time to fully discover the must-see sights of the island, including spectacular wildlife, ancient stone houses, coastal views, and Papa Westray’s cultural events like art galleries and music performances.

Papa Westray is also known for its fertile land, and farms are a common sight as you travel through the island. Check out the farm of Holland, a historic complex filled with information about the culture of farming on the island.

Visit the Italian Chapel

As you make your way up to Orkney Mainland from the smaller islands like South Ronaldsay, don’t forget to come and see Lamb Holm and the Italian Chapel.

This beautiful Chapel has an incredible story; Italian prisoners were brought from North Africa to Lamb Holm during WWII. Here, they built the Italian Chapel with permission from the camp priest, and soon they had constructed one of the most unique chapels on the island.

Travellers from all over have fallen in love with the Italian Chapel, and it regularly sees over 100,000 guests yearly! The Chapel has also strengthened the relationship between Orkney and Italy, making it a proud monument for both cultures.

Broch of Gurness

There are many impressive Neolithic monuments in Orkney, and the Broch of Gurness is undoubtedly one of the most staggering.

This Iron Age attraction boasts the ruins of an ancient village, with 14 stone buildings collected near a giant broch tower. The Broch of Gurness is over 2000 years old, a unique period to explore while on Orkney.

The Broch also offers unparalleled access to those coming to see it, and you can freely explore the Iron Age ruins, immersing yourself in what it would’ve been like walking through this village 2000 years ago!

Corrigall Farm Museum

Spend some time exploring this 19th-century Victorian-style Orkney farmhouse and you’ll gain an insight into the way of agricultural life that is slowly shrinking in Orkney.

The Farm Museum has many interesting exhibits that were once part of the farming lifestyle, such as a kiln, horse-drawn machinery and wagons, and even a working barn. As you enjoy these olden-age artefacts, you’ll also likely smell the distinct peat-fueled fire that still keeps the Farm Museum warm.

Orkney’s history is intrinsically tied to farming, so a trip to the Corrigall Farm Museum is necessary for anyone who wants a deeper knowledge of the islands.

Orkney Folk Festival

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Stromness, Orkney, during the end of May, then treat yourself with a ticket or two to the Folk Festival!

The Festival takes place over a weekend and holds some of the best local and international artists and performers of the Orkney Isles. Highlights include the Blazin’ Fiddles, Belt Hid Oot, Bruce Mainland, and the Driftwood Cowboys! You can mingle and chat with the friendly locals while absorbing the incredible atmosphere and music of the Festival.

One of the best ways to experience Orkney is through the great culture and people, so definitely consider buying a ticket to this lively Festival.

Orkney Wireless Museum

Founded by the late Jim MacDonald, the Orkney Wireless Museum contains an expansive collection of electronics from radios, maps, and other transmission devices.

The Wireless Museum is a great way to learn about the fascinating history of how electronics and transmission technology boomed during WWII, focusing on its impact on events in and around Orkney, like at Scapa Flow.

It’s a great place to take your family and children, with activities and electronic games scattered throughout the exhibits of the Museum.

Orkney Fossil & Heritage Centre

Travel back millions of years ago and experience the evolution of Orkney at the Fossil & Heritage Centre, complete with a massive collection of artefacts!

The Fossil & Heritage Centre introduces you to how Orkney was 350 million years ago and presents fossils and a remarkable geological collection, which then takes you through the many significant historical and heritage events of Orkney. There’s no better way to gather a complete view of the islands than a trip down to the Orkney Fossil & Heritage Centre!

Noup Head Lighthouse

In the Northwest corner of Westray is the beautiful Noup Head Lighthouse, a lighthouse that practically sits on the world’s edge.

The Noup Head Lighthouse is a stunning attraction because of its prominent white-and-gold look and the out-of-this-world views from the 85-metre tall cliffside that the Lighthouse sits on.

Taking a trip to the Lighthouse is not for the faint of heart, however, as the trail takes you close to the cliffside and has a few more challenging portions. The view more than makes up for this, though, but tread carefully when you consider this fantastic journey to the world’s edge.

You can find one of the fascinating natural sights you can see on Orkney in the Mull Head Nature Reserve – The Gloup.

This collapsed sea cave is named after the Old Norse word for chasm, “gluppa”, and makes for some of the most dramatic scenery on the island. The ocean waves still crash through the Gloup, and the sounds of these crashing waves ethereally echo up the 80-foot drop.

For an even closer look, you can hire a small boat to take you into the sea cave, where you can see this peculiar attraction from an entirely new perspective.

Loch of Stenness

The Loch of Stenness and Loch of Harray dominates the middle of Orkney and is crammed full of things to do and see.

Loch Stenness is connected to the ocean and hosts fantastic wildlife on full display. When you visit this serene Loch, you can see birdlife, otters, seals, and much more as you explore the perimeter.

Historical sites are also abundant throughout the immediate surroundings of Loch Stenness and include incredible attractions that take you back 5000 years into Orkney’s history.

Fernvalley Wildlife Centre

On the northern end of the Orkney Mainland sits the Fernvalley Wildlife Centre, the perfect destination if you’re interested in seeing exotic animals while in Orkney.

The Wildlife Centre is home to a wide variety of different animal species like lizards, lemurs, meerkats, and many more for you to come and see! The Wildlife Centre also allows you to be a keeper for a day for a fee, where you can learn how they aim to conserve and take care of the inhabitants so that they live long and prosperous lives.

End a fantastic tour of this Centre by stopping by the Tea Room and sampling some of the excellent teas and cakes they offer.

Kitchener Memorial

The Kitchener Memorial is quite a remarkable attraction that holds brilliant views of the seascape that it overlooks.

This Memorial was built in honour of Lord Kitchener, who passed in June 1916 aboard the sinking HMS Hampshire. It’s an incredible monument to his memory and commands your attention amongst a vibrant and scenic area of Orkney.

You’ll undoubtedly be impressed by the Kitchener Memorial’s setting, and the walk to reach this monument is worth it.

Betty’s Reading Room

If the weather is dampening your travel plans in Orkney, consider a trip to the cosy attraction that is Betty’s Reading Room!

This is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of Orkney and is easily missed as you travel through Tingwall, but eagle-eyed travellers will spot the welcoming signs that guide you into the Reading Room. This attraction is in honour of a woman named Betty, who was a dear friend to the community and known for her love of reading.

The room is packed with books and sofas, perfect for anyone who has had a stressful day and wants to unwind with a good book as they enjoy the rainy days of Orkney.

Scapa Distillery

Keen to try some of the delicious whisky in Orkney, then Scapa Distillery is one place you should have on your to-do list.

Each sip grants you a taste of the untameable wilds that the windswept Orkney is known for, making it the perfect souvenir to accompany you home after you finish your travels. You’ll find the Scapa Distillery is influenced by its island heritage and the incredible history in the waters of Scapa Flow.

This Distillery is also one of the very few that still create their whisky by hand, offering a more traditional and practised finish to their fine blends. Stopping by the Scapa Distillery is a must if you want to expand your whisky palate!

Hoxa Tapestry Gallery

Handcrafted by a mother and daughter, the Hoxa Tapestry Gallery is one attraction that stuns you with incredibly detailed and meticulous art unlike anywhere else in Orkney.

The Gallery offers the opportunity to take home replicas and originals of some of the beautiful tapestries on show. A portion of the proceeds goes to supporting the continued art and crafts culture of Orkney. You’ll be sorely tempted to grab one of them to take home – that much is certain.

Stop by the Hoxa Tapestry Gallery if you find yourself on the island of South Ronaldsay in Orkney – you won’t regret it!

Other Things To Do in Scottish Isles

Things to do in Arran
Things to do in Brodick
Things to do in Harris
Things to do in Islay
Things to do in Isle of Lewis
Things to do in Isle of Mull
Things to do in Isle of Skye
Things to do in Kirkwall
Things to do in North & South Uist
Things to do in Portree
Things to do in Shetland
Things to do in Stornoway

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40+ Things to do in Orkney (Scotland) – Tips + Maps

Last updated on September 8, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

The Orkney Islands offer so many points of interest including historical sites, cliffs, beaches, architecture and abundant birdlife! But where to start? Below you will find the best things to do in Orkney, whether you are here only for a day or for a complete vacation. A practical guide to the Mainland Orkney attractions and those of the neighboring islands with maps, tips and photos.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel

best Things to do in Orkney Scotland Mainland

7 best things to do on Mainland Orkney & Map

With so many Scottish islands to visit, you may be limited in time on the Orkney islands (e.g. if you take the ferry in the morning and go back with the evening one). I list more options in the article, but, with only a short time, I would recommend staying on Mainland Orkney and discovering:

Yesnaby Cliffs
Skara Brae Neolithic village
Ring of Brodgar
Standing Stones of Stenness
Maeshowe Cairn Chambers (need to book in advance)
Broch of Gurness and the nearby beach of Aikerness
Kirkwall cathedral and palaces

You will see photos of each one further down in the article, but here is a snapshot:

Best things to do on Mainland Orkney Scotland

Inspiring isn’t it? This is why the Orkney islands are on my Top 5 list of Scotland Destinations . Below is a map to help you get oriented with those:

You can find my complete map with other attractions on my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Scotland itinerary :

Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide

15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
170+ pre-selected locations
GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Tips to make the most of your time
170+ original photos to help you choose

Video – Virtual Tour

And in the following short video, you can get an idea of what spending one day on Mainland Orkney can look like:

Historical and Unesco sites on the Orkney islands

Orkney is considered to have more ancient sites than anywhere else in the world, but many remain undiscovered. The Orkney islands are often called the “Egypt of the north”. According to archaeologist Julie Gibson, “ Turn over a rock around here and you’re likely to find a new site .”

The Unesco site on Orkney is called Heart of Neolithic and it includes the 3 main sites of Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar and Stenness stones plus many other sites that have not been excavated yet.

More attractions and photos after the planning tips.

Planning tips & Map – Orkney Islands, Scotland

The orkney islands – facts.

The archipelago of the Orkney islands is home to more than 70 islands
They have been inhabited for around 10,000 years
It wasn’t always part of Scotland – it joined in 1474 after King Christian I of Norway (plus Denmark and Sweden) pledged Orkney and Shetland against payment of his daughter’s dowry when she married King James III of Scotland.
There’s a lot of history from different origins
Despite being up North, it has many white sand beaches with turquoise water!

The Orkney Islands Map

And if you are wondering where Orkney is, it is just above the North East Coast of Scotland. Below is a simple Orkney Islands Map to give you an idea of the locations of the isles compared to Mainland Orkney. Just to get you oriented.

How to get to Mainland Orkney – Ferry or Flight

To travel to Orkney, you have 2 options:

The ferry to Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso on the North Coast of mainland Scotland – it takes 2 hours to reach Stromness on the South West coast of Mainland Orkney – Learn more on my article about the Ferry to Orkney or Check out prices and options
If you don’t want to drive all the way to the North, you can also take a longer ferry from Aberdeen (on the East Coast of Scotland) to Kirwall
The other way of getting to Orkney is by plane. Flights to Orkney land at Kirkwall airport from many towns in the UK – Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham…

How to get around

Once in Orkney, better to have your own car to discover all the things to do in Orkney on mainland and in the neighboring islands. So, I recommend you take the ferry with your car from Mainland Scotland. This way as soon as you disembark, you can head to the first amazing attractions. No time wasted.

However, you can also rent a car or bikes where you arrive (by ferry or by plane).

How is driving on Orkney?

Overall, driving is quite easy. There is not a lot of traffic…
The main roads, such as between Stromness and Kirkwall have one lane on each side.
However, as soon as you turn away you will find mostly single-lane roads but with plenty of visibility and passing places
And on the other islands, you will find mostly single-lane roads
Check out my article about driving in Scotland

Where to stay on Mainland Orkney – Accommodations

After visiting the high number of things to do in Orkney, you might want to rest.

Most Orkney accommodations are in the main towns

Stromness is small, close to the ferry and charming – Check out the accommodations in Stromness
Kirkwall is bigger and more lively – Check out the accommodations in Kirkwall
But you can also find accommodation more isolated in guesthouses and farms if you want a more peaceful experience – check out all accommodations on the Orkney islands

Things to do in Kirkwall – Main town of Orkney

The ‘mainland’ refers to the main island (not to mainland Scotland). And at the heart of Mainland, you can find Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney islands. It is not a big town, but it is the largest with a population around 9000. The population is approximately 9,300. Below are my favorite things to do in this town.

#1 – St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall

The Kirkwall Cathedral is dedicated to St Magnus, an earl of Orkney who was murdered by his cousin. The cathedral was built in the mid 1100s and expanded twice. It is made of beautiful yellow and red sandstones. Discover it in video and photos on the article dedicated to St Magnus Kirkwall Cathedral .

#2 – Earl’s Palace

The Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall was built around 1603. It was built by Patrick Stewart, the Earl of Orkney who wanted to create a magnificent complex. He was actually known to be ambitious, arrogant and irresponsible. Discover more on the article dedicated to the Bishop and Earl’s Palace Kirkwall .

#3 – Bishop Palace

The Bishop Palace was the residence of the medieval bishops of Orkney. It was built in the mid 1100s at the same time as the St Magnus Cathedral. The ruins are not as interesting at those of the Earl’s Palace, but you can get up the tower for a great view of the cathedral.

Discover more on the article dedicated to the Bishop and Earl’s Palace Kirkwall .

Other attractions in Kirkwall include the Orkney Museum and the Wireless Museum.

Things to do in Orkney, Scotland – mainland attractions

Most of the main attractions in the Orkney Islands are located on the West side of Mainland Orkney. Below is an overview of the things to do in Orkney Mainland island:

#4 – Stromness

Stromness is the town where the ferry arrives from Mainland. It is the second largest on mainland. It has its own charm and great seafood. You can feel the atmosphere of the last watering hole and departure post before sailing on the North Atlantic Ocean.

#5 – Yesnaby Cliffs

Located on the West coast, the Yesnaby cliffs is a walk along tortuous and eroded cliffs. One of the highlights is the Sea Stack called the Yesnaby Castle. The walk is easy. Bring your binoculars to admire the many birds nesting in the vertical cliffs ( see my guide to help you buy binoculars for travel ). Discover more pictures and practical information to plan your visit on the Yesnaby Castle and Cliffs article.

#6 – Skara Brae

Skara Brae was discovered under a sand dune after a windstorm in 1850. It is a settlement that was built and used 5000 years ago. With a great state of preservation, it gives a good idea of life during the Neolithic. Learn more about this extraordinary site on my article dedicated to Skara Brae Orkney .

#7 – Skaill House

Right next to Skara Brae, you can visit the Skaill House: how a family home was in the 1950s and the tales related to the discovery of Skara Brae.

#8 – Brough of Birsay

The Brough of Birsay is not as fascinating as other sites in Orkney. However, its location and limited access during low tide makes it an adventure. Learn more about the tidal island and its access on the article dedicated to the Brough of Birsay .

#9 – Broch of Gurness

The Broch of Gurness was home to a thriving Iron-age community. The ruins are well preserved. There is also a small museum and great explanations. Because of the combination of history and beautiful landscapes, this site was one of my favorite things to do in Orkney Scotland. Discover in photos and video this amazing site on my article dedicated to the Broch of Gurness .

#10 – Aikerness Beach

Right next to the Broch of Gurness is Aikerness Beach, one of the longest stretches of sand on Mainland Orkney. If you want to relax for a while at the beach…

#11 – Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Meashowe is considered one of the best-preserved chambered cairns. It survived from 5000 years ago, enabling us to discover its prehistoric design. It is one of the most recommended sites, one of the top things to do in Orkney Scotland. But access is limited, and visit must be pre-booked. No pictures allowed inside. Learn more in the article dedicated to the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn .

#12 – Standing Stones of Stenness

One of the earliest stone circles in Britain, the Standing Stones of Stenness are towering up to 5.7 meters. Even with only 4 remaining Stones, it is not difficult to imagine how significant the site must have been 5000 years ago. Video, photos and practical information on my article about the Standing Stones of Stenness .

#13 – The Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle located on small band of land between Loch Sternness and Loch Harray. It is part of a central area designated a Unesco World Heritage site which also includes the Standing Stones of Stenness. It is definitively one of the top things to do in Orkney. Video, Photos and practical information on my article about the Ring of Brodgar .

#14 to #21 – Other West Mainland Orkney attractions

The ones listed above are my favorite ones. But there are others to consider:

Hole O’Rowe, a natural arch cliff near Skara Brae
The archaeological dig of another settlement at Ness of Brodgar
Restored fishermen’s huts at Skiba Geo near the Brough of Birsay
Kirbuster museum – 19th century farmhouse
Unstan Cairn – chambered tomb between Stromness and Maeshowe
Cuween chambered cairn
Happy Valley – near Stenness, garden and woodland walk
Round Kirk, Circular medieval church

#22 to #29 – East Mainland Orkney – attractions

East Mainland Orkney is less famous. It is mostly low grassy farmland mainly enjoyed by birdwatchers and people interested in World War II. Things to do include:

Loch of Tankerness, a great destination for bird watching
Mill Sands: a shallow bay great for bird watching
Saint Andrews War memorial – cross between East and West
St Peter’s Pool, a bay on the East side of mainland which played a strategic role during World War II – long flat area also great for bird watching
Italian chapel: located on Lamb Holm, a small island between Mainland and South Ronaldsay – built by Italians during the Second world war
Mull Head Nature reserve: coastal grassland with sea cliffs – great for walking and birdwatching – nearby is the sea cave called the Gloup
Brough of Deerness: a large grass area, great sea cliff scenery
Newark Beach: long stretch of white sand beach with a walk to Point of Ayre. Great for birdwatching
Dingieshowe Beach: sandy beach forming an isthmus between mainland and the peninsula of Deerness

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Places to visit on the Orkney Islands accessible by car from Mainland

2 islands are connected by bridges:

Burray (#30…)

First is the small island of Burray. Things to do include:

Northfields Broch – call the farm before visiting
Orkney Fossil and heritage center – information about the geology of the Orkney islands and a large display of fossils
The small island of Hunda joined to Burray by the Churchill Barrier built during the war

South Ronaldsay

The Churchill Barriers between islands – set as defenses during World War II
The cairns broch from the iron age
The picturesque village of St Margaret’s Hope
Boxa Head for military enthusiasts – coastal walk with batteries
Burwick sea stack
Olad Brae viewpoint
And many other military significant places

Attractions on the other islands of Orkney by ferry

There are many islands in the Orkney archipelago. The Orkney Ferries allow you to hop from one to the other.

Island of Hoy

Hoy is one of the most famous islands in Orkney because of its impressive sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy (learn more on the Ferry to Orkney article). Other things to do in Orkney Island Hoy include the Dwarfie Stone, a 5000 year rock cut tomb and the Martello Tower.

Rousay is also a great place to visit with dramatic cliffs, bird colonies and over 150 archaeological sites – it is one of the reasons the Orkneys are known as the ‘Egypt of the North’

Westray and Papa Westray

Even more North are the islands of Westray and Papa Westray. Highlights include Notland Castle, Knap of Howar (farmstead predating the Pyramids), Viking house, heritage center, puffins, rural life

For something slightly different, head to Sanday with its beautiful beaches, bays and dunes and its unique lighthouse.

And the many smaller / less visited Scottish islands in the Orkney islands… Flotta, Shapinsay, Burray, Eday, Stronsay, Papa Stronsay, North Ronaldsay

Orkney islands itinerary suggestions

The Orkney islands could deserve their own holidays. However they are often a stop on a Scotland road trip itinerary .

1 day in Orkney

If you are arriving by ferry in Stromness (with your rental car) and have just one day, I recommend staying on the West side of the island and focusing on the amazing historical and natural sites:

Ring of Brodgar and Standing stone of Stenness
(Brough of Gurness and Aikerness beach – depending on how long you have)
The Yesnaby cliffs because I looooove them!

2 days in Orkney

But if you can stay one night on Mainland Orkney, it is even better then you can explore

The East and maybe some of the connected islands

Planning a trip to Scotland?

Check out my travel guide, that facilitates the planning of your itinerary:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

DUNROBIN CASTLE

FERRY TO ORKNEY

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Reader Interactions

February 11, 2017 at 9:30 PM

of your Top things to do, can this be accomplished within the 9 hour window during the day-trip you suggested your previous post?

would you also suggest a hiking backpack for my 2 year old or is a stroller ok?

February 11, 2017 at 10:20 PM

Hi Christine I did cover the 6 suggested top stops plus the palaces in just one day. You should definitively use the backpack. Easy walking but grassy or rocky paths. Have a great trip!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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A Guide to Vacationing on the Orkney Islands

Quintessentially Scottish coastlines, whiskey distilleries, and Stone Age remains are just a ferry ride away.

In the North Sea just beyond the tip of Scotland, the Orkney Islands often fail to register with tourists. Almost never are they included on any list of Europe's highlights , but why? Because, despite their "island" title, they don't offer white-sand, umbrella-clad beaches, or a balmy Mediterranean climate à la Greece and Spain?

Instead, this scattered archipelago of 70 islands — two thirds of which are uninhabited — has a time-worn, slightly mystical charm of its own. On the Orkney Islands, visitors are rewarded with storm-battered cliffs, ancient stone circles, and ominous-looking "sea stacks" rising from the churning blue water like swords.

Though the Orkney Islands are just 10 miles off the mainland and entirely accessible by ferry from the northern coast, including from Gills Bay and John O'Groats, or by plane from Aberdeen and major U.K. cities, getting there typically requires a few hours and multiple modes of transportation. The farthest-north ferry terminals (i.e., the ones that offer 40- to 60-minute rides) are at least a 2.5-hour drive from Inverness, and the perhaps more-convenient ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall takes six hours. The quickest way to travel to the islands is via a 45-minute flight from Inverness to Kirkwall.

Rest assured, the journey is worth it. On Orkney, you'll find a thriving capital with shops and tour operators, frequent ferry service connecting the islands, and one of Europe's highest concentrations of ancient Neolithic sites , all of which are open to visitors. So, ready to plan a trip? Here's everything you need to know before traveling to the Orkney Islands.

Visit an ancient site.

Mainland (the largest of the Orkney Islands) is packed with prehistoric treasures and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Start off with a visit to the Ring of Brodgar , a stone circle that, at an estimated 4,500 years old, is similar in age to Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Somehow, 27 of its original 60 stones remain standing after all this time, and the experience of walking around these ancient monuments is nothing short of breathtaking.

Nearby Skara Brae is a preserved Stone Age settlement that was uncovered in 1850 when a particularly violent storm blew away all the sand that had concealed it for centuries. Here, you can make out walls and furnishings that were hand-laid by humans more than 5,000 years ago. And if you like the idea of sleeping alongside the prehistoric ruins, it's possible to rent an apartment inside Skaill House , a lovely 17th-century farm manor that sits 600 feet from the archeological site.

Go for a coastal hike.

With the raging North Sea beneath you and a particularly vibrant wildflower display occurring each spring, the Orkney Islands make for very memorable hiking. On western Mainland, you can walk the rugged coastline on a 10-mile path that takes you right to the edge of the cliffs. It offers fantastic views of the sea stacks, those teetering rock formations hewn from the island by the waves.

For something more guided, book a tour with the private company Orkney Uncovered , which offers themed expeditions all over the islands.

Take the world's shortest flight.

Once you've made it to the Orkney Islands from mainland Scotland, there are plenty of ways to get around. Travelers can jump on a bus, catch additional ferries, or head off in a rental car. But much like in the Faroe Islands to the north, there are also inter-island flights, these ones operated by a Scottish airline called Loganair . Among the destinations (like Eday, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, and Stronsay) is a 1.7-mile route that connects Westray to Papa Westray. At just under two minutes, it's officially the world's shortest flight .

Spend the night in Kirkwall.

The capital of Orkney, Kirkwall, is a city rich with culture and history. Records show it was an important trade center as early as the 11th century. Today, it's a bustling commercial hub, with restaurants, bars, theaters, and a nice mix of shops selling locally designed jewelry, crafts, and apparel. At St. Magnus Cathedral , a Viking-era sandstone cathedral dating back to 1137, visitors who sign up for a guided tour are permitted to climb the bell tower. Among Kirkwall's many lodging options are the family-run Ayre Hotel and the Victorian-themed Kirkwall Hotel , which both overlook the marina.

Beyond Kirkwall, it's also worth making the 20-minute drive to Stromness, the second most-populated town in Orkney. With its rows of tiny, centuries-old stone houses set against the water, it boasts one of the dreamiest harbor views in all of Europe.

Go camping in the summer.

With so much open space, it's unsurprising that many travelers want to sleep under the stars during the warmer months. Book a glamping pod or campsite at Wheems Organic Farm , an eco-lodge on a 200-year-old working farm. The property faces the sea on the island South Ronaldsay, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding cliffs and, depending on the time of year, the Northern Lights . While the property's winning feature is its remoteness, a causeway connects South Ronaldsay to Mainland, so you're never more than a half-hour drive back to Kirkwall.

Drink Scottish whiskey.

In true Scottish fashion, there are several whiskey distilleries on the Orkney Islands. Most famous of them is Highland Park , which until recently was the U.K.'s northernmost distillery. ( Kimbland Distillery , on the Orkney island of Sanday, is about 20 miles further north.) Highland Park's single malt has won numerous awards and accolades — and, because it's been making the stuff since 1798, no one is really questioning the distillery's expertise. During a tour of the facilities, visitors learn all about how the barley is steeped in water fresh from a nearby creek, then aged in Spanish oak casks seasoned with sherry. And yes, the tour ends with a tasting.

13 Things To Do In Orkney Islands: A 3-Day Itinerary

Last Updated on November 1, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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If you’re planning a trip to the far north of Scotland, you may be wondering if there are enough things to do in Orkney to justify a visit – especially for multiple days. This archipelago consisting of nearly 70 islands located just 15 kilometres off the north coast of Scotland is perhaps one of the most interesting areas to visit in all of the country.

Spending 2 or 3 days in Orkney exploring the countless archaeological sites, charming towns and striking wild beauty is the perfect way to experience the peace, tranquillity and history of these islands. Boasting a dramatic coastline, pastoral images and neolithic remains that are older than the Pyramids of Giza, Orkney makes for a wonderful Sottish island destination.

If you’re wondering what to do in Orkney, use this guide to help you plan up to 3 days exploring this gorgeous archipelago.

Table of Contents

Best Time of Year to Visit Orkney

Let’s discuss the best time to visit these northern Scottish isles. Like the rest of Scotland, Orkney sees its fair share of rain and grey days and temperatures in excess of 17-18°C (62-64°F) are considered very warm indeed.

Like the rest of the country, the most popular time of year to visit Orkney will be in the summer months between July and August. This is when you will see the warmest temperatures (average highs in these months are about 16°C (60°F)), have the most accommodation options open to you, and have the driest and longest days.

Some of the most popular sites in Orkney might be more crowded in the summer than in the other seasons, however, nothing is ever too overrun on the islands.

In contrast, the least popular time to come to Orkney will be in the winter months. Because of its far northern geography, Orkney sees only a few hours of absolute daylight in the height of winter. Though temperatures don’t generally dip too far below freezing (average highs are about 6-9°C (42-48°F)), the lack of light can make sightseeing inconvenient and many accommodations will close for business during this low season.

If you do visit in spring or autumn, expect more rain than in summer and some cooler temperatures. However, it will not be as cold as in winter, nor will the days be as short. Average highs in the spring and autumn months generally land somewhere between 10-14°C (50-57°F) depending on the month.

Kirkwall Harbour - where many people arrive in Orkney

Getting To & Around the Orkney Islands

The Orkney archipelago is, to be redundant, made up of islands, and therefore the easiest and most straightforward way to reach them is by ferry. There are a few ferries that leave from the Scottish mainland and arrive into either Stromness or Kirkwall on mainland Orkney (the largest island) from both Aberdeen and Scrabster in the north of Scotland.

The ferries depart frequently and journeys can vary in price depending on your departure location and whether or not you are bringing a car with you.

The ferry journey is absolutely beautiful in itself and it will allow you to get great views of the Old Man of Hoy – a sea stack on the island of Hoy south of Orkney Mainland.

Once you are in Orkney, the easiest way to get around is by car, as there isn’t really a public transport system so to speak on the islands and most sites are fairly far-flung.

If you want to rent a car while visiting Orkney, we suggest browsing Rent alcars.com to compare prices from many major companies.

If you don’t want to drive when you’re visiting Orkney, one option is to take a multi-day tour from Inverness which allows you to see the main attractions and some of the lesser-visited islands. Both this 3-day tour or this 3-day tour include all transportation, accommodation, guides and some meals.

13 Best Things to Do in Orkney: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – explore the heart of neolithic orkney.

The first day of this itinerary has you exploring some of the best sites in mainland Orkney, the biggest island. The collection of four major sites (Maeshow, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae) are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

No site is more than a twenty-minute drive from either Kirkwall or Stromness and some are no more than three minutes away from each other. If you only have one day in Orkney, then I would recommend just sticking to the activities listed for this first day in order to properly enjoy everything.

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

The Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is considered one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs of its kind in Europe, making it one of the top things to see in Orkney. Dating back more than 5,000 years, it is an ancient burial site.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing, however, is the remnants the Vikings left when they discovered the cairn. Nearly 3,000 years after the tomb was erected, the Viking invaders left their mark within it with some interesting Norse graffiti. I guess some things will never change.

One of the biggest disappointments of our trip to Orkney was the fact that we weren’t able to tour this ancient Neolithic tomb. I was unaware that they only allow a finite number of people in per day and that it is essential if you’re travelling in peak season, as we were, that you book at least two weeks in advance. Learn from my mistake and make sure you can visit this fascinating archaeological site.

Standing Stones of Stenness

As anyone capable of a simple Google search will know, standing stone henges are fairly ubiquitous in Scotland and particularly in Orkney. What makes the Standing Stones of Stenness especially interesting, however, is that they are believed to be the oldest still standing henge in Britain.

Originally consisting of up to 12 stones, all arranged in a perfect circle, only four stones remain in this ancient site. While archaeologists are still relatively unsure of their purpose, it is impossible to deny their magnificence.

Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is located just a few paces away and it is probably the most awe-inspiring stone ring in Orkney. We got there early and were able to walk around the 104-meter circle in the company of only one other couple.

The smallest stones in the henge stand at 2 meters tall with the largest clocking in well above 4 meters. While only 27 of the original 60 stones remain, this is the third-largest stone circle in Britain.

Skara Brae might be the site I was most excited to see on our travels through Orkney. Dating back to 3180 BCE, this perfectly preserved Neolithic village is older than the Pyramids of Giza and is colloquially known as the “Scottish Pompeii.”

The story behind its discovery is fascinating as well…after a devastating wind storm in 1850, a local farmer assessing the damage to his fields found that the wind had mostly uncovered this ancient village.

The visitor centre at Skara Brae houses an excellent exhibit of the discoveries that have been uncovered here and it is one of the things you absolutely cannot miss when you visit these islands and it is one of the best places to visit in Orkney.

Orkney Brewery

If visiting all of these archaeological has left you a bit peckish, consider visiting the Orkney Brewery . This award-winning microbrewery offers a great tour where you can sample some of their fantastic beers and also quite a good restaurant.

While you can find the beers brewed here on tap at most pubs in Orkney, it is really great to visit and find out how it’s all made. Perhaps the most famous beer to come out of the brewery is the Dark Island Reserve – an ale that boasts roughly 10% alcohol by volume, it has won countless accolades at various prestigious beer awards. It’s not cheap, but it’s truly phenomenal.

Day 2 – Explore Kirkwall

With the first two days in this itinerary jam-packed with visits to archaeological sites, I would recommend spending your final day exploring Orkney’s capital “city” of Kirkwall. A charming town with a lot of history, there are many things to do in Kirkwall and can easily be explored on foot.

The Orkney Museum

If you want to find out more about the history of Orkney from the Neoliths to the Vikings to its position in the Second World War to life in the present day, head to the Orkney Museum . Like many museums in the UK, this museum is entirely free to visit and is one of the best things to do in Orkney.

Wander Around Kirkwall

After your distillery tour and museum visit, if the weather is fine, take some time to stroll along the harbour and through the picturesque streets of Kirkwall. Also make sure to take in the lovely St Magnus Cathedral, which is located next to the Orkney Museum and is the oldest cathedral in Scotland.

There are also a number of cute shops and cafes to pop into as well as some charming local pubs.

In fact, if you’re caught in the middle of a downpour (which is not uncommon) wait out the rain in a pub and chat to some of the incredibly friendly locals. You will almost always find someone who is willing to share a pint and some stories with you.

Highland Park Distillery

One of the best places to visit in Orkney is to take a tour of the Highland Park distillery . Even if you’re not a whisky fan, this may well be one of the best single malt distilleries to visit in all of Scotland. Highland Park is one of only a handful of Scotch distilleries that actually malts their own barley.

Day 3 – Explore South Ronaldsay

After a long day previously exploring the main sites on Mainland Orkney, the second day of this Orkney itinerary sees you crossing the Churchill Barriers across Scapa Flow to the southernmost island in the archipelago: South Ronaldsay. This small island also boasts a number of archaeological sites and also a really fantastic restaurant.

The Tomb of the Eagles

Similarly to Skara Brae, this 5,000-year-old tomb was discovered by a local farmer in the 1950s. A visit to the Tomb of the Eagles is by far one of the most interesting places to visit in Orkney, as it is an important site and can give incredible insight to how life was lived thousands of years ago.

You start your tour at the visitor centre, where they give a 15-minute talk about what has been discovered and let you handle actual ancient artefacts.

The tomb itself is about a mile’s walk from the centre and is incredibly scenic, but make sure to dress appropriately! Even if the day starts as sunny, the weather can turn at the flip of a switch and you can easily get soaked in a matter of minutes.

Unfortunately, this museum is temporarily closed for 2023 and it’s unclear when it will reopen. However, it is one of our favourite sites in Orkney and could open up again in the future.

Skerries Bistro

After working up an appetite walking out to visit the Tomb of the Eagles, it’s time for lunch! Skerries Bistro is a fantastic option on South Ronaldsay and it serves a lot of fantastic and fresh local seafood.

When we visited here, we started with delicious creamy seafood chowder, had beautifully seared scallops and a seafood platter for mains and polished it all off with a freshly baked strawberry and rhubarb crumble.

The food was absolutely delicious and our only regret was discovering this place on our last day meaning we couldn’t make a repeat visit!

The Italian Chapel

Orkney was a strategic area during WWII and there is an incredible amount of history on the islands solely relating to that, the most famous of which would probably be the Italian Chapel. Built by Italian POWs who wanted a place to worship, this chapel is truly a fantastic piece of both art and history and a visit is one of the top things to see in Orkney.

Orkney Wine Company

Located right next to the Italian Chapel, the Orkney Wine Company is an excellent place to visit in this area. They sell a range of wines and liquors all made by hand and from natural ingredients grown on the island.

They’re very generous here with tastings and will allow you to sample a number of wines or liquors before you make a decision.

Deerness Distillery

If you’re looking for a unique experience, then consider visiting the Deerness Distillery . Located in the far east of Mainland Orkney, this is a great place to stop on your drive back to Kirkwall. This small, family-run distillery not only makes their own whisky, but they also do spirits like vodka and gin, as well.

Where to stay in Orkney

The main city of Kirkwall is arguably the best place to base yourself when exploring Orkney. Centrally located to be able to explore the top attractions of the archipelago and also situated near several great restaurants and pubs, there are lots of places to choose from when you’re searching for accommodation.

However as Orkney is a small island, we do recommend booking accommodation in advance as the good places go quickly.

Private Rental — One great option for accommodation is a private holiday rental and there are a number of fantastic places such as this cosy apartment in central Kirkwall .

Kirkwall Youth Hostel — Kirkwall Youth Hostel is a great budget option to explore the islands. They offer both dorm beds and private rooms and come with high ratings, is very clean, and has a great and helpful staff.

Heatherlea — Also located in Kirkwall, Heatherlea is a lovely bed and breakfast to stay at if you’re looking for a bit more comfort during your stay in Orkney. They have a range of rooms available and also include a full Scottish breakfast in their rates.

Not what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Orkney hotels!

While there are many more things to do on these beautiful islands, these are some of the top attractions to see if you only have a short period of time. It is one of my favourite places in Scotland and they deserve to be explored to their fullest.

Are you planning to a trip to Orkney? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

It seems that an Orkney itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a distillery! Actually, it seems that’s the case for most of the places in Scotland we are researching for our upcoming trip!!!

Thanks for sharing a few ideas on things to see that aren’t just distilleries and ancient sites (yes, I know the ancient sites are part of what the Orkney’s are known for), it’s good to see more of what else is there.

Glad you found the article helpful, Matt! Hope you have a great time in Orkney — it’s a really magical place 🙂

Hello! I am planning a visit in August, but I don’t drive. Do you have any suggestions for me? Last time in Scotland I managed very well without a car, but I didn’t make it to Orkney. Thank you.

Hey Paula, you probably won’t have any trouble getting to Orkney without a car (take the bus to Scrabster and then the ferry to Stromness), but actually getting around the islands is going to prove difficult if you don’t have a car, especially if you want to travel independently. If you’re set on visiting Orkney anyway, I would have a look and see what kind of organised tours you can find (you can browse some here ). It will be a great way to see all of the amazing sites without having to worry about driving!

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Orkney. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Viking settlement at Skara Brae, Orkney islands, Scotland, Uk

Predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, extraordinary Skara Brae is one of the world's most evocative prehistoric sites, and northern Europe’s best…

Constructed about 5000 years ago, Maeshowe is an extraordinary place, a Stone Age tomb built from enormous sandstone blocks, some of which weighed many…

Tomb of the Eagles

Two significant archaeological sites were found here by a farmer on his land. The first is a Bronze Age stone building with a firepit, indoor well and…

St Magnus Cathedral

Constructed from local red sandstone, Kirkwall's centrepiece, dating from the early 12th century, is among Scotland's most interesting cathedrals. The…

Midhowe Cairn & Broch

Six miles from the ferry on Rousay, mighty Midhowe Cairn has been dubbed the 'Great Ship of Death'. Built around 3500 BC and enormous, it's divided into…

Knap of Howar

By the seashore, this sturdy stone-built farmhouse and storeroom are solidly built testimony to crofting life on Papa Westray island…5500 years ago. An…

Highland Park Distillery

This distillery, South of Kirkwall's centre, is great to visit. Despite a dodgy Viking rebrand, it's a serious distillery that malts its own barley; see…

Stromness Museum

This superb museum, run with great passion, is full of knick-knacks from maritime and natural-history exhibitions covering whaling, the Hudson's Bay…

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Orkney travel guide: 32+ things to do in orkney.

With its unique landscapes, culture and history, Orkney is a dream destination in the Scottish Isles. Here are some of my favourite things to do in Orkney to experience this northern archipelago to the fullest. You’ll love this travel guide for Orkney, whether it’s your first visit and you’re interested in the highlights, or you’re a return visit on the lookout for hidden gems.

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

Orkney – you can also say Orkney Isles or Orkney Islands (but never “the Orkneys”!) – lies just 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland, but with its distinct history, culture and landscapes it feels like you’ve travelled much further to a new destination.

There are about 70 islands in Orkney, although many are inhabited. 22,000 people live on just 20 islands – and they are well outnumbered by sheep and seabirds.

The islands offer stunning landscapes ranging from beaches to seacliffs. Nature thrives here, including rare flowers like the Scottish primrose and nesting seabirds like puffins. But what Orkney is probably best known for is its people, history and culture.

Before Orkney became part of the Kingdom of Scotland, it was colonised by Norwegians during the Viking period. As such, there was never really a Gaelic culture on the islands and the Norse influence shows until today in Orkney placenames, local dialects and traditions.

Looking further back, Orkney has been settled for 8,000 years and many traces remain from these pre-historic, Neolithic and Iron Age Orcadians. The most famous sites are the village Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the chambered tomb of Maeshowe, which form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site .

But Orkney won’t just charm you with its historic sites. Expect to find bustling seaside towns and meet lots of welcoming locals, whether it’s on a coastal walk or at a trad music session down the pub. Orkney has a lot to offer. This post covers:

Over 32 things to do in Orkney , especially on Orkney Mainland and the southern isles
Day trip ideas to other Orkney islands, including Hoy
A practical travel guide for Orkney: how much time to spend there, how to get to the islands, how to get around, where to stay & recommended places to eat, and
Useful travel tips for Orkney sprinkled throughout

Without further ado, let’s dive into my Orkney travel guide.

A Map of Orkney Highlights

Orkney Practical Travel Guide

How much time to spend in orkney.

I recommend spending at least 2 nights in Orkney, even if you’re planning to visit Orkney as a detour from the North Coast 500 .

However, there is so much to do, you could easily fill a week or two with historic sites, fun activities and interesting events.

On my first trip to Orkney, we spent a week there, and for our upcoming second trip, we even added an additional night to have more time on the islands.

Can you do a day trip to Orkney?

Theoretically, you can – the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, so you’d have plenty of time to tour some of Orkney’s highlights on a day trip before taking the ferry back in the evening (from Stromness or St Margaret’s Hope – see below for travel info). However, you’d have to be very picky and make some tough decisions about which of the many interesting sites to visit.

Personally, I find the price of the ferry too high for a day trip. The crossing can easily cost £200 for two adults and one car (return ticket), which is a lot for a day trip.

How to get to Orkney

If you’re short on time, you can fly to Orkney. Loganair operates flights to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Shetland and Birmingham.

If you’re visiting Orkney as part of a wider Scotland trip, you are more likely to take the ferry.

Join a guided tour to Orkney! Rabbie’s runs a 5-day tour to Orkney and the north coast from Edinburgh and a 3-day Orkney tour from Inverness. Both include 2 nights in Kirkwall.

There are three ferries from the Scottish mainland to Orkney Mainland – that’s what the main island is called. Whenever I refer to this island I’ll capitalise “Mainland” in this blog post.

Northlink Ferries operates a car ferry from Scrabster near Thurso to Stromness on Mainland. The crossing takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. During the summer there are 3 crossings per day, in off-season this is reduced to 2 sailings. Northlink Ferries also runs overnight connections from Kirkwall to Aberdeen and from Kirkwall to Lerwick on Shetland.

Scrabster is about 2.5 miles from Thurso train station, with trains arriving from Inverness up to four times a day. Stagecoach buses 80 and X99 run to the ferry pier in Scrabster three to four times a day – but you may want to pre-book a taxi for more flexibility.

A couple taking photos of Hoy aboard the Ferry to Orkney

Pentland Ferry operates a car ferry from Gills Bay in Caithness to St Margaret’s Hope in South Ronaldsay, one of the southern Orkney Islands. South Ronaldsay is connected to Orkney Mainland by a series of causeways, making this an easy alternative port of arrival. There are three crossings per day and they tend to be a little cheaper than Northlink Ferries.

Stagecoach bus 80 also runs from Thurso to Gill’s Bay a few times a day.

There is also a passenger ferry to Orkney which is the most popular option for organised day trips by bus. The John o’Groats Ferry sails from John o’Groats to Burwick on the southern edge of South Ronaldsay. There, you board a bus and explore the highlights of Orkney before returning in the evening. Please note that this ferry and the associated day tours are not operating in 2024!

If you plan to travel to any of the other Orkney Isles, you can do so aboard an Orkey Ferries crossing (see more info below) or a Loganair flight.

How to get around Orkney

As anywhere in Scotland, travelling by car gives you the greatest flexibility when you’re exploring Orkney. Driving allows you to explore off the beaten path and reach rural destinations away from the main sites.

Travelling by bike is a great alternative which gives you just as much flexibility. Just remember that Orkney has a lot of wind, so you’ll need strong legs. Bicycles travel for free with Northlink Ferries and Pentland Ferries. On Orkney, bike hire is available in Stromness and Kirkwall, and many of the smaller islands too.

By Public Transport

If you travel to Orkney without a car, you can explore much of the island’s main attractions and towns by bus. All bus routes on Orkney are operated by Stagecoach.

The T11 hop-on, hop-off service runs from the end of April until late September. It is a special bus for visitors and stops in Kirkwall, St Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.
The X1 runs from St Margaret’s Hope to Kirkwall and on to Stromness. It stops at the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers, Highland Park Distillery, Kirkwall, Maeshowe and near the Stones of Stenness (10 minutes walk along a small road).

Other routes run from Kirkwall to Skara Brae (past the Ring of Brodgar), from Kirkwall to Evie Sands and the Tingwall ferry for Rousay, to Houton for the car ferry to Hoy, to Deerness in East Mainland, and from Stromness to Birsay.

You can get single tickets or Day Rider passes that are valid on all regular buses. Note that the T11 requires its own ticket.

You might also like: My full guide to travelling Scotland by Public Transport

By Ferry or Plane

If you want to visit other Orkney Isles besides Mainland Orkney, you can reach them by ferry or plane.

Orkney Ferries operates crossings to all the inhabited islands that aren’t connected by causeways, including Hoy, Rousay, Shapinsay, Stronsay, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay.

Tickets should generally be booked in advance, especially if you plan to travel with a vehicle. As a foot passenger, you can be more flexible. Bikes travel for free.

Inter-island flights from Kirkwall (Mainland) to Eday, Stronsay, Westray, Sanday and North Ronaldsay are operated by Loganair .

View from the ferry from Kirkwall to Westray

Where to stay in Orkney

If you travel by public transport, I recommend staying in one of Orkney’s two main towns – Kirkwall or Stromness. This gives you easier access to public transport (especially Kirkwall), inter-island ferries for day trips, shops, pubs and restaurants.

If you have a car, you have more flexibility and can book accommodation in rural Orkney.

On our first and second trips, we booked a self-catering apartment at Summerdale near Orphir, approx. 7 miles from Kirkwall. The accommodation contains the upper floor of the cottage – the hosts live right underneath and they are the sweetest couple. The apartment sleeps up to 4 adults in two bedrooms and there is a spacious lounge, a separate dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen.

From the windows facing out front, you can see the golden sands of Waulkmill Bay. The house is surrounded by fields with sheep in a tranquil setting. I can’t recommend it enough for your home base in Orkney.

Other options I’d consider, in no particular order:

Kirkwall Youth Hostel run by Hostelling Scotland: I’ve enjoyed all their hostels and I’m sure this one is no different
Murray Arms Hotel in St Margaret’s Hope: The food there is delicious and I’m sure the rooms are lovely too
The Ferry Inn in Stromness, which is also a popular live music venue for trad players
Lindisfarne B&B in Stromness: I’ve often recommended this to my itinerary clients
Orkney Lux Lodges in Stromness: These come with a private hot tub!

My favourite restaurants in Orkney

We had a lot of fantastic food in Orkney. To be honest, finding vegan options was a little tricky, so from time to time I had to make do with veggie options containing dairy, or freshly landed seafood from local fishing boats. If you’re now willing (or able) to make such exceptions, it helps to book accommodation where you can prepare your own meals.

Here are some of my favourite eateries from our trips:

The Polly Kettle in Burray serves finger-licking Orcadian-Egyptian fare like homemade falafel, fresh butter bean stew with tahini dip, irresistible desserts and cakes. This was one of my favourite places to eat on our trip and a great vegan-friendly find.
The Murray Arms Hotel in St Margaret’s Hope is a seafood restaurant through and through – although they also have one meat option on the menu. They get their fish and shellfish from local fishing boats and make many of the condiments in-house, including their butter. We had the seafood platter and the furthest ingredient was monkfish caught near John o’Groats, a mere 15 miles away. What a great way to minimise your food miles!
The Ferry Inn in Stromness is a gastro pub with rooms and lots of atmosphere. Since it’s one of the main venues at the Orkney Folk Festival we didn’t have a chance to eat in the formal restaurant, but we enjoyed the storm they cooked up at their food truck during the festival. Think burgers and lobster mac & cheese.
Another nice option in Stromness is Adam’s Place which serves seafood, meat and vegetarian options. I had a chowder here and it was delicious.
Most days we picked up cakes from Argos Bakery in Kirkwall or Stromness.
Harbour Fry in Kirkwall is a traditional fish & chip shop. This is where Thomas tried the famous Orkney Pattie – a local delicacy: mince, potaties and onion mixed together, battered and deep-fried.
We enjoyed another seafood platter at Kirkwall Hotel – it wasn’t as amazing as the one in St Margaret’s Hope, but still really good.
St Ola’s Hotel in Kirkwall is a good option for no-frills pub food.
We were quite keen on trying Helgi’s in Kirkwall, but couldn’t get a table.
We also tried our luck at Birsay Tearoom but it was closed on the day we visited the area – next time!

No matter where you plan to eat, I highly recommend booking a table for dinner – or at least calling ahead to avoid disappointment.

Seafood platter at Murray Arms Hotel in St Margaret's Hope, Orkney

32+ Things to do in Orkney

In this section I focus on things to do on the Mainland of Orkney – that’s the main island where Kirkwall and Stromness are located. Scroll down for things to do on the southern islands, and day trip ideas to other islands. It would be impossible to write one blog post about things to do on all the Orkney islands – you’d be reading for weeks.

Now, that’s out the way – let’s go.

Explore Kirkwall

Kirkwall is the capital of Orkney and with about 10,000 people it’s largest town. The town was founded by the Vikings and its name comes from the Norse word for “Church Bay”.

Start by visiting the Orkney Museum at Tankerness House to learn more about these islands. During the summer, the gardens are a treat for the senses.

Cross the street to beautiful St Magnus Cathedra l It. was founded in 1137 and took around 300 years to complete. It’s still used as a church, but there are also regular events, concerts and exhibitions.

Explore the bustling streets of the town centre – which are even more bustling when a large cruise ship is anchored nearby. Judith Glue is a great shop to pick up locally-made knitwear, crafts and souvenirs. There are many other little shops and cafes along Albert Street.

Top Tip: Check the cruise schedule to see when the biggest cruise ships dock in Kirkwall or Stromness (3,000+ passengers). Avoid the most popular sites on Mainland Orkney on those days – they will be busy! Day-tripping to another Orkney island on cruise shop days is a great way to escape the crowds.

Do a whisky tour

There are two whisky distilleries in Orkney open for tours. Both of them are located in or near Kirkwall.

Highland Park Distillery – The distillery is in Kirkwall. They also have a whisky shop in town if you want to pick up a bottle of whisky or some whisky-themed gifts.
Scapa Distillery – unlike Highland Park, this is an unpeated whisky. The distillery is just outside Kirkwall.

Do a gin tour

Whisky isn’t your thing? Try Scottish gin made in Orkney! There are a handful of gin distilleries in Orkney that are open for tours and tastings:

Deerness Distillery on East Mainland: They also make whisky, but it’s not ready yet!
The Orkney Distillery produce Kirkjuvagr Gin but they are also working on establishing a whisky distillery in the future
There is also the Orkney Gin Company, but they don’t have a visitor centre.

Explore Stromness

Stromness is Kirkwall’s quaint little sister. The town is much smaller (about 2,500 inhabitants) and the centre is clustered around the picturesque main street that runs parallel to the waterfront.

You can learn more about this little town at the Stromness Museum . The Piers Arts Centre is another nice place to visit, especially if you’re interested in art from Orkney.

A great local hike is the short but steep ascent of Brinkie’s Brae , a wee hill above Stromness. It offers fantastic views of the town, the coastline and nearby islands like Hoy and Graemsay.

Skara Brae Neolithic Settlement

The stone settlement Skara Brae on the west coast of Mainland Orkney is Europe’s best preserved Neolithic village. It is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza. People lived here from 3,180 BC to about 2,500 BC.

It then lay silent beneath layers of soil for thousands of years until a storm started uncovering it in 1850. It was excavated by a local man, later plundered and finally properly excavated and recorded in 1927.

The main site of the village contains around 10 houses which are connected by once-covered walkways. Each house has a primitive sewer system with flushing toilets. Due to its fragile nature, visitors must remain on the paths and walkways above the structures, but there is also a replica to get a sense of what these buildings once looked like from the inside.

Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most spectacular stone circles in the UK. It contains 36 standing stones, although there were nearly twice as many when it was built 5,000 years ago. The site also includes burial mounds and a large ditch around the stone circle.

It is believed that the site was used for ceremonial purposes and to observe the moon – but there is little evidence that tells us for sure why this stone circle was erected.

It’s free to visit the Ring of Brodgar and from mid-May to mid-September, local rangers lead free guided walks every day at 1 pm. Meet them at the car park.

Stones of Stenness

The Stones of Stenness were once a great stone circle, built approx. 5,400 years ago. Only four of the 12 stones remain today – but they are good ones! The tallest stone is nearly 6 metres (19 ft) tall.

It’s free to visit the Stones of Stenness and from mid-May to mid-September, local rangers lead free guided walks every day at 10 am. Meet them at the gate to the stones.

Kathi standing in front of a standing stone in Stenness, Orkney

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is an incredibly well-preserved Neolithic chambered tomb which was built 5,000 years ago. It’s one of those places where it’s hard to imagine how people managed to lift such huge stones into place.

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn can only be accessed with a guided tour and capacity is very limited – you must book this attraction well in advance to avoid disappointment.

There are many other chambered cairns in Orkney – for example, the Unstan Chambered Cairn – but none of them are as spectacular.

Top Tip for Maeshowe Chambered Cairn: Roughly from the end of November through to the middle of January (weather dependent) the setting sun aligns with the central chamber of the cairn. Visitors wishing to see the setting sun should book for the 2 pm tour.

A walk to the Brough of Birsay

The tidal island Brough of Birsay is linked to Mainland Orkney by a causeway. Twice a day, you can walk across to explore the island and its many historic sites.

Highlights on the Brough of Birsay include the replica of a Pictish stone (the original was found here), remains of a Norse settlement and a medieval monastery. Walk to the lighthouse at the other end of the island to see seabirds and breathtaking cliffs.

Timing is of the essence to visit the Brough of Birsay. Check the tide tables at Skara Brae or call them on 01856 841 815. The tide times can also be found on the Met Office website . You get a few hours on either side of low tide to walk there and back. Allow 2-3 hours to visit the island.

The causeway to the Brough of Birsay in Orkney

Marwick Head

The headland of Marwick Head is a favourite among bird watchers. You might have already spotted it from the Brough of Birsay – the Kitchener Memorial (commemorating WWI Minister for War, Lord Kitchener) is hard to overlook.

During the summer, seabirds nest in the majestic cliffs of Marwick Head. You can spot fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants and kittiwakes – just take care of the edge!

Cliffs of Yesnaby

Looking for a coastal walk on the West Mainland? Look no further than the cliffs of Yesnaby! Spot sea birds, walk through flower meadows (including that rare Scottish primrose) and marvel at the stunning sea views.

One of the highlights here is the sea stac Yesnaby Castle – castle often refers to natural sea stacs in Orkney – with its natural stone arch. On your way from the car park, you’ll pass the headland Brough of Bigging. Allow 1-2 hours for this walk.

Visit Barony Mill

Barony Mill is Orkney’s only water mill, but what’s even more special is the kind of grain that is milled here. Bere is an ancient type of barley which was found in Neolithic tombs. It is only grown in Orkney and while it isn’t as productive as modern types of grain, it is incredibly well-adapted to the rough climate here.

You can join a tour at the mill and taste traditional bread, bannocks and biscuits made from beremeal milled here.

Visit the Woolshed

Here’s another uniquely Orcadian product: wool from the seaweed-eating sheep on North Ronaldsay! At the Woolshed near Evie, you can learn about this rare variety of Orkney sheep and shop hand-knitted items like jumpers, cardigans and more. You can also pick up balls or skeins of yarn to take home for your own knitting projects.

Top Tip for Knitters: Read Jane Cooper’s The Lost Flock about her efforts to raise the profile of the rare sheep breed Orkney Borerary.

Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Centre

If you’re looking for something different to do, visit the Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Centre . They offer events for all ages including family-friendly afternoon sessions and storytelling evenings by a peatfire.

Sands of Evie & Brouch of Gurness

Located on the northeast of Orkney’s Mainland and therefore sheltered from the sheer force of the Atlantic, the Sands of Evie are a beautiful, sandy beach with shallow, turquoise waters.

The water here can still be wild, but on a calm day, this is a popular spot for swimmers. There are often seals in the bay and lots of birds.

On the far eastern side of the bay, find the Broch of Gurness , the remains of an Iron Age settlement. It features what’s left of a large broch tower and several stone buildings scattered around it.

Waulkmill Bay

Waulkmill Bay is a brilliant sandy beach, especially at low tide when a huge expanse of sand is revealed.

At the back of the beach, there is a salt marsh with trails and the nearby Hobbister Nature Reserve is a great spot to see moorland birds like short-eared owls and hen harriers. Even from the road, you can hear the characteristic songs of curlews.

Even though we stayed so close to this beach, I have yet to visit. It’s on my list of things to do in Orkney on my next trip.

Dingieshowe & Newark Beach, East Mainland

The East Mainland lies southeast of Kirkwall and is a little more off the beaten path than the West Mainland. The beaches at Dingishowe and Newark are just some of the highlights of this area.

Both bays offer sandy beaches, beautiful views, coastal walks, dunes and wildlife.

The Gloup & Mull Head, East Mainland

The Mull Head Nature Reserve offers large stretches of coastal grassland, sea cliffs and heath moorland. There is a network of trails and you can spend a few hours exploring the area.

If you only have a short amount of time, visit the Gloup – a collapsed sea cave near the car park. It’s a dramatic site to see the ocean roar into the cave some 80 ft below.

Brough of Deerness, East Mainland

Continue on your coastal walk from the Gloup until you reach the Brough of Deerness, a rocky outcrop detached from the mainland. There are steps leading down to the base of the outcrop and more steps back up to the Brough. You’ll need a head for heights!

Note that the Brough of Deerness is currently inaccessible due to a landslip. Hopefully, it will reopen soon.

Follow the Creative Orkney Trail

Orcadians are a creative people! The Creative Orkney Trail lists artists, designers and makers all over the islands who open their workshops and studios to visitors. These include jewellery, homewares, clothing & textiles and art & photography.

Orkney Folk Festival

Established in 1982, the Orkney Folk Festival has long celebrated the best of traditional music from Orkney, Scotland and further afield.

The festival takes place over four days at the end of May in Stromness, although there are also events at venues in Kirkwall, other towns on the Mainland and a few other islands. You can buy tickets for individual events, each with a line-up of 4-5 bands, and/or attend free pub sessions across venues in Stromness.

My first trip to Orkney was for the 40th Orkney Folk Festival, and we’re returning for another visit this year. Here are my top tips for the Orkney Folk Festival and how to make the most of it!

The next Orkney Folk Festival takes place from 23-26 May 2024.

A pub session at the Ferry Inn during the Orkney Folk Festival

Orkney Nature Festival

The Orkney Nature Festival happens just before the folk festival in the middle of May. It features a diverse programme including boat trips to see the cliffs, nature photography classes with local experts, guided walks and much more.

The next Orkney Nature Festival takes from from 13-19 May 2024.

Things to do in Orkney’s South Isles

The South Isles of Lambholm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay are connected to Orkney’s Mainland by causeways, making them an easy place to visit without having to worry about ferry schedules. You can just drive there. The bus goes as far as St Margaret’s Hope.

Visit the Italian Chapel

The Italian Chapel was built by Italian Prisoners of War held in Orkney from 1942 to 1945. They were brought to the islands to construct the Churchill Barriers (see below).

The chapel is small and unassuming from the outside. It was constructed from two simple Nissen huts upon the request of camp priest, Fr Giacobazzi. It’s on the inside where this chapel shines. Domenico Chiocchetti, an artist among the prisoners, along with other tradesmen transformed the simple interior into a stunning place of worship.

I have to admit I was quite surprised by how beautiful the interior of the chapel is! It’s well worth a visit.

Drive across the Churchill Barriers

The causeways between the southern Orkney Isles are known as the Churchill Barriers. They were constructed during WWII to block German U-boats and protect the British naval anchorage at Scapa Flow.

Additionally, block ships were sunk in these shallow bays and you can still see the wrecks sticking out of the sea, especially at low tide. Beaches have formed along the barriers too, making for a fascinating road trip to see them all.

Snorkelling at the Churchill Barriers or diving at Scapa Flow

There are countless shipwrecks in the waters of Scapa Flow and surrounding the Churchill Barriers. There are sunken British ships, scuttled German ships (both from WWI) and some blockade ships sunken on purpose during WWII.

Since these ships sunk, they’ve transformed into artificial reefs offering shelter and habitat to countless marine species. Exploring these underwater worlds is an incredible bucket list item.

Local company Kraken Diving offers diving excursions to see the wrecks and more gentle snorkelling sessions at the Churchill Barriers. Of course, you can also go snorkelling without a guide – just make sure you take the necessary precautions to stay safe. You can find my top snorkelling tips here .

Forest Bathing at Olav’s Wood

Orkney isn’t known for its trees – the near-constant wind makes it hard for large plants to grow high and much of the original woodlands that existed here were destroyed a long time ago. There is however one place to go forest bathing in Orkney.

Olav’s Wood is a tranquil mixed woodland in a gorge on the east coast of South Ronaldsay. Here the trees can grow relatively sheltered from the storms. It’s a tranquil spot with a bubbling burn running through the middle. There are several trails through the woodland and its surrounding grass- and wetlands.

A coastal walk in Burwick

I love coastal wildflowers like sea pinks (also called sea thrift) and the southern tip of South Ronaldsay is the perfect place to see them. During the summer, the coastline around Burwick is carpeted in a sea of pink. Add to that the magnificent views across to the mainland of Scotland and the towering seacliffs with nesting cormorants, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

Burwick is a wonderful location for a coastal walk in Orkney’s south isles – our walk here is among my favourite things to do in Orkney.

Birdwatching on the coast of Burwick, Orkney

Seafood in St Margaret’s Hope

Finish your day with a delicious meal at the Murray Arms Hotel in St Margaret’s Hope. They specialise in locally sourced seafood and make much of the condiments in-house, including their butter.

Since this is a small restaurant, book ahead to make sure get a table.

Other Orkney Islands

There are many other islands to visit in Orkney and they all warrant a few nights to explore in depth. Some are also easy to reach for day trips – here’s a selection of Orkney day trip ideas. Hopefully, I’ll be able to add more after visiting them in the future.

Day trip to Hoy

Hoy is Orkney’s second largest island (after Mainland) and lies just south of Stromness. Most people travel to Hoy to visit the beautiful beach at Rackwick Bay, take on the 3-hour hike to the sea stac Old Man of Hoy, and visit the Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness.

This island is on my list of things to do in Orkney.

Getting to Hoy

There are two ferries to Hoy. A passenger ferry runs from Stromness to Moaness in north Hoy. A car ferry runs from Houton near Orphir to Lyness in south Hoy. Note that there is no bus connection between Moaness and Rackwick – if you want to hike to the Old Man of Hoy, you have to travel by car or pre-book taxi transfers with a local company.

Day trip to Westray

Westray is one of Orkney’s North Isles. We did a day trip here on our first trip to Orkney and brought our bikes – it was challenging, but it was one of my favourite things to do in Orkney.

Most of the highlights are in the north of the island – only 7 miles from the ferry port. But with strong headwinds, the journey was quite the challenge. We didn’t manage to see everything on our wish list.

Highlights on Westray include the puffin colony at Castle o’Burrian (another one of these sea stacs called castle ), Noltland Castle in Pierowall, the beach at Links of Noltland, and the lighthouse and seacliffs at Loup Head Lighthouse. Local company Westraak offer guided tours. If you stay overnight, their evening tours sound delightful.

Getting to Westray

Orkney Ferries runs regular ferries from Kirkwall to Rapness in south Westray. Note that there are no buses on Westray – you need your own transport (car or bike) or book a guided tour to reach the highlights in the north of the island.

Take the shortest scheduled flight in the world

The Scottish airline Loganair operates the shortest scheduled passenger flight in the world. The flight from Westray to Papa Westray lasts only 90 seconds, with about one minute spent in the air. The flight primarily serves the local community (students, researchers, medical visits), but as a tourist, it’s a fun activity to add to your bucket list.

It makes sense to spend a few days on Westray and Papa Westray to make time for the flight in addition to other sites and activities on these islands.

Day trip to Rousay

Rousay is an island for history buffs. There are more than 150 ancient sites, including several brochs and chambered cairns. I first came across the island because some of my itinerary clients were raving about their guided day tour with Patrick from Rousay Tours .

Highlights include the Iron Age Midhowe Broch, the 5,000-year-old Midhowe Chambered Cairn, the excavations at Swandro and the chambered cairn Taversoe Tuick.

Getting to Rousay

The ferry from Tingwall on Mainland Orkney to Rousay runs several times a day, sometimes with routes stopping in Egilsay and/or Wyre along the way. You can bring your car on this ferry or hire bikes from Trumland Farm near the ferry port on Rousay. Here’s a suggested bike route around the island.

Phew, you’ve made it to the end of my detailed Orkney travel guide. Packed with things to do in Orkney, day trip ideas and practical travel info, you know have what it takes to plan a wonderful trip to these northern Scottish Isles.

I’m sure I will have many places to add after my second trip to Orkney. Stay tuned!

Add your favourite things to do in Orkney in the comments!

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Away With Maja

The complete orkney guide: an 8-day itinerary for the orkney islands.

The ancient houses at Skara Brae on Orkney.

My trip to Orkney was one of the best of my life. There is so much to see and do on this cluster of islands, just off the north coast of Scotland . I had 8 days to explore Orkney, and packed in a lot into this short amount of time! While I loved my adventures around the Mainland, the Barrier Islands, South Ronaldsay, Hoy , Papa Westray , and Westray , there was still so much I missed out on – Rousay, Sanday, and Stronsay, to name a few.

A beautiful sunset at the Sands of Evie beach on Orkney.

I had a day each on Hoy, Papa Westray, and Westray, with the rest of my time split over the Mainland and exploring the Barrier Islands and South Ronaldsay. Having your own car will definitely open up a lot of possibilities, and it’ll mean you can see so much more of Orkney – so I do recommend driving. This trip itinerary would have looked very different if I’d been relying on public transportation to get around.

If you’re after the ultimate guide to what to see in Orkney, this is the post for you! Here’s an 8-day itinerary to see the best of the Orkney Islands.

The pretty town of Stromness, as seen from the ferry in the harbor.

Table of Contents

What to See on West Mainland, Orkney

For many people (myself included), Stromness is the first taste of Orkney – the Northlink ferry from Scrabster arrives here. You can learn about local history at Stromness Museum . I really liked the exhibits on maritime history during the World Wars, and the exhibit on John Rae, who was an Arctic explorer from Orkney. It costs £5 for adults.

Maja sat on the trig point at the summit of Brinkies Brae, overlooking Stromness.

Make sure to head up Brinkie’s Brae for incredible views. This hill isn’t very high (94 meters), but on a clear day it’s phenomenal. There is a signpost from the road to help you find the path – it does go right next to someone’s garden – and took me about 30 minutes, including lots of time taking photos at the summit.

Sands of Evie

This might be one of my favorite beaches on Orkney. Just outside of the village of Evie, you’ll find this expansive stretch of sand with views out to Rousay. I loved going for a quick swim here! This is a great place to catch the sunset, too.

Broch of Gurness

This is an ancient historic site, perched right on the coast. The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village, and one of the most impressive. You can walk around the main broch itself, and through the remains of the broch village – including a toilet. It dates back over 2,000 years and is run by Historic Scotland, so there is an admission charge.

Kirbuster Museum

Wondering what life was like in rural Orkney in the 19th and early 20th centuries? Kirbuster Museum showcases farm life in Orkeny – the farmhouse was occupied until the 1960s, and has a central hearth with a peat fire, a stone neuk bed, and very pretty gardens. Admission is free.

Maja at the road sign pointing to Twatt, on Orkney.

Of course this post wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to Twatt now, would it?! One of the main reasons I came to Orkney was to take a picture with this sign. And yes, I pre-planned my Twatt content and brought pictures of my ex-husband to have a photoshoot with here, ha! There is a Twatt sign with an arrow in Abune-the-Hill , which is a must. There is no welcome sign in Twatt itself, but I highly recommend you stop at Twatt Church, too.

Orkney Brewery

A lot of Scotland is focused on whisky when it comes to producing alcohol – but there’s plenty of great beer, too. Head to Orkney Brewery and you can tour their brewery – samples included – or just stop by their Tasting Hall for lunch. Beers in the shop are very reasonably priced (£2.30 each!), and my favorite so far is the Puffin beer.

Brough of Birsay

One of the most unique spots to visit on Orkney is the Brough of Birsay. This is an island just off the mainland, and is connected to the shore by a tidal causeway. It’s safe to cross about 2 hours either side of low tide, and make sure to check the tide times in advance so you don’t get stuck. There are remains of a Pictish settlement and church/monastery to explore, and a lighthouse. Head past the lighthouse and you might be lucky enough to spot some puffins!

The ruins of the Earl's Palace in Birsay, on Orkney.

Earl’s Palace, Birsay

Birsay is a very small village, but make sure to stop and see the remains of the Earl’s Palace. While it’s mainly in ruins now, this was once a fine castle and home to the Earl of Orkney (the half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots). It’s free to visit.

Skara Brae is one of the most famous historic sites on Orkney. It’s a top Orkney attraction and part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. This ancient settlement is the most complete Neolithic village in Europe, and was occupied from 3180 to 2500 BCE. You can walk around the individual houses, and even see some of the remaining furniture. The visitor center has an excellent exhibit on what life was like for the people living here, and how it was discovered after a storm in 1850.

This can be a busy site as it sees a lot of cruise ship/coach visitors. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon will be the quietest times. Skara Brae is run by Historic Scotland and there is an admission charge. Admission also covers entry to Skaill House , a 17th-century mansion. The house is set up to show how it functioned as a family home in the 1950s, with lots of information on the people who owned the property and lived here.

Skaill Beach

This is another incredible beach on Mainland Orkney. White sand stretches in a curved arc all around the bay. You’ll get a great view from Skara Brae, but it’s also a great place to go for a walk or even swim. There’s a car park and toilet here.

The cliffs at Marwick Head, with Kitchener's Memorial, on the Orkney coast.

Marwick Head and Kitchener Memorial

There’s a great coastal walk around Marwick Head – approximately 2.5 miles and it took me about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You can start at either the RSPB Marwick Head car park, or the Kitchener Memorial car park. As Marwick Head is an RSPB reserve, bring your binoculars – you’ll hopefully see lots of seabirds here!

The stone tower of the Kitchener Memorial at Marwick Head.

The Kitchener Memorial rises from the rocky cliffs, and can be seen from many different spots on the western coast. In 1916, Lord Kitchener’s ship (the HMS Hampshire ) was struck by a mine laid by a German submarine, and the ship sank with a loss of 700 lives. Only 12 people survived. Lord Kitchener was very well-known as the poster boy (literally) for army recruitment during World War I in Britain. The memorial was built in 1926, and in 2016 an additional wall, commemorating all the men who were killed, was built.

Yesnaby Cliffs

Yesnaby is another spot on the coast of West Mainland of Orkney that can’t be missed. The rocky cliffs lead you south from the car park to Yesnaby Castle, a sea stack with a notable hole in the base. It took me about 50 minutes from the car park to the best part of the coast around the sea stack – but you can certainly carry on the coast even longer here.

Loch of Harray

The Loch of Harray is the largest loch on Mainland Orkney, and is a very peaceful place in comparison to the busier sites along the coast. There’s a car park and picnic area with a viewpoint, and there’s a short walk on boardwalks to see more of the marshy area that juts out into the loch.

The standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar on a clear morning in Orkney.

Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle

This is one of the most unbelievable place to visit on Orkney: the Ring of Brodgar is a massive stone circle, dating back to 2500 BCE and with 36 stones left standing today. This is, quite simply, one of the most magnificent sites I’ve ever visited. The stone circle is 104 meters in diameter, and is one of the most phenomenal stone circles in Britain. It’s free to visit, and open 24/7 – I recommend coming in the early morning or late evening. I had the entire place to myself when I showed up at 8:30am! In World War II, the Ring of Bordgar was used for tank training – the tanks practiced maneuvering around the ancient stones.

The standing stones that make up the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney.

The Ring of Brodgar is part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. If you’re interested in seeing more archaeology up close, check out the Ness of Brodgar . This site has been undergoing excavation since 2004, and members of the public can sometimes visit and see the excavations on site .

Standing Stones of Stenness

This superb stone circle only has 4 stones left standing today, but there was originally comprised of 12 stones. It was built about 5,400 years ago, and is also part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. In 1814, the farmer leasing the land started to pull the stones down. The locals were so mad that they attempted to burn his house down – twice. Like the Ring of Brodgar, the site is run by Historic Scotland but free to visit, any time of day. This is one place you can’t miss on Orkney.

Excavations of the Barnhouse Settlement at Stenness.

Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Barnhouse Settlement , where you can see the remains of a village overlooking the Loch of Stenness.

Unstan Chambered Carin

A short drive from the Standing Stones of Stennes, you’ll find Unstan Chambered Cairn. Crawl into the gateway and you’ll find yourself in a rounded Neolithic tomb – there are modern windows built into the mound, so its light inside. Pottery is the most important artifacts that were found here. l To get here, follow what seems to be someone’s driveway through to a small car park. There is room for 2-3 cars.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit Maeshowe on my Orkney trip. Entrance is by guided tour only, and as they had only recently reopened for the season, it was completely booked up for several weeks in advance. This is one of the finest chambered cairns in Europe, and dates back to about 2800 BCE. It’s also part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Don’t make my mistake, make sure you book well in advance ! It’s run by Historic Scotland, and there is a charge for the tour/admission.

The grassy mound at the entrance of Cuween Chambered Cairn.

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn

Grab the flashlight from the box and crawl on your hands and knees to enter Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn. This Neolithic tomb is 5,000 years old – when it was excavated in 1901, they found the skulls of 24 dogs buried here. It’s a steep climb up from the parking area, but the views over this part of Mainland Orkney are wonderful.

The trig point at the top of Wideford Hill on Orkney.

Wideford Hill and Chambered Cairn

Just outside of Kirkwall, Wideford Hill dominates the landscape. At 225 meters high, you’ll have an excellent view over the city from here – a trig point marks the summit. I found it impossible to find any information on parking here, so please note that there are two areas where you can park your car. At the top of Wideford Hill, there is room for about 2 cars (the spot is listed as Wideford Hill Scenic View on GoogleMaps ). Just below that, there is space for 2 or maybe 3 cars at the bend in the road. There is a small Historic Scotland sign here that says this is where you should park to visit the cairn.

The stone layers of the exterior of Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn.

Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn is on the west side of the hill – there’s a well-trodden, easy-to-follow path from where you park to get to the cairn. But it will take at least 10-15 minutes to get there, and I recommend having sturdy footwear. It’s definitely worth the trek though: you enter this cairn through a hatch in the roof of the mound!! There is a flashlight in a box, you pull open the hatch, and descend into the cairn by a short ladder. It’s a tight squeeze, so I recommend leaving any backpacks outside. Look out for the Neolithic graffiti while you’re in the cairn.

Waulkmill Bay

Is this the best beach on Mainland Orkney? My jaw dropped when I first saw Waulkmill Bay – a huge expanse of perfect sand. It’s simply spectacular, and I loved going for a swim here! There is parking off the side of the road by the toilet, where you’ll follow the steep steps down to the sand. I could have spent the entire day here, alternating between swimming in the crystal-clear sea and lounging on the sand.

The remains of the Earl's Bu and Church in Orphir, Orkney.

There are two places of interest to visit in Orphir. The first is the Orkneyinga Saga Center , which has an exhibition about the Norse Earls of Orkney. A narrative of the political history of Orkney (and Shetland), the Orkneyinga Saga goes into great details about various events in the Viking era. The center is free to visit and there is a film you can watch, although it is a few decades old.

The other main attraction to visit in Orphir is the ruins of the Earl’s Bu and Church . This was the setting for one of the events in the Orkneyinga Saga, and is one of only two round churches in all of Scotland. The ruins are right behind the exhibition center and free to visit.

A pretty but quiet street in Kirkwall, Orkney.

What to See in Kirkwall, Orkney

As the main town in the Orkney Islands, I think Kirkwall deserves its own section!

St. Magnus Cathedral

A beautiful red brick building in the center of Kirkwall, St. Magnus Cathedral can’t be missed. It was founded in 1137, and was named after Saint Magnus, who was killed on Orkney in the early 1100s and became a martyr. The cathedral is free to visit – the interior is just beautiful.

Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces

The Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace are right across the street from one another – both are run by Historic Scotland (who charge an admission fee). The Bishop’s Palace was built in the early 1100s, and today it’s really only the ground floor that remains. The Earl’s Palace is much larger – it was built in the early 1600s by the Earl of Orkney. There’s more to see here, such as large fireplaces, the earl’s chambers, and a beautiful large staircase.

Orkney Museum

I was completely blown away by the Orkney Museum – there is SO much to see here! I’d recommend setting aside at least 1 hour for your visit. The museum covers the history of Orkney from the prehistoric age, all the way up to the 20th century! It’s free to visit, but well worth a donation at the end.

Orkney Library

I visited Orkney Library mainly because I follow them on Twitter , and they’re hilarious. I had to see the balls for myself. No regrets.

Judith Glue Shop

This is an excellent shop with all sorts of local gifts, clothing, knitwear, and souvenirs you can pick up. I stocked up on some puffin items – there’s also a good selection of Twatt merchandise. They also have a café at the back of the shop and lots of local produce!

Archive Coffee

This café looks tiny from the outside, but it’s a huge space inside! An excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or just coffee, Archive is my top pick in Kirkwall. Get the peanut butter cup pancakes, trust me.

If you’re after a hearty meal in a classic pub setting, head to Helgi’s by the waterfront. The food here is delicious, the service was quick and the staff were really friendly. If you’re looking for an evening meal, I recommend booking in advance.

Orkney Distillery

Right on Kirkwall harbor, you’ll find the Orkney Distillery and visitor center – the home of Orkney gin. They offer distillery tours as well as gin-making classes. But the café/bar at the front is also a great choice for a drink, or whiling away a rainy afternoon.

Highland Park Distillery

This is the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the country – so it’s not one to miss. It’s located just outside of Kirkwall (about a mile), and access is only available if you’ve booked one of their guided tours. They have a well-stocked whisky shop on Albert Street in the center of Kirkwall.

Scapa Distillery

Scapa Distillery is home to (possibly) my favorite whisky in the entire world: the Scapa Skiren. Of course I had to visit and buy a bottle at the distillery itself! They do offer distillery tours/tastings (book in advance), and I’d recommend checking the shop opening times before you visit. It’s about 2 miles from the center of Kirkwall. While you’re there, stop by Scapa Beach ! This beach looks out to Scapa Bay – check locally for any exciting recent whale or dolphin spottings.

What to See on East Mainland, Orkney

Inganess beach/sands of wideford.

This is a quiet beach, just outside of Kirkwall and down the road from Kirkwall Airport. The view is dominated by the rusting wreck of Juniata, a World War II ship. There’s a small car park here, and a few quiet walks you can do nearby.

Rerwick Head

The road to get here isn’t the best, but Rerwick Head is a quiet place with a fascinating history. You’ll probably have it all to yourself! There’s a small car park, from where you can head on a short walk around the old WWII gun battery. You can see what’s left of the camps and barracks, lookout posts, and the gun batteries themselves. Don’t enter any of the buildings though, as they might not be safe.

Dingieshowe

This is a spectacular beach, connecting Mainland Orkney with Deerness. There is a car park here with toilets, and you can then head over the dunes and onto the sand for spectacular views across the isthmus. There are signs up about erosion here, so please stick to the paths and I’d discourage camping here.

Deerness Distillery

This small gin and vodka distillery is on the Deerness peninsula in Orkney. The distillery can offer short tours/samples (no charge!!) when they’re open. If you can’t visit in person, they do have an online shop!

The sandy beach at Newark Bay beach on the Deerness peninsula, Orkney.

This is a beautiful, quiet stretch of sand, with great views out over to other islands. You can do a short coastal walk along the Point of Ayre here – I also saw a few windsurfers in the evening when I went!

Coastal scenery and the Brough of Deerness around Mull Head on Orkney.

One of the best places to see on the Deerness Peninsula is Mull Head. I loved hiking here – it’s an RSPB reserve, so I saw quite a few seabirds including puffins! The walk starts off in the car park by the visitor center, and passes the Gloup , a dramatic collapsed sea cave. It then heads along the coast to the Broch of Deerness – you can usually explore the ruins yourself, but unfortunately the path was closed due to a landslide when I was there.

The Covenanter's Memorial, near Mull Head, on Orkney.

Carry on around Mull Head and down the western coast, where you’ll find the Covenanter’s Memorial . In 1679, a ship of Covenanters, who were prisoners being transported, was wrecked off the coast. Over 200 of them died as they were trapped inside and unable to escape the sinking ship. There is a small car park close to the memorial, but the hike takes you back to Mull Head.

The hike is about 6.5 miles and took me around 2.5 hours.

The Totem Pole at St. Mary's near the Churchill Barriers on Orkney.

St. Mary’s Totem Pole

At the very tip of Mainland Orkney, just before you go over the Churchill Barriers, you can find an intricately carved totem pole. This totem pole was placed here as part of a community project between locals and members of the Squamish First Nations people of Canada. It seems a bit random, but it’s worth stopping!

A road going across one of the Churchill Barriers in Orkney.

What to See on the Barrier Islands and South Ronaldsay, Orkney

I decided to combine this group of islands in one, as they’re all connected to each other and the Mainland thanks to the barriers!

Churchill Barriers

A marvel of engineering, the Churchill Barriers were built during World War II in an effort to close off Scapa Flow to enemy submarines. Much of the work constructing the barriers was actually carried out by Italian prisoners of war. The barriers serve as road links between the Mainland, Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay. There are quite a few shipwrecks around the bridges, which are meant to be excellent for diving. Driving over the barriers is so cool – it is such a unique Orkney experience, and can’t be missed.

Italian Chapel

On the side of the road on the island of Lamb Holm, you’ll find this poignant and ornate little Catholic chapel. It was built by the Italian POWs during World War II, and was transformed from two Nissen huts into this beautiful chapel by Domenico Chiocchetti. The interior is stunning – you’d never expect it!! In 2014, unfortunately three of the Station of the Cross were stolen from the Italian Chapel. This shocked the local community – CCTV was installed, and there’s now an admission charge to enter (£3.50 for adults). This is one of the top attractions in Orkney, and with good reason.

Orkney Wine Company

Did you know Orkney had it’s own winery?! Right next to the Italian Chapel, you’ll find the Orkney Wine Company. They make red, white, and rosé fruit wines – along with J. Gow rum. The staff in the shop are happy to offer a few samples so you can do a taste test.

Orkney Fossil and Heritage Center

Located on Burray, you can take a trip back in time at the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Center. This is probably one of the best museums on Orkney for geology and fossils – they also have exhibitions focused on heritage, such as Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers. The admission charge is about £5 for adults.

One of the Churchill Barrier bridges connecting the islands of Orkney.

Just north of the museum, make sure to stop in the layby on the A961 road for a great view over the Barrier Islands. It’s listed as “free car park” on Google Maps , but you might want to save the pin.

A costume display at the Smiddy Museum in St. Mary's, Orkney.

St. Margaret’s Hope

St. Margaret’s Hope is the main town on South Ronaldsay, and it’s where the Pentland Ferries boat arrives from Gills Bay. While you’re here, stop into the Smiddy Museum – it’s a small place, but it’s full of local history. I loved seeing the costumes and photo archives of the Festival of the Horse and Boys’ Ploughing Match, which takes place on South Ronaldsay. The museum is only open from 2-4:30pm, and costs £2 for adults.

Sands o'Wright beach on South Ronaldsay, Orkney.

Sands of Wright

This is one of the most spectacular beaches on the Orkney islands. A curved bay with picturesque white sand, it’s just outside of St. Margaret’s Hope and has plenty of parking and toilets. Unfortunately I visited it on an overcast and cloudy afternoon, but the water looks just stunning in the sunlight! This is where the Festival of the Horse and Boys’ Ploughing Match takes places each year. There’s also a short walk here to see a small lake and the Dam of Hoxa.

This is a fantastic short walk, where you can see the World War II-era batteries and defenses, as well as great views of the coastline. Head along the coast to see the Hoxa Battery and the Balfour Battery – the buildings are very unsafe, so please don’t enter them. I loved the coastal views here, plus I got to see Pentland Ferries making the journey between St. Margaret’s Hope and the Scottish Mainland! The walk took me 40 minutes and is under 2 miles.

St. Peter’s Church

This is a small church, but it’s really the coastal access that counts. There’s a great view here to the Pool of Cletts, and you can start the coastal walk down the east coast of South Ronaldsay. The walk is about 9 miles, and there is space for parking at the church.

Olav’s Wood

On the small road to St. Peter’s Church, you’ll see a small parking area for two cars and a path leading into woodland. There aren’t that many trees on Orkney, so this little space is a rarity – there’s a burn that runs through the woods. It’s a peaceful place for a stop.

Windwick Bay

Windwick Bay is another incredible beach on Orkney. While it’s a pebble beach and not as good as others for swimming, it’s certainly worth a stop for the dramatic cliffs and seastacks here. It’s meant to be a great place to spot seals! There is a memorial here to the Navy men that lost their lives in a double shipwreck here in 1918.

Tomb of the Otters (Banks Chambered Cairn)

This tomb was recently discovered in a car park in 2010 – several thousand human bones were found, as well as otter droppings. Access is only by a guided tour, which is definitely worth it. The tour guide I had told me all about the site, the history, how it was found, and lots of general local information about Orkney. It costs £7.50 for adults. The tomb is located in the car park next to Skerries Bistro, which I would also definitely recommend. Don’t miss their Orkney fudge cheesecake!

One of the best attractions on South Ronaldsay is the Tomb of the Eagles. Unfortuantely, this is permanently closed until further notice. Check their website for any updates.

Maja standing on a cliff above the Old Man of Hoy in Orkney.

What to See on Hoy, Orkney

You can read my full guide to visiting Hoy here . But I also thought I’d share some of the best spots on the island in this post. I spent one day here and stayed overnight, which I really recommend. A daytrip is just so short!

Hoy Heritage Center (Hoy Kirk)

This small local heritage center is in a converted church, just outside Moaness. They have a few exhibitons on the history of the island and the community, as well as housing the community archive. There’s no entrance charge.

Dwarfie Stane

This is a prehistoric tomb, located about 500 meters (across boardwalks) from the road. The stone is big enough that you can crawl into it! Keep an eye out for some historic graffiti inside, too.

Old Man of Hoy

Of course, the main reason people come to Hoy is to see the Old Man of Hoy itself. This impressive seastack is the highest in Europe, and one of the top attractions on the Orkney islands. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Orkney and Hoy!

Rugged scenery in Rackwick Glen on the way to Rackwick Bay, Hoy.

You have to hike to the Old Man of Hoy from Rackwick Bay, which is about 3 miles each way. It’s a steep climb up from the bay, but the views are phenomenal. The Old Man of Hoy, which is really popular with climbers (!), is a sight to behold. It’s also an RSPB reserve, and you can spot seabirds (including puffins!) here. You absolutely cannot miss this when visiting Hoy and Orkney.

Rackwick Bay

This is a beautiful sandy beach on Hoy – it has a dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs behind it. On a clear day, you can see Dunnet Head on the Scottish mainland! There is a bothy here, which I highly recommend staying in. Rackwick Bay is accessible by a good single-track road that connects to the rest of Hoy, or by hiking from Moaness through Rackwick Glen.

The Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness is the main attraction on Hoy. It recently reopened after an extensive renovation, and is meant to be excellent – with exhibitions covering Orkney’s history during World War II, and the history of Scapa Flow itself. If you’re in Longhope, stop by the RNLI Longhope Lifeboat Museum .

A white sand beach with bright blue water on Westray, near Noup Head.

What to See on Westray, Orkney

A trip to the North Isles is definitely worth a few days in your Orkney itinerary! I only spent a day on Westray, but I’m so glad I visited here. Read my Westray guide here !

Bright blue water on the harbor in Pierowall, Westray, Orkney.

Pierowall is the main village on Westray, with two shops and the most options for food. Stop by the Lady Kirk , admire the views from the harbor, and make sure you visit the Westray Heritage Center. This local museum is home to the Westray Wife, a Neolithic figurine that is the oldest carving of a human in the country!! It’s tiny in real life, but so cool to see. There’s an admission charge of £3 here.

The stone building with defensive arrow holes on Westray.

Noltland Castle

Just outside of Pierowall, you can visit this castle that dates back to the 1500s. A lot of it is in ruins now, but there’s still several parts you can explore – keep your eyes peeled for the gun holes dotted along the walls. It’s free to visit.

The white sands of Grobust Beach on Westray, Orkney.

This is possibly the best beach on Westray – long stretches of fine white sand. I was blown away by how beautiful it was, and how quiet it was! The Links of Noltland archaeological site is next ot the beach.

Noup Head Lighthouse and the coast of Westray, Orkney.

This is an RSPB reserve, and home to one of the biggest colonies of gannets in the country! I also saw plenty of puffins here, as well as other seabirds. I did a great 4.5-mile hike along the coast to the lighthouse and back, starting and ending at Backarass Farm.

Castle o’Burrian

This is one of the best places to see puffins in the UK! I did a sunset puffin tour here with Andy and Karen of Westraak Tours , which was one of the best experiences I had on Orkney. It was so special to see so many puffins, and see them up close! Even if you’re not visiting in puffin season, this is a great place for a short coastal walk.

What to See on Papa Westray, Orkney

I visited Papa Westray for the day, mainly as I wanted to do the shortest commercial flight in the world ! Here’s what to do on the island. Check out my Papa Westray guide , too.

Knap of Howar

This is the oldest preserved Neolithic settlement in Northern Europe – it’s 500 years older than Skara Brae! It’s simply incredible, and is a must-see on the island. It’s free to visit, and you’re able to walk in the stone houses, too.

St. Boniface Church and the graveyard on Papa Westray.

St. Boniface Kirk

This church dates back to the 8th century, and you can see a 12th-century Norse hogback grave in the cemetery. It underwent a restoration in the 1990s, and is still used for events and services today.

The ruins of St. Tredwell's Chapel next to the loch on Papa Westray.

Loch of St. Tredwell

This loch is the largest body of water on Papa Westray. It also has the ruins of a small chapel on a peninsula, which juts out into the loch. St. Tredwell’s Chapel is really just heaps of stone ruins now, but it used to be a pilgrimage center in Orkney.

Maja at the northernmost point of Papa Westray, Orkney.

Coastal Walk

I definitely recommend hiking along the northern part of the island – Papa Westray is small enough that you can walk around most of the island in a day. I started from the Knap of Howar and hiked up the western coast, past the RSPB North Hill reserve, before reaching the northernmost point and continuing down the eastern coast to the Kelp Store. If you want to see puffins, I recommend going to the Head of Moclett, by the ferry terminal.

A puffin next to grass around the Head of Moclett on Papa Westray, Orkney.

My best puffin sightings on Papa Westray were at the Head of Moclett, so don’t miss it!

Holm of Papay

A boat trip out to the Holm of Papay is a must if you’re visiting Papa Westray. This was a real highlight from my Orkney trip! Jonathan, the Papay Ranger , will organize a boat trip over to the Holm of Papay for you. There’s a large cairn with graffiti inside – I had about 2 hours to explore the Holm of Papay, and it was a perfect amount of time. This excursion cost £25.

The back end of a North Link ferry going to Orkney.

Planning Your Trip to Orkney

The Orkney Islands are located just north of the Scottish mainland, and accessible by ferry or by flying into Kirkwall Airport. Loganair has direct flights from several cities in the UK. There are four options for ferries: Scrabster to Stromness (North Link Ferries), Gills Bay to St. Margaret’s Hope (Pentland Ferries), Aberdeen to Kirkwall (North Link Ferries), and the foot-passenger ferry from John o’Groats to Burwick (Jog Ferry). Make sure to check out my post on what to know before visiting Orkney to help plan logistics of your trip.

There are no trains here, although the Mainland has a network of buses that aim to link up with the various ferry schedules. For other islands, check locally if they have any buses and when they run. I highly recommend having a car, at least on the Mainland, to make jam-packed itineraries like this possible. I didn’t have a car on Hoy, Papa Westray, or Westray, and managed just fine – although I did miss a few things on Hoy, and I did rent a bike for the day on Westray. But I drove everywhere on the Mainland, so I absolutely suggest having your own set of wheels.

A green tent camping on the coast of Orkney.

I wild camped for the majority of my Orkney trip. Wild camping is legal in Scotland provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . This includes leaving no trace (including fires), camping only in small groups, and only spending a short number of nights in one place. I only ever camped for one night at each location.

Two twin beds in a room at the hostel on Papa Westray.

On Papa Westray, I stayed at the hostel, Beltane House . This was a fantastic place to stay, connected to the village shop, and also a community hub. I’d absolutely stay here again! On Westray, I stayed at Chalmersquoy Hostel , which was excellent.

Rackwick Bay Bothy (Burnmouth) on Hoy, Orkney.

I stayed at Burnmouth bothy (at Rackwick Bay) for my night on Hoy. Find out everything you need to know about bothies in my guide !

A sea view from the window of the hostel in Chalmersquoy, Westray.

There are so many unique accommodation options on Mainland Orkney. If you’re relying on public transportation, I’d recommend basing yourself in Kirkwall (or maybe Stromness). I met several people who stayed at one of the hostels in Kirkwall. You can search for Kirkwall accommodation here , and Stromness accommodation here . Use the map below for all the options available!

Orkney is one of the best places I’ve ever visited. It is so unique, with so much to see and do – from wild coastal walks to ancient sites and amazing wildlife. I easily could have spent another week here, it really is incredible. I hope this blog post helps you in planning your trip to Orkney!

Have you ever visited Orkney before? Is it on your bucket list?

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17 thoughts on “ the complete orkney guide: an 8-day itinerary for the orkney islands ”.

[…] is one of the small North Isles that make up the Orkney archipelago, off the north coast of Scotland. So many people skip these islands or don’t have […]

[…] Westray is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Orkney, the incredible archipelago off the north coast of Scotland. It’s only about 4 miles long, and 1 […]

[…] so many others, I visited Orkney in the hopes of seeing the Old Man of Hoy. At 449ft (137m), this is the tallest sea stack in […]

[…] trip to Orkney in June was one of the top highlights of my year, my (nearly) 6 years living in the UK, and […]

[…] of the top reasons I was obsessed with visiting Orkney? I wanted to take the shortest commercial flight in the world, which is between two of the small […]

[…] much things cost. I tally up every meal, every beer – everything I spend money on. My trip to Orkney was no different! I planned my trip to be a budget trip – I wild camped for the vast majority of […]

[…] trip to Orkney in June was the adventure of a lifetime. I had so many bucket list experiences and got to see and […]

[…] This was one of the most exciting, fascinating, and rewarding destinations I have ever been to. Orkney is one of those places where you have to want to go there – you don’t just end up there by […]

[…] place: Orkney, an archipelago of islands off the northern coast of Scotland, is an unimaginable […]

Thanks for all your posts on the Orkneys! I’m just starting my research for a trip in August (my 3rd to Scotland) and you’ve provided so much useful information.

Thanks so much for your comment, I love hearing that! I hope you have an amazing trip to Orkney, it really is such a special destination 🙂

Hi Maja! This post is amazing. We are going to be on Orkney for a week in September. Then we have another week to see some other parts of Scotland. Your post is by far the most helpful one I’ve seen on Orkney. THANK YOU. Did you buy that Historic Scotland pass?? Was it worthwhile?

Hi Mike, thanks for reading and I’m so glad you found the post useful! I didn’t buy the Historic Scotland pass as I already had an English Heritage membership, which does reciprocal free entry for members 🙂 I’d say if you’re going to be going to all the big sites on Orkney (Skara Brae, Maeshowe, etc) and one or two other Historic Scotland sites in the country (like Stirling Castle), you’d probably save money. Assuming you like historic sites that is, haha! You can always check the entry fees for all the sites you’re planning to visit and total them up to compare with the membership price. Orkney is incredible, hope you have a fab trip! 🙂

[…] a lot of money on attractions and sightseeing. I also would have loved to extend the trip and visit Orkney – I ended up going here for over a week on another trip! You can visit as a daytrip, but I really […]

[…] days doing the NC500. If you’re wanting a bit of a detour, definitely make the trip over to Orkney! A lot of people visit as a daytrip, but I recommend at least 3 days – ideally, you should have […]

[…] loads of photos on Instagram, I decided to break up the drive down south (on my way back from Orkney) with a walk out to Loch Glass, to see the pretty pink house located on the shore of the loch near […]

[…] wrote nine different posts about my trip to Orkney – and in the last year, they have started ranking and pulling in the good numbers. I’ve […]

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History can be felt everywhere in the 70 scattered islands that make up Orkney, islands where life is defined by the past and sculpted by the sea.

The ferry from Scrabster on mainland Scotland to Stromness sails past the impressive red stone sea-stack of the Old Man of Hoy , then on below the cliffs of St John's Head - the highest vertical cliff in the UK - making this the most dramatic way of reaching Orkney. Yet the drama of Hoy is misleading as the landscapes elsewhere are much gentler and well farmed.

From Aberdeen, you can also travel to Kirkwall by ferry or you can take a flight from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness or Shetland.

Kirkwall , Orkney's main town, is a great base for touring by car or by bike. There are excellent ferry services between islands, though you can also take the world's shortest scheduled flight - 2 minutes! - between Westray and Papa Westray .

Orkney offers a rich variety of activities on land, loch and sea to suit all abilities and interests, from golfing to walking, and from sailing to cycling. With almost 600 miles of coast and some great unspoilt areas, the islands are superb for wildlife watching and for rich and varied angling. Divers love it too, particularly around Scapa Flow where the German fleet was scuttled at the end of the First World War.

Orkney is also the amateur archaeologist's ideal destination. Part of mainland Orkney has been declared a World Heritage Site because of the richness of its prehistoric sites. For example, at Maeshowe , visitors wonder at the skills of stone masons who built this large tomb some 5000 years ago. Nearby stand the eerie stone circles at Stenness and Brodgar while further west you can marvel at the sunken Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, overlooking the Bay of Skaill. In fact, almost every one of the islands can boast some prehistoric relic or find.

By contrast, modern day Orkney is a hive of creative industry, with several internationally renowned jewellery manufacturers and many professional craftspeople at work in the islands. Studios and workshops are often open to the public, and there are Craft and Artists' Trails to follow.

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27 Amazing Things to Do in Orkney + Know Before You Go

Travelling in Scotland isn’t just about exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets and hidden gems, seeing the highlands or taking a road trip around the North Coast 500 – there are also hundreds of islands off the coast of Scotland that are worth entire trips on their own.

The Isle of Skye is probably the most popular, and I’ve talked about the numerous reasons why you should visit the Isles of Lewis and Harris .

But there’s also the northern isles of Orkney and Shetland , that have a whole history and story of their own.

So let’s talk about Orkney, one of the most magical places I’ve ever been!

The Orkney Islands number 70 and have a history of inhabitation that stretches back around 10,000 years, meaning there are plenty of things to do in Orkney that involve historic elements, alongside just viewing the scenery.

Whether you visit Orkney on a tour, as part of a cruise, or on your own, you’ll find yourself enchanted by this mystical land.

Islands are commonly on our travel bucket list because we want a tropical vacation.

Well, a holiday in Orkney can still involve white sand beaches and turquoise waters, but you’ll be treated to historical marvels, a craft culture, and amazing other things to do in Orkney that you never even imagined you’d find on a group of islands, perched at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.

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So what are some things to do in Orkney and that you need to know before you go?

Orkney wasn’t always part of scotland.

In 1474 Orkney became part of Scotland, after King Christian I of Norway (plus Denmark and Sweden) pledged Orkney and Shetland against payment of his daughter’s dowry when she married King James III of Scotland.

He failed to pay so both groups of islands were annexed to Scotland. This means there’s a lot of history in Orkney from different origins, leaving lots of things for us to explore and do!

Getting to Orkney

It may feel isolated and far-flung, but the Orkney Islands are more accessible than you think

You can see Orkney from the top of mainland Britain, and reach it in more ways than one.

Flying is the quickest way to get there, with direct flights to Orkney from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Sumburgh (Shetland) and Aberdeen.

There are also four ferry routes, depending on where you want to leave from.

Northlink Ferries run from Scrabster of Stromness taking 90 minutes
Northlink Ferries also go from Aberdeen to Kirkwall taking 6 hours
Pentland ferries go Gill’s Bay to St Margarets Hope taking 60 minutes
Jog Ferry is a passenger only ferry from John O’Groats to Burwick in the summer months, taking 40 minutes

The capital is Kirkwall

In the islands of Orkney, the ‘mainland’ refers to the main island, rather than mainland Scotland or Britain.

At the heart of Orkney and on Mainland is the capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall. The population is approximately 9,300.

There are lots of things to do in Kirkwall, including visiting the 12th century St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s Palace, the Orkney Museum and the Wireless Museum.

But Stromness is important too

Stromness is the second most populated city in Orkney, located on the mainland, with plenty of history too.

Login’s Well at the south end of the main street of Stromness was the last watering hole for sailors before they went off to the wild North Atlantic. It even provided the water for Captain Cook’s Discovery and Sir John Franklin’s Arctic exploration vessels.

Photo Credit: Yvonne Michele

St Magnus Cathedral has some of the oldest headstones I’ve ever seen

The most imposing building in Kirkwall is St Magnus Cathedral, built when the islands were ruled by the Norse Earl’s of Orkney. Construction began in 1137 and it has continuously been added to and adapted.

Inside you can find the walls lined with ancient headstones. Most of them were unreadable to me, but there are translations or transcriptions next to them that give you an insight into the lives of people who lived here long ago.

Rumour has it Orkney has more ancient sites than anywhere else in Europe

It’s a rumour because there are so many undiscovered ancient sites in Orkney that it’s hard to calculate!

The Orkney Islands have been called the Egypt of the north because new sites are constantly discovered.

For that reason, it’s an archaeologists dream and there are lots of great things to do in Orkney related to the historical sites. According to archaeologist Julie Gibson, “ Turn over a rock around here and you’re likely to find a new site .”

Historical Sites Orkney Islands Scotland

The ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1999 an area west of Kirkwall was deemed the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” and earned UNESCO World Heritage Status. It includes the tomb of Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and now, the Ness of Brodgar.

If you’re wondering what to do in Orkney and only have limited time, this is the place to go! It’s crazy that Orkney has so many points of interest in just one small area.

It’s free to wander these sites (except for Maeshowe) but they can get crowded at times if you’re there when a tour bus is.

However, tour buses also tend to move along quickly so take your time and hopefully you’ll get each one to yourself too!

Heart of Neolithic Orkney Historical Sites

Vikings explored Orkney just like us

The ancient tomb of Maeshowe was built around 5000 years ago and is the namesake of these types of chambered cairns found around Orkney. It just looks like a grassy hill from the outside, but inside is the main chamber and three smaller chambers, made with precision.

However, what is probably the most interesting part of Maeshowe now came much later. In the 12th century, Viking explorers broke into the cairn and carved graffiti in runes around the walls.

Yes, actual graffiti that says things like “ Ofram the son of Sigurd carved these runes ”. There are also clues as to when the men were there, with mention of Ragnar Lothbrok – who is in The Vikings TV series!

Maeshowe is linked to the winter solstice, as Stonehenge is to the summer

On the winter solstice, the sun sets perfectly down the entry passage of Maeshowe and illuminates the chamber. This would be an extremely unlikely coincidence.

If visiting Maeshowe is on your list of things to do in Orkney make sure you plan in advance. You need to take a guided tour which leaves from the nearby Visitor Centre.

You’ll be taken to the site where you’ll learn more about it before entering. The guide will point out and translate the graffiti for you too!

Things to do in Orkney Islands, Scotland

The Ring of Brodgar is one of the truest examples of a stone circle

The Ring of Brodgar really is a site to behold and one of the best things to see in Orkney.

Likely once a site of ritual, although no one knows what for, the Ring of Brodgar is 104 metres wide and is a true circle.

It’s thought it once contained 60 stones, and although only 27 remain, the size of the stone circle and the height of some of the stones are certainly impressive. I

‘ve been to a few other stone circles around the UK and this is definitely the biggest I’ve seen, plus it’s free to visit!

Ring of Brodgar, historical site things to see Orkney

You can witness a live archeological dig at the Ness of Brodgar

For over ten years archaeologists have been working to uncover the Ness of Brodgar .

In 1925 a carved stone was discovered during ploughing of the field at a farm in Orkney, but it wasn’t until 2002 when a survey as part of the World Heritage Site revealed that there could be numerous structures beneath the ground there.

Given the location, the survey suggested there could be something special between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness, and so with the permission of the landowners, the dig at the Ness of Brodgar began.

Budget and weather constraints mean the dig only takes place for 6-8 weeks a year, so if you visit in July/August you might be lucky enough to see it when it’s uncovered and being worked on.

Ness of Brodgar - Things to see in Orkney

The Ness of Brodgar is changing the way we think about Neolithic society

Only 10% of the area at the Ness of Brodgar has been excavated, but so much has been discovered. Polished stone axes, coloured pottery, a human figurine, and more than 650 pieces of Neolithic art have been recovered.

Sometimes the artwork was on stones placed away from view, suggesting that the artwork was for pleasure rather than for a purpose.

This society was not primitive as once thought! Thirty centuries before the Romans even thought to build Hadrians Wall, the people of Orkney were living in a sophisticated community that is now being uncovered piece by piece.

No one knows why any of these monuments are here

The Orkney Islands may not be tropical but they do feel mystical. There is so much mystery about who lived there, how and why.

The sheer scale and amount of monuments at the Heart Of Neolithic Orkney are surely not a coincidence and must be related in some way, although we don’t (yet) know how.

When visiting, you’ll be struck by how many of the things to do in Orkney are related to these structures. It’s like a great mystery just waiting to be solved!

Things to see and do in Orkney Islands, Scotland

Skara Brae is one of Orkney’s most popular attractions

Skara Brae was discovered in 1850 when a fierce storm blew away the sand that had covered it for centuries, at least.

It comprises of streets and houses with walls and furnishings that were made by humans 5000 years ago. Skara Brae was occupied for more than 600 years, longer than many cities we have today.

The dwellings look personal, and you can almost picture someone living there, with cubby holes and table tops for personal items.

The Neolithic period can seem far removed and the people who lived then incomprehensible, but standing in a 5000-year-old house and seeing these personal touches, brings these people and their lives to life. You imagine then walking in the nearby fields, or along the beach, and children running along passageways between houses.

Historic Scotland run a visitor centre at Skara Brae, and entry to the site and nearby Skaill House costs £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.

You’re not able to walk amongst the ancient buildings themselves to preserve the area as much as possible.

However, in the summer you can opt for an after-hours tour in the evening where you will be guided into the site itself for a closer look, including entering a house and walking down the streets!

The Orkney islands weren’t an isolated community

With discoveries of volcanic glass from the Isle of Arran (located much further south off the west of Scotland) and other artefacts from across the islands, it can be assumed that Orkney may have been part of an established trade route and owing to all of the buildings and history in the area, maybe even a pivotal part of one.

It’s something that is still being researched and explored so that we can understand more about the role that Orkney played in history.

Stories have been written about Orkney for centuries

There is some evidence that Orkney has been written about since 56BC, quoting Greek explorer Pytheas who sailed around Britain in 325BC.

By the 1st century Orkney was on maps as “Orcades”, but probably the most famous text about Orkney is the Orkneyinga Saga. It was compiled by an Icelandic scribe (or scribes) and detailed Orkney’s story from the first conquest until around 1200.

It’s not entirely historical fact, which is clear in the early chapters about the mythical ancestry of the later Earls of Orkney, but it’s thought that later chapters are much more plausible and could be closer to real-life and goings-on in Orkney.

Things to Know Before You Visit Orkney - Orkneyinga saga

The island of Hoy is like a slice of the highlands

Hoy is the second largest island in Orkney and has the most dramatic scenery. It more closely resembles the highlands than the other Orkney Islands.

There are plenty of things to see and do on Hoy , but the most popular attraction is the Old Man of Hoy, a 450ft tall sea stack that you can see by taking a three-hour return walk.

Orkney played a crucial role in both World Wars

Scapa Flow was home to the British Home Fleet during both World Wars. After World War I ended, the German High Seas Fleet was sunk in Scapa Flow.

You can see some remnants of it around when the tide is lower and also dive some of the sites.

After the HMS Royal Oak was sunk by a U-Boat in 1938, Winston Churchill ordered the construction of barriers between the islands to the east of Scapa Flow.

These causeways are now known as the Churchill Barriers and provide a means to travel between many of the islands close to the mainland easily.

The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre & Museum on Hoy is free to enter and provides an insight into the importance of Orkney during the wars.

Italian Prisoners of War created one of the most poignant churches in Britain

During World War II 550 Italian Prisoners of War were held on Orkney, where they were made to build the Churchill Barriers.

The prisoners held on Lambholm managed to convince their camp commander to allow them to build a chapel, as most of them were Catholic. They were allowed to do so if they worked outside of their normal hours, and were given two Nissan huts to use.

What they created is certainly not what would have been expected. They used plaster to line the huts and created an elaborate facade.

Inside, a prisoner named Domenico Chiocchetti painted it to look like brick walls and stonework and paintings in the sanctuary and they used scrap metal for candelabras and other furnishings.

The result is nothing short of beautiful, and it gives you a feeling of hope to see something like this created in a time of war.

Italian Chapel, Orkney - Italian Prisoners of War

The Stones of Stenness may be the oldest henge in the British Isles

You’ve probably heard of Stonehenge, but the Stones of Stenness may be the oldest henge, a type of Neolithic earthwork where a bank and ditch surround a central flat area.

The henges around Britain are thought to have been sites of ritual but like much of the Neolithic period, remain a mystery.

The Standing Stones of Stenness are some of the tallest I have ever seen, with one stretching to up to around 16 ft (5 metres) high.

They are another of the free things to do in Orkney and are located near the Ness of Brodgar and the ring of Brodgar.

Standing Stones of Stenness, historical sites in Orkney, Scotland

Ancient tombs are hidden all over Orkney

In 1958 a farmer in the south of Orkney discovered an ancient tomb on his land. It held ancient human bones but, surprisingly, also hundreds of ancient eagle bones that had been added at a later date.

The Tomb of the Eagles is on South Ronaldsay, and you enter the tomb by lying on a board with wheels underneath and pulling yourself along a tunnel with a rope.

Orkney is home to the “loneliest grave in Britain”

The grave of Betty Corrigal on Hoy is said to be one of the saddest and loneliest in Britain.

At the time, she was buried between two parishes, as because she took her own life after finding out she was pregnant, neither Laird would allow her to be buried on hallowed ground.

The site was an unmarked peat field, and in 1933 two men cutting peat discovered her wooden coffin, with Betty still perfectly preserved inside thanks to the conditions of the peat surrounding her. She was reburied and once again forgotten.

Unfortunately, Betty’s grave was discovered again by soldiers stationed in Orkney during WWII. She became somewhat of a spectacle until she was reburied with a concrete slab placed over the grave to prevent her from being disturbed in future. Finally, around 1980, a gravestone was placed at the site.

Visit Orkney Islands Hoy Betty Corrigall's Grave

The ferry routes in Orkney are like second roads

Although you can drive across bridges or the Churchill barriers between some islands, many of the other islands in Orkney must be accessed by sea or air. It’s possible to get to all the inhabited islands with Orkney Ferries .

It’s worth spending some time visiting the outer islands of Orkney, and not just the mainland, as they have even more things to see and do, and their isolation means you’ll be less likely to run into other tourists!

Orkney Ferries, Scotland - How to Get around Orkney

The world’s shortest flight is between Westray and Papa Westray

Westray and Papa Westray are some of the most northerly of the Orkney Isles and are located fairly close to each other.

You can fly between the two on what is the world’s shortest flight, coming in at just under 2 minutes. You’ll even get a certificate afterwards to say you’ve done it!

It’s a wildlife paradise

Puffins are one of my absolute favourite birds to watch! Orkney is one of the best places to spot puffins or one of the other 21 breeding species of bird found here.

Not to mention the ocean wildlife you might spot, with seals, whales, dolphins, and porpoises a regular sight around the isles.

Orkney has not one, but TWO Whisky distilleries

For a small population and group of islands, Orkney punches above its weight in the distillery stakes.

The oldest distillery, Highland Park , has been producing the amber brew since 1798. It began as an illegal still and had to be hidden, but you would never think so when you walk through the dominant gates of the distillery today.

The younger of the two distilleries, Scapa Distillery , can be found on the banks of Scapa Flow and dates back to 1885. You can visit both distilleries for a taste of Orkney whisky!

But there’s something in Orkney for the gin-lovers too

With 70% of the gin in the UK being produced in Scotland, it’s no surprise the northern isles are getting in on the act.

While there were gins that have used Orkney botanicals produced elsewhere, the Orkney Gin Company were the first to start producing gin on the islands themselves.

What began as a hobby and a homemade Christmas present for friends and family has morphed into a backyard business selling different flavours of gin. My favourite is the Rhubarb Old Tom!

They’ve now been joined by the Deerness Distillery , who have a delicious Sea Glass Gin and a VODKA! They can be found on the east of mainland.

I haven’t even begun to mention all the things to do in the Orkney Islands, because there really is so much to see and so many different islands to explore!

You can visit the Earl’s Palace, once known as the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland, or the Broch of Birsay, an island that contains Norse ruins that you can walk to at low tide, and almost countless other things that Orkney has on offer.

If you only have one or two days in Orkney you might get an overview of these mystical and time-travelling islands, but you could spend weeks exploring and still never reach the end of the gems there are to see here.

Practical Tips for Visiting Orkney

How to get to orkney.

The Orkney Islands can be reached by sea or air. If you’re driving the North Coast 500 route , why not take a detour north to Orkney for a few days?

Ferries to Orkney

There are four ferry options to Orkney.

Northlink Ferries

Scrabster of Stromness – 90 minutes (An opportunity to see the Old Man of Hoy on your way)
Aberdeen to Kirkwall – 6 hours

Pentland Ferries

Gill’s Bay to St Margarets Hope – 60 minutes
A passenger-only from John O’Groats to Burwick in the summer months, taking 40 minutes.

Flights to Orkney

Flybe and Logan Air offer direct flights to Orkney from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Sumburgh (Shetland) and Aberdeen. You can check Skyscanner to compare flights.

Where to stay in Orkney

There is plenty of accommodation in Orkney on offer.

When you’re considering your Orkney accommodation don’t just look at Kirkwall, although this or Stromness will be the easiest if you’re without a car.

We stayed in St Margarets Hope, a beautiful little village with several Airbnb (use my discount code to save on your first stay) and B&B options, and with a lovely drive to the mainland.

Check Booking.com for hotel, B&B and hostel options.

When to visit Orkney

The weather isn’t always perfect so the best time to visit Orkney can be hard to pin down. I visited in summer and still had rain some of the time, although it’s to be expected in most of Scotland!

If you go in the summer months, especially June, you’ll be treated to longer days and a higher chance of seeing seabirds.

How to get around

If you don’t have a car, then you can look at Orkney tours that will take you around the islands or to particular places like the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

You can also consider tours that will take you all the way from Edinburgh with a company like Rabbies Tours .

Hiring a car in Orkney is also an option if you take one of the ferries as a passenger, although you’d need to book early as there are limited options.

The Orkney Explorer Pass – Now the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

The Orkney Explorer Pass has been replaced by the general Historic Scotland Explorer Pass .

It covers many of Historic Scotland’s attractions across Scotland, and is valid for 7 consecutive days after it’s activated.

The pass gives you “free” entry to all Historic Scotland’s open properties, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle and a 20% discount on audio tours at Edinburgh and Stirling Castles and Glasgow Cathedral.

You do still need to book to visit the sites, even if you have the pass.

On Orkney, it includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, and the Broch of Gurness.

The Adult Pass (16-64) is £44, Concession and Students (with valid ID) are £35, children (7-15) are £26 with under 7s free, or a family with 2 adults and up to 3 children (7-15yrs) is £88.

You could end up saving a lot of money if you’re intending to visit 3 or more Historic Scotland sites, but do keep an eye on the timeframe since you only have 7 days to do so.

How long to spend in Orkney

How long do you need to visit Orkney? How long is a piece of string!

I could have spent far longer on the islands than I did, but in my time there, I discovered the island of Hoy, learned more about Orkney’s role in the world wars, and travelled through time to explore Neolithic Orkney.

You could cover all of this within a couple of days if you move quickly, with it’s worth taking a slower pace and trying to reach some of the outer islands too!

The Orkney islands are easy to reach from northern Scotland, and their beauty and mystery will stay with you long after you leave.

If you liked it, pin it!

27 Amazing Things to Know Before You Visit Orkney, Scotland

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

40 thoughts on “ 27 Amazing Things to Do in Orkney + Know Before You Go ”

Orkney is always on my list but I have even more reasons to want to go now! So much history.

It’s incredible how much there is in such a small space!

Fantastic post – I’d love to visit Orkney 🙂

Thanks! It is a really amazing place 🙂

I’m dying to go back to Scotland! Will have to visit Ornkey when I do!

I hope you do! It’s awesome 😀

This is a truly amazing guide. I am Scottish down in the Scottish Borders and I have never been to Orkney. I am glad to see it is so accessible, I never knew it was not always Scottish! Interesting

Thanks!! It is actually quite easy to get to. I had been to Shetland before which is much further but not Orkney, and it didn’t take long at all to drive up and get the ferry across!

Absolutely fantastic post, you nailed it! So interesting and full of history, I really enjoyed reading and great photos too! 🙂 Thank you so much.

Thanks so much for your lovely comment 🙂

You had me at local made gin. 🙂 Leaving the joke aside, your post actually reminded me of my visit to Stonehnge. The ancient tomb of Maeshowe looks like one of those hills surrounding Stonehenge, and nobody knows why they were build for. The Ring of Brodgar makes it even clearer that there is some sort of connection between the two areas. Who knows what was going on in this land thousands of years ago. We might never go. It’s very interesting to visit though and try to imagine.

Haha I LOVE that rhubarb flavour. It’s so good! No one knows what Maeshowe was built for either, or any of the other places actually. It’s so crazy!!

The Orkney islands rank high on my list of places to visit. I can’t wait to spot puffins – such cuties. You just nailed it with the video in the end. Cheers!!

Thanks so much!!! Puffins are so adorable 🙂

An excllent post about a remote part of the world! I’m not sure why, but this feels so Game of Thrones, so it’s a real winner for me 🙂 I love the little Italian church, plus the other facts you gave about Orkney. It really makes me want to visit now!

It does look like a Game of Thrones location! Although I’m pretty sure no filming took place there. Which means it hasn’t been inundated!! The Italian Chapel is really beautiful and definitely worth the visit.

Scotland is one of the countries in my bucket list. But just when I think I know all there is to see in Scotland, I read posts like this and I find myself adding more items to my bucket list. I love exploring off the beaten path destinations. And I do feel like Orkney is one. I love that it is naturally beautiful but filled with lots of history and culture. It’s like a secret of Scotland waiting to be explored!

Haha Orkney is definitely one for the bucket list! So much to see there 🙂

Orkney has so much history yet I have never heard about it before. I am so glad to come across your article. I learnt a great deal today. The connection of Maeshowe with winter solstice is so interesting. Just like you I too don’t think its a case of mere co-incidence. The fact that Orkney is also a paradise for bird lovers just gives me enough reason not to miss this place.

Thanks!! There is so much there I really feel like I didn’t even begin to cover it. It’s crazy to think how much is in a small place!

I’m visiting Edinburgh soon, I should visit more places in Scotland too really. Orkney looks quiet just how I like it, I don’t think there were thousands of tourists stood behind you when you took your pictures?. The Whisky and Gin up there sounds enticing! I didn’t know there was a designated UNESCO zone up there or the shortest flight in the world! The history of the area sounds interesting as to why it was inhabited years ago.

I’d definitely recommend getting out to other places in Scotland! Cruise ships do go to Orkney so there would be the occasional bus load of people, but they wouldn’t stay long at each place and I managed to spend a lot of time without any other people around!

I had never heard of Orkney, but it sure looks and sounds interesting! My niece and nephew visited Scotland recently and their photos were amazing (don’t think they visited Orkney though), so the country is on our bucket list since. 😉 Have to mark Orkney as a must visit now! The Old Man of Hoy looks really impressive, and I would love to spot some puffins. I had no idea these cute creatures were called puffins btw, learned something new today. 😉 Thanks for making me aware of this hidden gem in Scotland!

You’re welcome! Scotland has SO many great places to see! I’ve been living here awhile and there’s still so much I haven’t visited.

What’s your opinion on the current debate about cruise ships and the Orkney Islands? Did you talk to any of the residents about this?

I didn’t speak to any of the residents about it, but it was noticeable. I do think that there are quite a few places like this that are becoming “victims of their own success” in a way. I can completely understand why people who live there would become annoyed with the cruise ships coming in. However, for me, it wasn’t too bad because we didn’t stay in Kirkwall so didn’t notice it as much, and when we did go to Kirkwall it was later in the evening when people had gone back to the ship. As far as visiting the historic sites etc goes, I turned up at the Stones of Stenness when no one else was there (see pictures) and just after two busloads of people arrived. But then they left within about 5 minutes and I had the place to myself again. There are a lot of free attractions in Orkney which is lovely, but it also wouldn’t be a bad idea to charge a small amount to help with the upkeep of them. I know they have put a limit on the amount of passengers allowed per day, and I think they will need to keep an eye on whether that’s working or not.

Orkney looks like a very quiet and mythological place. Also it played an important role in both World Wars which makes it more historical. It really resembles like Stonhenge. Also it is a good place for watching ocean wildlife like dolphins, whales, seals, etc. and 21 species of birds. I would prefer ferry to reach this place.

It really is quite mystical! Especially since no one knows why most of the historical things are there 🙂

I absolutely love the Orkney Islands. So much so that I applied for a job there as a island nurse. I didn’t get it though. I have been there twice and both times I have loved it. The highlights for me are the Stones of Stenness and seeing the Puffins. I went the second time there in June as this is the best time to see them nesting. I also had a pretty good night out in Kirkwall 🙂

I think it would be such an interesting place to live! Maybe you’ll get another chance :D. Puffins are so adorable! I’d follow them anywhere haha.

I have been in the tourism business in Orkney for 23+ years and Sonja I have to say, you have done an incredible job of capturing the essence of what is Orkney! Thank you!

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It really made my day 🙂

I’m so glad you enjoyed Orkney! What’s really amazing about it, is having lived here for most of my life and discovering more and more about it since I’ve been back, I’ve STILL learned things from your post! It’s neverending. 🙂

I really enjoyed it and I’d love to go back and explore even more! I feel like I still missed a lot too 🙂

Brilliant post! We spent last week in Orkney and although we were out all day, each day we were there we barely scratched the surface! We had an amazing time and I loved reading this post and seeing your photos. Gutted we didn’t get across to Hoy or some of the other smaller islands but it mean we have a good reason to return.

Thanks! I know what you mean! I really want to go back and see even more, I feel like there was so much I missed! Perfect excuse to return though, like you say 😀

I have been wondering how on earth I have 1% Swede, 1% French, 1% Scottish and 65% Nigerian among other African and European tribes. I have 5 African tribes and 5 European tribes in my DNA. Now I know why. My cousin in Winnpeg, Canada told me few days ago her grandparents came from Orkeny, that’s why I’m here. I suppose my grandmother and her grandparents emigrated around the same time. This is going to be on my bucket list.

Im definately going now! My dna test says 10 procentage Orkney. Im from Norway by the way and we share a long history with the island.

That’s awesome it comes up with that on your DNA! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Thank you for the awesome information!!! I look forward to visiting the Orkney Islands!

Stunning Places You Must See in Orkney, Scotland

The Orkney Islands are full of unspeakable beauty and achingly stunning coastal vistas. Home to areas of great archeological importance, bird sanctuaries perched atop cliffs, secret beaches and frequent visits from the aurora borealis herself, Orkney is a true paradise. Discover the magic with our pick of must-see places.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Old Man of Hoy

Natural Feature At 450ft (137m), the Old Man of Hoy is one of the UK’s tallest sea stacks, and stands surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic sea cliffs in Britain at St John’s Head. Found ascending from the ocean at Hoy , Orkney’s most hilly island, this red sandstone wonder was once an arch with two prongs for legs until sea and wind erosion took its toll. Although many geologists believe that the Old Man will one day collapse (there’s already a large crack), this magnificent sea stack is a playground for hardcore climbers. The first ascent took place in 1966.

Church This striking holy haven wouldn’t look out of place in Italy. It rises out of Orkney’s wild landscape on the uninhabited island of Lamb Holm. Built by Italian prisoners of war shipped to Orkney during WWII to construct the Churchill Barriers, the chapel is a symbol of hope. Amazingly, it is made from two converted old Nissen huts and scavenged materials.

Marwick Head

Natural Feature An awe-inspiring sight, the RSPB nature reserve at Marwick Head is a bustling metropolis for birds . Set on a clifftop location, this seabird city has outstanding sweeping views, albeit a tad vertigo inducing. Up to 25,000 nesting seabirds come here during the summer, including puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes and razorbills. Lucky bird enthusiasts may even catch a glimpse of Arctic skuas and red-throated divers nestling upon the dramatic sandstone cliff ledges.

Ring of Brodgar

Archaeological site, Ruins

As one of the most iconic symbols of Orkney’s rich prehistoric past, the Ring of Brodgar is one for the bucket list. Covering an area of around 8,500 metres, this archaeological gem is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles, and once had an impressive 60 stones. A natural hill-hugged amphitheatre creates the perfect stage for what is one of the oldest stone circles in existence. Many believe the Ring of Brodgar to be a religious shrine or place of ritual, while others insist it was constructed for astronomical purposes to view the equinox and solstice.

Skara Brae is the star of Orkney’s Neolithic-themed show. Crowned one of the world’s best-preserved Neolithic settlements, this former village is one in a million. Perfectly preserved for centuries until a storm unveiled its contents under a mound, the site still contains its original fixtures, like stone age ‘fitted’ dresser furniture, box beds, the original central hearths, water-tight tanks used for storage and carefully covered passageways that link the dwellings to each other.

Sands of Wright

Hiking Trail Awash with wildflowers and golden sand, the Sands of Wright beach is a true hidden gem. In South Ronaldsay, this scenic bay is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. Perfect for wild foraging, there are almost endless varieties of seaweed. Whether a serene stroll or epic expedition, the Sands of Wright is a wee slice of heaven on earth.

St Magnus Cathedral

Cathedral St Magnus Cathedral is one of Orkney’s many Viking marvels. Imposing yet magnetic, the church dates back to 1137, when it was founded by a Viking to honour his uncle St Magnus. Known as the ‘Light of the North’, St Magnus is the most northerly cathedral in the UK, and one of Scotland’s best preserved medieval churches. Graced with spiraling pillars inside, this beauty took over three centuries to build.

Natural Feature Home to an underwater oasis brimming with a vibrant population of sea creatures, Scapa Flow is flooded with history. Sheltered by Orkney’s Mainland and South Isles, this body of water has convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea, and was used as a harbour during the Viking age. Over the centuries, Scapa Flow’s prime position has served as a safe port for ships and played an important role in both world wars. Today, the waters are one of the world’s best wreck-diving sites, and an area of great natural, archaeological and cultural interest.

The Standing Stones of Stenness

Measuring up to six metres tall, the four remaining stones that make up the mighty Standing Stones Of Stenness have been around for over 5000 years. These megaliths once encircled a massive hearth forming a ring of 12 guarded by a tall ditch and bank, which over time was ploughed away. As one of the four Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites, this age-old place is thought to have served as an important Neolithic domestic and ritual monument. However, the exact truth as to its purpose is still shrouded in mystery.

Natural Feature When the Vikings landed on Stromness they named it Hamnavoe, or ‘safe haven’. Orkney’s second-largest town–with its winding stone streets, iconic harbour and independent shops selling handmade arts and crafts–is a perpetual source of inspiration for creatives who come to the Mainland. Peppered with terraces of picturesque houses and welcoming faces, the old-timey charm is part of what makes Stromness stand out. With attractions like the world-renowned Pier Arts Centre , a museum and lively pubs, you won’t want to leave.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

The Best Art Galleries to Visit in Orkney, Scotland

See & Do

The 7 best museums to visit in orkney, scotland.

Guides & Tips

Exploring the remote beauty of the orkney islands.

Restaurants

Restaurants you must visit in orkney, scotland.

Historic Sites to Explore in Orkney, Scotland

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Visitor Guides & Downloads
Plan Your Trip

If you’re still looking for more information and inspiration about Orkney after browsing our website, our most recent digital guides can also help you plan your trip to the islands.

Creative Orkney Trail

Explore Orkney's creative community and visit our talented makers in their workshops across the islands.

Eat, Drink, Enjoy - Taste of Orkney

Your guide to the best food and drink that Orkney has to offer.

West Mainland Information Leaflet

Find out what you can see and do in Orkney's West Mainland.

Welcome to Stromness

Discover local shops, services and walks in Stromness.

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Visiting Orkney in autumn
10 things you must see on a visit to the incredible Orkney Islands
Orkney travel
Get adventurous on the rugged Orkney Islands
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Orkney Islands
11 Incredible places to visit around Orkney

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Things To Do
Things to see and do in Orkney. Whatever time of the year you visit us, you'll be made very welcome. Our history, culture, wildlife, arts, crafts and food & drink are sure to leave a lasting impression. Explore it all using our links below. Home.
Things to Do & Attractions in Orkney
Highland Park Distillery gates. A trip to Orkney offers the chance to visit one of the oldest working whisky distilleries in Scotland. Highland Park has been producing whisky since way back in 1798 and the tradition of whisky-making on Orkney is upheld to this day with pride and passion. Book a tour and see for yourself how the spirit is made.
15 Must Visit Sites In Orkney
It has now become one of Orkney's most visted sites! Old Man of Hoy. Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in Orkney - the Old Man of Hoy! It should definitely feature on your Orkney bucket list! This impressive 449 ft (137m) sea stack rises proudly out of the Atlantic ocean just off of Hoy. It was first climbed in 1966 (not for the ...
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Orkney Islands
1. Skara Brae. 2,229. Historic Sites. The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, near the dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill, is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the attraction presents a remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years ago.
The Ultimate Orkney Islands Travel Guide
Tucked away in the North Sea lie the Orkney Islands, a magical archipelago offering incredible scenery, wildlife walks, and adrenaline-inducing activities like diving among World War II shipwrecks and sea kayaking. There are so many places to visit in Orkney, including the beautiful Stradwick Bay. Giving off a distinctly Nordic vibe yet still ...
36 Things to do in Orkney Scotland
St Magnus Cathedral is Scotland's most northerly cathedral and a fantastic location that you can't miss out on while visiting Orkney. The Cathedral is known as the 'Light in the North' and was founded by a Viking, Earl Rognvald, in 1137. The exterior of the Cathedral is imposing and has stunning Viking-inspired architecture.
Orkney Islands
Orkney. See 5,000 year old sites in the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, stroll along idyllic beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, get up close to amazing wildlife and reconnect with nature in Orkney. Discover Orkney Islands and find information on Orkney holidays, how to travel to Orkney, Orkney map, and more.
40+ Things to do in Orkney (Scotland)
7 best things to do on Mainland Orkney & Map. With so many Scottish islands to visit, you may be limited in time on the Orkney islands (e.g. if you take the ferry in the morning and go back with the evening one). I list more options in the article, but, with only a short time, I would recommend staying on Mainland Orkney and discovering:
Must-see attractions Orkney, Orkney & Shetland
Shetland. Discover the best attractions in Orkney including Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Tomb of the Eagles.
A Guide to Visiting the Orkney Islands
Visit an ancient site. Mainland (the largest of the Orkney Islands) is packed with prehistoric treasures and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Start off with a visit to the Ring ...
13 Things To Do In Orkney Islands: A 3-Day Itinerary
Best Time of Year to Visit Orkney. Let's discuss the best time to visit these northern Scottish isles. Like the rest of Scotland, Orkney sees its fair share of rain and grey days and temperatures in excess of 17-18°C (62-64°F) are considered very warm indeed.
Orkney travel
Orkney. There's a magic to Orkney that you begin to feel as soon as the Scottish mainland slips astern. Only a few short miles of ocean separate the chain of islands from Scotland's north coast, but the Pentland Firth is one of Europe's most dangerous waterways, a graveyard of ships that adds an extra mystique to these islands shimmering in ...
Orkney Travel Guide: 32+ Things to do in Orkney
Hoy is Orkney's second largest island (after Mainland) and lies just south of Stromness. Most people travel to Hoy to visit the beautiful beach at Rackwick Bay, take on the 3-hour hike to the sea stac Old Man of Hoy, and visit the Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness. This island is on my list of things to do in Orkney.
The Complete Orkney Guide: An 8-Day Itinerary for the Orkney Islands
My trip to Orkney was one of the best of my life. There is so much to see and do on this cluster of islands, just off the north coast of Scotland.I had 8 days to explore Orkney, and packed in a lot into this short amount of time! While I loved my adventures around the Mainland, the Barrier Islands, South Ronaldsay, Hoy, Papa Westray, and Westray, there was still so much I missed out on ...
Eight favourite things to do in Orkney
Orkney is made up of around 70 islands, making it the perfect place for an island-hopping adventure. Highlights include a walk to the Old Man of Hoy sea stack in Hoy, the ancient tombs of the island of Rousay (known as the Egypt of the North), the white sandy beaches of Sanday, and the seaweed-eating sheep of Orkney's most northerly island ...
Orkney Visitor Guide
Orkney offers a rich variety of activities on land, loch and sea to suit all abilities and interests, from golfing to walking, and from sailing to cycling. With almost 600 miles of coast and some great unspoilt areas, the islands are superb for wildlife watching and for rich and varied angling.
27 Amazing Things to Do in Orkney + Know Before You Go
At the heart of Orkney and on Mainland is the capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall. The population is approximately 9,300. There are lots of things to do in Kirkwall, including visiting the 12th century St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl's Palace, the Orkney Museum and the Wireless Museum.
Stunning Places You Must See In Orkney Scotland
The Orkney Islands are full of unspeakable beauty and achingly stunning coastal vistas. Home to areas of great archeological importance, bird sanctuaries perched atop cliffs, secret beaches and frequent visits from the aurora borealis herself, Orkney is a true paradise. Discover the magic with our pick of must-see places.
Orkney.com
Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Today; Things To Do; ... Eight things to see and do in Orkney. Here are some of our favourite island experiences you won't want to miss. Find Out More . Churchill Barriers, Orkney.
Explore Orkney
from 45 min. SAIL TO ORKNEY. Property For Sale Business Directory Jobs Visitor Guides & Downloads Interactive Map. Seventy or so islands, 59 degrees north, nearly six hundred miles of coastline and a population of around 21,500.
Visitor Guides & Downloads
Welcome to Stromness. Discover local shops, services and walks in Stromness. Download now. If you're still looking for more information and inspiration about Orkney after browsing our website, our most recent digital guides can also help you plan your trip to the islands.

15 Must Visit Sites In Orkney

The Italian Chapel

Old Man of Hoy

Yesnaby Sea Stacks

Stones of Stenness

Ring of Brodgar

Tomb of the Eagles – Update 2021 : this site has closed permanently

The Churchill Barriers

Maes Howe Chambered Cairn

Highland Park Distillery

Orkney Brewery

St Magnus Cathedral

Brough of Birsay

Waulkmill Bay

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Things to Do in Orkney

Highland Park Distillery

St Magnus Cathedral

The Orkney Museum

The Old Man of Hoy

The Brough of Birsay

Marwick Head Nature Reserve

Journey to Orkney’s First Tomb

Deerness Distillery

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn

Bishop’s & Earl’s Palaces

Cubbie Roo’s Castle

Ring of Brodgar

NorthLink Ferries

Kirkwall Marina

Churchill Barriers

Standing Stones of Stenness

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

Yesnaby Cliffs

Gill’s Bay

Papa Westray

Visit the Italian Chapel

Broch of Gurness

Corrigall Farm Museum

Orkney Folk Festival

Orkney Wireless Museum

Orkney Fossil & Heritage Centre

Noup Head Lighthouse

Loch of Stenness

Fernvalley Wildlife Centre

Kitchener Memorial

Betty’s Reading Room

Scapa Distillery