Attractions and Places To See in Orkney islands - Top 20

Orkney is rich in history. You can explore the ancient Skara Brae Neolithic Village, a remarkably preserved prehistoric settlement. Also, visit the impressive St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, known as "The Light of the North." Don't miss the ruins of Earl's Palace, Kirkwall, which tells a story of powerful rulers.

Yes, Orkney is home to the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney,' a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This includes the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae Neolithic Village. These sites offer an unparalleled look into a sophisticated society from over 5,000 years ago.

Orkney boasts dramatic natural landscapes. The Old Man of Hoy, a distinctive sea stack on the island of Hoy, offers impressive coastal views. You can also visit The Gloup Sea Cave, a collapsed sea-cave with a substantial land bridge, or the stunning Cliffs of Yesnaby for dramatic coastal scenery.

Many of Orkney's historical sites are suitable for families, including the Skara Brae Neolithic Village and the Ring of Brodgar. Exploring the Churchill Barriers, which connect several southern islands, can also be an interesting outing. The Orkney Museum in Kirkwall and Stromness Museum offer engaging insights into local history and maritime life.

Orkney offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the Mull Head Circular Trail or the challenging Cuilags, Old Man of Hoy and Rackwick loop. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route or the Orkney Prehistory Loop. For mountain biking, explore trails from Stromness to Loch Harray and Skara Brae. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails, Cycling, and MTB Trails guides for Orkney.

The best time to visit Orkney for outdoor activities and sightseeing is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is milder, days are longer, and wildlife, especially seabirds like puffins, are more active. This period also offers better conditions for exploring historical sites and coastal paths.

Yes, Orkney has several unique cultural sites. The St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall is a stunning example of Norse architecture. The Italian Chapel, built by Italian Prisoners of War during WWII on Lamb Holm, is a poignant and beautifully decorated site. You can also visit the Highland Park Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest working whisky distilleries.

The two main towns are Kirkwall and Stromness. Kirkwall, the capital, features the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, the ruins of Earl's Palace, and the Orkney Museum. Kirkwall Town Centre and Kirkwall Harbour are vibrant. Stromness, with its charming flagstone streets and historic waterfront, offers the Stromness Harbour and Old Town and the Stromness Museum, focusing on maritime history.

Orkney is a haven for wildlife. Its towering sea cliffs provide nesting sites for thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. The surrounding seas are home to seals, dolphins, and even orcas. Keep an eye out for the unique Orkney vole, found only on these islands.

To fully appreciate Skara Brae Neolithic Village and its visitor center, it's recommended to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows time to explore the well-preserved dwellings, understand the history, and visit the associated Skaill House.

Many of Orkney's key sites, including parts of the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, have relatively flat terrain, making them more accessible. The visitor centers at major sites like Skara Brae are generally designed with accessibility in mind. It's always advisable to check specific site information for detailed accessibility features before your visit.

While there are no direct cafes at the Ring of Brodgar or Standing Stones of Stenness, both sites are located on Mainland Orkney, a short drive from towns like Stromness and Kirkwall. In these towns, you'll find a variety of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and shops to refresh yourself.