Scotland

Orkney Attractions

A large page, as there is quite a bit to see on Orkney! See also the different categories of attractions in the left menu of this page.

Barnhouse Settlement   A Neolithic village located on the shores of Loch Harray beside the Stones of Stennes circle and just a short distance from the Ring of Brogar. The village was inhabited from about 3200 BCE, suggesting that this may posssibly have been where the builders of Maes Howe, Brogar, and Stenness lived. There are several different sizes of hut, but nothing beyond the foundations remain. Stenness, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: Park at the Stones of Stenness on the B9055 and follow a short path to the settlement. Website: Barnhouse Settlement Historic Scotland OS HY307127 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Birsay Moors RSPB    RSPB nature reserve. Moorland habitat for Arctic skuas, hen harriers, red-throated divers, and - on the ground - Orkney voles. Best in summer. nr Finstown, Finstown, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Off the A966 5 miles north of Finstown. Website: Birsay Moors RSPB Phone: 01856 850176 RSPB OS HY349244 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bishop’s Palace   The Bishop's Palace is a 12th century hall house, with a tower built in the mid 1500's. You can ascend the tower for wonderful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Kirkwall. Directly opposite is the 17th century Earl's Palace. Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW15 1PD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: In the centre of Kirkwall, opposite St Magnus Cathedral. Tickets from the Earl's Palace. Website: Bishop’s Palace Phone: 01856 871 918 Historic Scotland Location map OS HY448 108 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Blackhammer Chambered Tomb   A Neolithic chambered cairn dating to approximately 2500 BCE. Entry to the interior reveals an elongated corbeled chamber with upright partitions. The interior is unusuallly well lit due to plexiglass skylights inserted in the roof. Tratland, Rousay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: On the B9064 1 mile west of the Trumland ferry landing. Signposted. Free entry. Website: Blackhammer Chambered Tomb Historic Scotland OS HY414276 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Broch of Gurness   One of the finest brochs in Scotland, Gurness stands on the shore looking across to Rousay. The very extensive remains include striking earth ramparts and the remains of several Iron Age buildings. Aikerness, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: NW Kirkwall, off the A966 Website: Broch of Gurness Phone: 0831 579478 Historic Scotland Details of Broch of Gurness OS HY 381268 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brodgar RSPB    RSPB nature reserve located in a spectacular setting beside the Ring of Brodgar stone circle. This reserve is best for seeing Orkney waders, curlews, snipe, lapwings, dunlins, redshanks and oystercatchers. Best in summer. Stenness, Mainland, Orkney, Higlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On the B9055 2 miles north of Stenness. The best place to park is at the Ring of Brogar parking lot. Website: Brodgar RSPB Phone: 01856 850176 RSPB OS HY293134 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brough of Birsay   Remains of Pictish and Norse settlements in a spectacular coastal setting. Pict remains are houses and metalworking debris. Norse remains are of farmsteads, domestic buildings and the Norse cathedral dating from the early 12th century. Graves have been unearthed on the island. Museum at the site. Brough Head, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: Tidal island offshore from northwestern point of Mainland, Orkney. Reached at low tide by walking across a causeway. (Ask at local TIC in Stromness or Kirkwall for tide times, or at the village shop in Birsay.) Website: Brough of Birsay Historic Scotland Details of Brough of Birsay - Photos of Brough of Birsay OS HY239284 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brough of Deerness   The remains of a 10th century chapel in a spectacular headland setting on the eastern tip of Deerness. Some debate exists whether the site is that of a Norse settlement, early Christian monastery, or Iron Age promontory fort. The Brough has been a traditional site of pilgrimage for centuries. The setting could hardly be more spectacular; the Brough is accessible only by way of a steep path up the side of the Brough from Little Burrageo, but your exertion is well rewarded with fabulous views and the company of seabirds by the hundreds. Deerness, Mull Head, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Location: Parking lot for Mull Head nature reserve, off a minor road signposted from the B9050. The path from the parking lot follows the coast to the Brough of Deerness. OS HY595088 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Churchill Barriers   One of the great feats of civil engineering in history; the Churchill Barriers are a series of causeways linking South Ronaldsay to Mainland. They were erected during World War II to prevent the passage of German submarines into Scapa Flow, used as a naval base by the British. The causeways contain a total of half a million cubic yards of rock and over 300,000 tons of concrete. St Margaret's Hope, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: The barriers are located along the A961 road between St Margaret's Hope and Mainland. There are numerous parking spots along the way. OS ND480995 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Copinsay RSPB    Uninhabited island famous for its large colonies of kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Fulmars, and puffins also breed along the cliffs of Copinsay. Copinsay, Isle of Copinsay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Island is 2 miles east of Mainland. Accessible by boat from Skaill (day trips) Website: Copinsay RSPB Phone: 01856 850176 RSPB OS HY583039 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Corrigall Farm Museum    Museum of farming and rural life with group of stone, 18th century buildings restored to mid-19th century appearance. Flagstone roofs that are heather thatched and turfed. Exhibitions in the buildings. Harray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW17 2LQ Attraction Type: Museum Location: 14 m (22.5 km) NW Kirkwall, by A965 and A986 Location map OS HY317 188 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cottascarth and Rendall Moss RSPB    RSPB nature reserve. Fantastic for breeding curlews, and a good spot to see hen harriers, merlins and short-eared owls. Finstown, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotlans Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Off the A966 3.5 miles north of Finstown Website: Cottascarth and Rendall Moss RSPB Phone: 01856 850176 RSPB OS HY375183 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cubbie Row’s Castle    One of the earliest stone castles to survive in Scotland. Built circa 1145 by a Norseman. Small rectangular tower with ruined St. Mary's Chapel of late 12th century. Wyre, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Castle Location: ferry from Kirkwall to island of Wyre; .5 m from pier Website: Cubbie Row’s Castle Phone: 01856 841 815 Historic Scotland OS HY442 264 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn   A Neolithic chambered tomb with four cells-once contained bones of men, dogs and oxen. Access on hands and knees. Finstown, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: on A965 Website: Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn Historic Scotland OS HY 364 128 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Earl's Palace   The extensive remains of one of the finest examples of post-medieval architecture in Scotland, located beside the Cathedral and opposite the old Bishop's Palace. The Earl's Palace was built by Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600, using forced labour to create a grand residence in French Renaissance style. Stewart was executed in 1615 and the palace passed to the Bishops of Orkney. A must see for visitors to Orkney! Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW15 1PD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: In the centre of Kirkwall opposite St Magnus Cathedral. Free parking at Kirkwall harbour (5 minutes walk) Website: Earl's Palace Phone: 01856 871 918 Historic Scotland Location map OS HY448 108 Photo Credit: David Ross and Breitain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Earl's Palace   Remains of a 16th century residence on the shores of Birsay Bay, built by Earl Robert Stewart. Extensive walls still stand, though not to any great height. Earl Robert was known for his harsh treatment of his people, and may have used forced labour to build his palace. The house was constructed around a courtyard, and several ranges of buildings around the inner yard can still be seen. The location is as impressive as the palace itself; the views across to the Brough of Birsay are superb. Birsay, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: In Birsay village, off the A966. Ample parking on the side of the roadway. Website: Earl's Palace Phone: 01856 721205 Historic Scotland OS HY 248 277 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Eynhallow Church    Ruins of 12th century church and domestic buildings. Eynhallow, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Location: On the island of Eynhallow; can be reached only by boat from Mainland or Rousay. Historic Scotland OS HY359289 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Grain Earth-House    Iron Age earth-house with underground chamber supported on stone pillars. Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: 1 m (1.6 km) NW Kirkwall, A965 Historic Scotland OS HY442117 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Holm of Papa Westray Chambered Cairn    Massive tomb. Long narrow chamber with 14 cells and wall engravings. Holm of Papa Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Historic Scotland OS HY509518 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Italian Chapel   A shrine built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII, using a quonset hut and salvaged scraps of metal and wood. The chapel is a moving example of the marriage of faith and art under trying circumstances. The interior is beautifully painted and contains lovely ironwork and trompe l'oeil artwork. Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Location: on A961 OS HY480 000 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Kirbuster Museum   An unrestored traditional Orkney longhouse, dating to at least the 16th century. A stone bed, tradtional household furnishings, farm implements, and artefacts of daily life provide a fascinating glimpse of daily life in Orkney over the past centuries. A central hearth, burning peat, provides warmth for the longhouse, and there is a lovely Victorian garden outside. Recommended. Birsay, Kirbuster, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Museum Location: On a minor road at Kirbuster, just south of Birsay Website: Kirbuster Museum Phone: 01856 772268 Fax: 01856 871560 Orkney Museums and Heritage OS HY283254 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Kitchener Memorial   In 1916 the HMS Hampshire sank off Marwick Head in mysterious circumstances. Among those who lost their lives was Lord Kitchener, minister of war at that time. Kitchener was said to be on a secret mission to Russia. A memorial was erected in honour of Kitchener and the others who lost their lives aboard the Hampshire. No access to the memorial itself, but the walks along the cliffs are spectacular. Marwick Head is also an RSPB nature reserve, home to razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and an occassional puffin. Marwick Head, Birsay, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Parking in a small parking lot at the bottom of the hill, off the minor road from Birsay. OS HY228251 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Knap of Howar    Two Neolithic standing stone houses with stone cupboards and stalls. Papa Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Historic Scotland OS HY483518 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Longaglebe Geo   A path leads from a small parking area, along the cliffs above a narrow geo, or inlet, where a multitude of birds nest. The path joins the coastal walk towards Birsay to the east, or you can descend to the rocks along the shore and look for seabirds and seals. The rock formations are wonderful and the going is quite easy. Longaglebe, Birsay, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Off a minor road just east of Birsay. The location is noted on OS maps as Whitaloo Point. OS HY261286 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Maes Howe Chambered Cairn   The finest megalithic tomb in the British Isles, consisting of a large Neolithic mound, 26ft high, 115ft in diameter, encircled by a ditch, covering a stone-built 39 ft passage leading to large burial chamber with 2 cells. The tomb contains the richest collection of Viking runes in the UK. Finstown, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: 9 miles west of Kirkwall, on the A965 Website: Maes Howe Chambered Cairn Phone: 01856 761 606 Historic Scotland Details of Maes Howe Chambered Cairn OS HY318128 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Marwick Head RSPB   RSPB nature reserve featuring thousands of breeding seabirds in a clifftop location. The views are spectacular. Also on Marwick Head is the Kitchener Memorial, a tower dedicated to the memory of Lord Kitchener who was killed in the wreck of the HMS Hampshire off this coast in 1916. Birsay, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On a minor road 11 miles north of Stromness at Birsay. Website: Marwick Head RSPB Phone: 01856 850176 RSPB OS HY223248 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Midhowe Broch   One of the finest Iron Age brochs in Scotland, located in a superb coastal location directly beside the chambered cairn of Midhowe. The central building measures 30 feet in diameter, with walls still standing to a height of 14 feet. This is easily one ofg the most impressive sites on Orkney, and well worth the journey to Rousay. A signposted path leads from the broch to Midhowe Chambered Cairn and past numerous other historic buildings along the shore. Westness, Rousay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: Parking on the B9064 coastal road a few miles west of the ferry terminal. Well signposted, and easily visible from the parking lot. Walk downhill 5 minutes - good footwear advised. Free entry. Website: Midhowe Broch Historic Scotland OS HY372306 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Midhowe Chambered Cairn   A huge Neolithic chambered tomb in an oval mound with 25 stalls. Midhowe is protected by a modern building, which has walkways over the tomb, proviing excellent views down into the chambers. Rousay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Website: Midhowe Chambered Cairn Historic Scotland OS HY372304 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mine Howe   Access by steep stone steps to underground chamber, then another set of steps to a further underground chamber. Archaeologists date it from 200BC to 500AD. Its use is uncertain but thought to be religious. Bones, pottery and other artifacts were found in the chamber. Tankerness, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: off A960 on minor road Website: Mine Howe OS HY512058 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mull Head   A nature reserve extending to over 200 acres, taking in coastal grassland, heather moorland, spectacular cliffs and coastal scenery. Paths through the reserve provide for circular walks ranging from 4-8 miles. From the parking lot the path passes The Gloup, a partly collapsed sea cave, or blowhole, and follows the coast to the Brough of Birsay with its early Christian monastery. The Mull features a wide variety of seabirds, and seals and otters are frequent sights. The walk can be extended to visit the Covenanter's Memorial, dedicated to the memory of 200 Covenanters who lost their lives in a shipwreck here in 1697. Deerness, Deerness, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: At the end of a minor road signposted from the B9050. OS HY589092 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Noltland Castle    Ruined Z-plan tower of mid 1500's. Large number of gun loops and impressive staircase. Pierowall, Westray, Orkney, HIghlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1m W Pierowall village Website: Noltland Castle Historic Scotland OS HY429 488 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Noup Cliffs    Probably the best known RSPB reserve on Orkney - an absolute paradise for bird lovers. Noup Cliffs is the largest seabird colony in Orkney, featuring Guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars, and puffins. Free entry, but donation requested. Best in summer. Noup, Pierowall, Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Countryside Location: By road from Pierowall to Noltland Castle, then to Noup Hill, follow the road to Noup Lighthouse, where there is a parking area. Email: orkney@rspb.org.uk Phone: 01856 850176 RSPB OS HY392499 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Orphir Round Church   Remains of only surviving medieval circular church in Scotland, built in first half of 12th century. Dedicated to St. Nicholas. Orphir, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Location: At Orphir, 8 miles SW Kirkwall Website: Orphir Round Church Historic Scotland Details of Orphir Round Church OS HY335043 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Pierowall Church    Ruins of medieval church with finely lettered tombstones. Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Church Location: reached by ferry from the island of Mainland OS HY439488 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Quoyness Chambered Cairn    Megalithic tomb with retaining walls, passage, main chamber and cells. Neolithic. Sandsay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Historic Scotland OS HY676378 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Rendall Doocot   A striking doocot (dovecote) which has been restored. The design is best described as similar to a wedding cake, rising in concentric layers. The doocot is still used by local birds, so please be careful not to alarm the birds when approaching the building. Hall of Rendall, Rendall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Down a small lane, accessed off the A966. The doocot is signposted and there is a small parking area, with a very short walk to the doocot. OS HY422000 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Rennibister Earth-House   Access by trap door and ladder down into the chamber that has 5 wall recesses and an entrance passage. Human bones were found here. Thought to be Iron Age. Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Prehistoric Location: on A965, western Mainland, situated behind a farmhouse OS HY397127 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ring of Brodgar