30 Amazing Things To Do in the Orkney Islands
Orkney is a collection of 70 islands, therefore there is an astonishing number of things to do. This post describes the best things to do in the Orkney Islands.
The Orkney Islands have vast landscapes, interesting history, stimulating culture and perfect adventures for adrenaline seekers.
The most popular island for travellers is the Isle of Skye. Also, the Isle of Lewis and Harris are well-known. However, the islands of Shetland and Orkney are on a whole new level.
Only 20 islands of Orkney are inhabited. The other 50 have a history of being inhabited for a history of 10,000 years, meaning there are plenty of things to do in Orkney.
Orkney was part of Norway until 1474. King Christian I of Norway pledged Orkney and Shetland against payment of his daughter’s dowry when she married King James III of Scotland.
A failed payment led to Orkney and Shetland being annexed from Norway and became part of Scotland.
The quickest way to get to Orkney is to get a flight from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Shetland and Aberdeen. Also, there are ferry routes available, from Shetland, Aberdeen and John O’Groats.
Kirkwall
Kirkwall is the main settlement in Orkney, located on Orkney mainland and has a population of 9,300. There is a wide range of independent shops, fine places to dine, and a wide range of hotels.
In 2019, the town centre was named Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street. There is a wide range of things to do in Orkney, a few are listed below.
The main transport hub originates in Kirkwall. You can get a daily ferry to the north isles, to begin your island-hopping adventure.
Or you can get on a NorthLink Ferry to sail to and from Aberdeen.
The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre
Orkney is the locations of Gin and Whisky production. The Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr Gin, and it is located near the waterfront in Kirkwall. Kirkjuvagr translates to “Church Bay” in old Norse. Church Bay is where Kirkwall is located.
The Orkney Distillery has a spectacular building which offers a top-quality visitor experience, with friendly, helpful staff. Also, there is a wonderful cafe, cocktail bar and gift shop.
The tour is really cool, and it is interesting to see how gin is made. Moreover, sampling the gins while overlooking Kirkwall’s harbour is a lovely experience.
Orkney Wireless Museum
The Orkney Wireless Museum has large amounts of interesting memorabilia regarding wireless and wartime wireless links. Also, there is information regarding Scapa Flow, the days of radio, television and gramophone.
The volunteers who run the museum are extremely friendly, they have lots of stories to tell about the museum and local history. Entry to the museum is £3 per adult.
St Magnus Cathedral
The spectacular 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral sits in the heart of Kirkwall. It is mesmerising with its red sandstone exterior.
Here, you can explore the grounds and deep dive into the Norse heritage. There are ancient headstones and leaning columns to explore inside the cathedral.
Most of them are unreadable, however, there are information boards and translations next to them that give you an insight into the lives of people who lived there long ago.
The cathedral is free to enter, but you can leave donations. Also, you can buy an informative guidebook.
Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum has information on the history of Orkney, from neolithic periods until today. You can explore the three floors and learn about wartime Orkney.
Also, there is displays about the history of the people who used to live in Tankerness House where the museum is located. The museum is free to enter, but you can leave donations.
Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace
Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace is also just across from St Magnus Cathedral. This palace is very atmospheric enchanting place and is perfect for any history buff.
It is free to walk around the grounds, however if you want to go inside, you have to in season and pay an entry fee.
Skara Brae
This is a Neolithic stone village which is unknown until 1850 when a storm exposed it to the world. Humans made the streets and houses in Skara Brae approximately 5,000 years ago.
In the small houses there are cubby holes and tabletops for personal items.
The site is currently run by Historic Environment Scotland. Entry to the site and nearby Skaill House costs £12.00 for adults.
You are best trying to book online to get cheaper tickets. When visiting the site, you are not allowed to walk in the ancient passageways to preserve the site as much as possible.
However, you can book an evening tour to explore the houses and streets further.
West of Kirkwall you can find the heart of Neolithic Orkney. In 1999, this area earned UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Attractions that were included in this area include the Tomb of Maeshowe, the Stones of Steness, the Ring of Brodgar and now the Ness of Brodgar.
Tomb of Maeshowe
It is estimated that the ancient Tomb of Maeshowe was built around 5,000 years ago. From the outside, the tomb looks plain as it appears to be a grassy hill.
However, once you get inside you will find the main chamber and three smaller chambers, made with precision.
Also, an interesting feature of the cairns is the carved graffiti which runs on the walls. The graffiti was created by Viking explorers in the 12th century.
During the winter solstice, the sun sets in line with the entry passage of Maeshowe which brightens up the chamber.
Standing Stones of Stenness
The Standing Stones of Stenness are believed to be the oldest Standing Stones Hedges in the United Kingdom. Stones hedges are pieces of Neolithic earthwork.
The reason and purpose of Stonehedges is still unknown. The Standing Stones of Steness contain some of the tallest stones, some reach as high as 5 metres.
Rings of Brodgar
The Rings of Brodgar is a circle which measures 104 metres wide. At the largest, it is thought that the circle contained 60 stones.
However, nowadays only 27 stones are still standing.
The stones are free to visit. Also, the Rings of Brodgar are believed to be the biggest standing stones in the UK.
The first discovery of a carved stone was in 1925 while a farmer was ploughing a field. However, it was not until 2002 when a survey as part of the World Heritage Site revealed that there could be numerous structures beneath the ground.
As the location of the Rings of Brodgar is close to the Tomb of Maeshowe further investigation was sought. During further investigation, the Ness of Brodgar was discovered.
Ness of Brodgar
The Ness of Brodgar is currently being uncovered, archaeologists began working on it ten years ago. A carved stone from the site from first discovered during ploughing in 1925.
The dig only takes place 6-8 weeks a year. Thus, if you visit in July or August, you might be lucky enough to see parts being uncovered.
So far, polish stone aces, coloured pottery, a human figurine and much more including 650 pieces of Neolithic art have been found. It is believed that only 10% of the area at the Ness of Brodgar has been excavated.
Yesnaby Coastal Walk
Yesnaby Coastal Walk is a walk along the west coast of mainland Orkney. Along the route you can view impressive sea stacks, hidden arches, old ruins of castles and stunning clifftop viewpoints.
The Old Man of Hoy is visible, but it is quite far away. There is parking at the Yesnaby car park.
The area is a good place to visit with beautiful scenery all around, and it is a haven for birdlife. Also, it is a perfect place to watch the waves crashing against the coast.
Stromness
Stromness is a small settlement on the southwest side of the island. It has a history shaped by Vikings, whaling, fishing and maritime heritage.
Stromness is the base for the Orkney Folk Festivals every May and the Orkney Blue Festival takes place later in the year. Most ferries enter Orkney at this small village.
Visitors will arrive from Thurso on the NorthLink Ferries at this terminal.
Ness Battery
Ness Battery played an important role in both World Wars. The painting inside the mess hall is stunning. A tour of Ness Battery costs £6 and lasts an hour.
Stroness Museum
Stroness Museum is a very interesting museum, they give a detailed collection of the history of the island, the impact of the sea and the evolution of the area. There is a wide range of artefacts and information.
The admission ticket is £5 and is valid for a week. It is a perfect stop before you have to catch the ferry to Hoy.
Waulkmill Bay
Waulkmill Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with pretty surroundings. The beach is a little tricky to get to as the path is a bit steep, and to get to the beach there is a rocky path to cross.
Highland Park Distillery
Orkney has two distilleries on the island. Highland Park Distillery has been producing whisky since 1798 and it is in the top ten for the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
The distillery is open seven days a week from April to October. You can book a tour and sample a wee dram.
Scapa Distillery
Scapa Distillery is the second distillery on the Orkney Islands. The distillery was founded in 1885 on the banks of Scapa Flow.
There is a visitor centre which offers daily tasting at 1 pm from Monday to Friday.
Scapa Beach
Scapa Beach is a beautiful clean beach with sparkling blue water. From Scapa Beach you can get great views out to Scapa Distillery.
The HMS Royal Oak Memorial is worth a visit as it reminds you of the senselessness of the war. There is car parking and toilet facilities nearby.
Scapa Flow
During the World Wars, Scapa Flow was home to the British Home Fleet. German Highsea Fleet was sunk after World War I.
The wrecks are incredible from vast battleships resting in the heart of Scapa Flow, to smaller block ships dotted along the rugged coastline and German warships.
Scapa Flow is one of the best wreck diving sites in the world. It is a graveyard for sunken ships. Also, when the tide is out you can explore some of the remnants.
The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre is free to enter on the Isle of Hoy. Scapa Flow Museum opened its doors in the Summer of 2022.
Both experiences aim to provide an insight into the importance of Orkney during the wars.
Roseness Walk
Roseness Walk is a brilliant walk out to Roseness Lighthouse, along the east coast of the island.
The walk offers clifftop views across the sea to Copinsay and Deerness, or you can head North and walk the Stembister route to Dingiehowie.
Inganess Beach
Inganess Beach is a north facing beach which overlooks the Isle of Shapinsay. This is a beautiful beach with white sand.
It is ideal for a walk, or if you enjoy water sports you can go and try surfing. The beach is located near the airport and offers great views in all directions.
Churchill Barriers
The production of barriers was ordered by Winston Churchill between the islands to the east of Scapa Flow. The barriers were built after the HMS Royal Oak was sunk by a u-boat in 1938.
The causeways are now known as Churchill Barriers and provide a way to travel between the smaller islands which are close to the mainland. The road passes over Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
Italian Chapel
The Italian Chapel was built by 550 Italian prisoners during World War II. The chapel is located on the small island of Lamb Holm which is connected to the mainland by the Churchill Barriers.
As most of the Italian Prisoners of War were catholic, they convinced their camp commander to allow them to build a chapel.
Two Nissan huts were allocated to use as the chapel. In agreement the prisoners had to work outside normal hours.
With little materials, the prisoners created something which is unexpected and magnificent. They used plaster to line the huts, created an elaborated facade.
Domenico Chiocchetti painted the inside of the cathedral to make it look like it has brick walls. Also, he made paintings and other stonework.
Moreover, scrap metal was used for candelabras and other furnishings.
Other Orkney Islands
Isle of Hoy
The Isle of Hoy is Orkney’s second-largest island, and it rises dramatically from the sea.
The island is home to many geological features including St Johns Head which has the highest vertical cliff face in the UK.
Berry Corrigall’s Grave
The Grave of Betty Corrigall is located on the Isle of Hoy. Interestingly, it is known as the ‘loneliest grave in Britain’.
When Betty found out she was pregnant she took her own life. She was not allowed to be buried on hallowed ground; thus, she was buried in a peat field.
In 1933, two men who were cutting peat discovered the grave. As Betty was resting in the peat field the body was fully preserved. Betty was buried again and forgotten about.
Later, during World War II Betty’s grave was discovered again by soldiers stationed in Orkney.
Her grave was covered by a concrete slab to prevent her from being disturbed again in the future. A headstone was added to the site in 1980.
Old Man of Hoy
The Old Man of Hoy is a 450-foot-tall sea stack which is located on the Isle of Hoy.
The Isle of Hoy is the second largest island in the Orkney Isles and includes the most dramatic scenery. You can see the Old Man of Hoy by following a three-hour return walk.
Rackwick Bay
Rackwick Bay is so isolated on the Isle of Hoy, you will probably be the only person there. The area is so quiet and still, while the hills around you make sure to feel small and insignificant.
It is a brilliant place to come and have a picnic. There is a small car park and toilet facilities.
Also, you can walk to the Old Man of Hoy from here, the return trip will be three hours.
North Ronaldsay
At the northern island of North Ronaldsay, you can meet the famous seaweed eating sheep. Also, the island is home to the tallest lighthouse of its kind in the UK.
Tours are available and you can climb the 176 stairs to the top of the lighthouse. Moreover, North Ronaldsay is an excellent place to explore birdlife at the Bird Observatory.
Burray
Burray is a small island between the mainland of Orkney and South Ronaldsay. One of the island’s main attractions is the Fossil and Heritage Centre at Viewforth which also has a community cafe.
South Ronaldsay
South Ronaldsay is Orkney’s fourth largest island located south of Burray. Here you can find St Margarets Hope which is home to Smiddy Museum, Workshop & Loft Gallery and a golf course.
Heading west out of the village you can pass the beach Sands O’Wright and you can experience the coast at Hoxa Head. The coastline will offer brilliant views across Scapa Flow.
Westray and Papa Westray
You can take the shortest scheduled flight in the world which only lasts 90 seconds. Once you have completed the flight you will get a certificate to say that you have done it.
Island of Rousay
Rousay is the largest of the three island that are located northwest of the Orkney mainland. Rousay is also associated with two other smaller islands northwest of the mainland – Egilsay and Wyre.
Important attractions on Rousay include Noup Head Lighthouse, coastal walks, Quoygrew settlement and Wheeling Steen Gallery. Some other cool attractions on Rousay are listed below.
Taversoe Tuick
Taversoe Tuick is one of the chambered cairns which is present on the south coast of Rousay.
The cairn follows an unusual design with two main burial chambers, one on top of the other. The site is currently managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Midhowe Broch
From Midhowe Broch you will be awarded with stunning views across the mainland.
The broch was an Iron Age structure which was used to defend this area of Orkney 2,000 years ago. Currently, the height of the tower is 5 metres, but it is believed to have been higher in its prime.
Knowe of Yarso
Knowe of Yarso is another one of the chambered cairns discovered in Rousay.
During excavations in 1934, the remains of at least 29 people were found. The site is currently managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
RSPB Scotland Noup Cliffs
A spectacular cliff top walk, where you can marvel at the sights of jostling birds.
The nature reserve aims to maintain the populations of gannets, guillemots, fulmars, razorbills and puffins. Also, there are some stunning wildflowers along this path.
Noltland Castle
Noltland Castle was built for Mary Queen of Scots household master, Gilbert Balfour. There are gun holes dotted along the exterior of the castle.
The castle is an astounding place, and it is an excellent place to explore inside and out. There are signs and information boards located around the castle. The car park is free.
Links of Noltland
Links of Noltland is located near Noltland Castle. It is a spotless beach which is a great place to go for a quiet stroll or to sit and watch the wildlife. If you are lucky, you might catch seals swimming offshore.
Excavations are currently underway between May and September. You can see part of Orkney’s largest Bronze Age settlement and three stone figurines were found here.
St Magnus Way
This is an existing 58-mile walking route on the Orkney Mainland, and the island of Egilsay. The walk is based on the story of St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney.
There is an app available where you can download clear instructions on the way-marked route. Make sure you are prepared for all weather and another priority is to wear sturdy footwear as the terrain is mixed.
Flotta Trail
Flotta is a small island located between Hoy and South Ronaldsay. The island is often overlooked by visitors due to the oil terminal found on the north coast of the island.
The Florra Trail is home to some of the most fascinating wartime sites in Orkney and it was a major site in both World Wars.
The route stretches approximately 13 kilometres. You will pass a quarry, Buchanan Battery, Fire Control Post and Kirk Bay.
At the ferry pier, there are toilets and a tiny waiting room. The route should take approximately four hours.
What do People do in the Orkney Islands?
Orkney hosts one of Scotland’s best UNESCO sites. The island is well known for the Neolithic site Skara Brae.
Also, the Orkney Islands have two main settlements and many little surrounding islands that are worth visiting.
The Orkney Islands are home to countless shipwrecks that are worth exploring. You can view them from the coast, learn about the past in museums or even scuba dive at some of your favourite spots.
Are the Orkney Islands worth visiting?
The Orkney Islands are worth visiting, the islands are so remote and tranquil compared to other beauty spots in Scotland. However, they are quite remote, and it is a difficult destination to get to in Scotland.
Therefore, if you are coming to Orkney, you can make the most of by doing a road trip around Scotland. Or, spending a couple or several weeks in Scotland at a few of your favourite destinations to break up the journey.
What is the best time to visit Orkney?
As Orkney is located in the north of Scotland, the day light hours in late autumn, winter and early spring are limited. Therefore, I would recommend going to Orkney in late spring, summer and early autumn.
As well as longer days, there is better chance of good weather so you can explore the beaches and the coasts.
Do you need a car on Orkney?
Public transport is only available from Kirkwall to Stromness. Therefore, I would recommend taking a car around Orkney.
Travelling in the car will give you the freedom to go to destinations that are not on the mainland.
Final Note
There are so many ancient sites discussed above in this post. Some people refer to Orkney as the Egypt of the North because new sites are being constantly discovered.
Believe it or not, there are so many more undiscovered ancient sites in Orkney. Excavations are currently underway on many islands in Orkney.
There are plenty of amazing isolated islands to explore in Scotland. These islands include the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Iona, the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles.