1. Skara Brae Prehistoric Village and Skaill House
Step into a remarkably preserved Neolithic village, dating back over 5,000 years, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. A replica house offers a tangible sense of how life was lived in this ancient settlement. The visit also includes access to Skaill House, a historic mansion adjacent to the village, providing a glimpse into more recent Orcadian history.
Cost: An adult ticket costs £14.00 online or £16.00 at the door, which includes entry to Skaill House from April to October. Children aged 7-15 are £8.50 online or £9.50 at the door. Historic Scotland members receive free entry.
Transport: Skara Brae is approximately 17.5 miles from Kirkwall. An hourly Stagecoach bus service (X1 or 8S) from Kirkwall Travel Centre takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes, costing £7-£10. A taxi ride is approximately 28 minutes and costs £35-£50. Driving takes around 28 minutes and costs £5-£7.
2. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Explore one of Europe's finest Neolithic chambered tombs, built around 5,000 years ago. This monumental structure is renowned for its skilled stonework and the unique runic graffiti carved by Vikings who broke into it approximately 1,000 years ago. During midwinter, if the sky is clear, the setting sun aligns with the central chamber, illuminating its interior. Access to the cairn involves a low and long passageway.
Cost: Visits are by guided tour only and depart from the Maeshowe Visitor Centre. An adult ticket is £10.00 online or £11.00 at the door, and a child ticket (7-15 years) is £6.00 online or £6.50 at the door, including coach transfer to the cairn. Booking online in advance is highly recommended due to limited capacity. Historic Scotland members enter for free.
Transport: Tours start from the Maeshowe Visitor Centre in Stenness, which has its own car park. Public transport links directly to the visitor centre may be limited, so a car or local taxi service is often the most convenient way to reach it.
3. Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness
Wander among the imposing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, a massive ceremonial stone circle and henge dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Nearby, discover the Standing Stones of Stenness, believed to be one of the oldest stone circles in the British Isles. Both sites are part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a powerful connection to Orkney's ancient past amidst a vast landscape. Free guided walks are available at both sites.
Cost: Both the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness are free to visit and are open year-round.
Transport: Both sites have car parks, though they can become busy. A public bus service (X1 via Ring of Brodgar) operates from Kirkwall. There is a pleasant walk between the two sites. The nearest public toilets are at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre.
4. The Italian Chapel
Visit a unique and poignant chapel created by Italian Prisoners of War during World War II on the island of Lamb Holm. Two Nissen huts were transformed into a beautifully ornate place of worship, showcasing incredible artistry and dedication.
Cost: Admission to the Italian Chapel is £4.00 per person, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.
Transport: Located on Lamb Holm, the Italian Chapel is accessible by bus from Kirkwall. A Stagecoach bus from Kirkwall Travel Centre to Italian Chapel Road End takes about 16 minutes and costs £3-£4. A taxi ride takes approximately 11 minutes and costs £20-£24.
5. St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
Explore the majestic 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall, a striking example of Norse and Gothic architecture built from red and yellow sandstone. Dedicated to St Magnus, it houses the remains of both St Magnus and St Rognvald. The cathedral offers a peaceful atmosphere and intricate details to observe.
Cost: Entrance to the main cathedral is free. Guided tours of the upper levels, which include views over Kirkwall and access to the clock mechanism and bells, cost £15 and must be pre-booked (minimum age 12). Ground level and graveyard tours are £10 per person and do not require pre-booking. Special theme tours are also available for £15.
Transport: The cathedral is centrally located in Kirkwall and is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the town.
6. Coastal Walks and Wildlife Spotting (Yesnaby Cliffs, Brough of Birsay, Old Man of Hoy)
Experience Orkney's rugged coastal beauty through walks along dramatic cliffs and geos. The Yesnaby Cliffs offer spectacular scenery, including the sea stack known as Yesnaby Castle. The tidal island of Brough of Birsay, accessible via a causeway at low tide, combines historical ruins with opportunities for birdwatching, particularly puffins between May and July. For a more adventurous outing, consider a trip to Hoy to hike to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack, or view it from the NorthLink ferry service.
Cost: Coastal walks are generally free. Access to the Brough of Birsay is free when the causeway is open. Ferry costs to Hoy are separate and depend on whether you travel as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.
Transport: To reach Yesnaby Cliffs, park at the Yesnaby Car Park. For the Brough of Birsay, a car park is available at Birsay Beach; check tide times before visiting. To visit Hoy, a passenger ferry departs from Stromness to Moaness. The Old Man of Hoy can also be seen from the NorthLink ferry route between Stromness and Scrabster.
7. Discover Scapa Flow's Maritime History
Delve into the wartime history of Scapa Flow, a historically significant naval anchorage. The area is famous for the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919 and the remains of blockships from World War II. For certified divers, Scapa Flow offers unparalleled wreck diving experiences. Non-divers can explore the Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy to learn about its strategic past.
Cost: Diving tours typically range from £650-£1,100 per person for a multi-day package, often including accommodation and multiple dives. Specific museum entry fees are not detailed but are generally modest.
Transport: Diving expeditions are usually organized through local dive charter companies that provide boat transport. To visit the Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy, take a passenger ferry from Stromness to Moaness.
8. Highland Park Distillery Tour and Tasting
Experience a piece of Orkney's vibrant local culture by visiting the Highland Park Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest working whisky distilleries, established in 1798. Take a guided tour to learn about the whisky-making process and conclude your visit with a tasting of their renowned single malt.
Cost: Tour and tasting fees apply, though specific recent prices are not widely published. Distillery tours typically range from £20 to £50+ depending on the experience.
Transport: The Highland Park Distillery is located in Kirkwall, making it easily accessible on foot or via a short taxi ride from the town centre.
