Top Things to do in Mainland
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Mainland That You Shouldn't Miss
The aptly named Mainland is the main island of Orkney, a collection of Scottish islands with serious Viking cred. On West Mainland you’ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village. Cap off your visit with a hoppy glug from the Orkney Brewery. Over on the East side, marvel at a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, take a provincial stroll through St. Mary’s Village or just dip your toes in at Mill Sands or Dingieshowe Beach.
Restaurants in Mainland
1. Ness of Brodgar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By BDenz - Campbell River, Canada
Each year, the archaeologists who work this site open greater insight into the peoples who lived between Maeshowe, Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. And with each new find, the history of the era marks this area as the first of its kind in Great Britain. Take that, Stonehenge.
2. Yesnaby Cliffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By stufromthesim - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The views here on the day we went were simply incredible but in different weather it will be entirely different so bear that in mind when deciding if a visit is worthwhile. These are particularly accessible cliffs with a car park practically on the cliff top at the old gun battery site. The sat nav may try to encourage you to turn left as you drive towards the cliffs but so long as you can see a small selection of derelict ww2 style block buildings ahead of you, stick on the straight road you have been on. There is a concrete hard standing on which about 8 cars could park with little problem and plenty of parking just before this for any overflow. Once out of the car the ground is quite rough and leads to the edge of the cliff and it would be very easy for someone to fall and die - particularly children but those unsteady on their feet would also be at risk towards the edge. That said, provided you’re not an idiot or a negligent parent there is nothing to fear that common sense would not prevent. The sea stacks are but a relatively short walk (we were out and back in about an hour which included fannying about taking pictures) along an well worn path which is signposted off to the left of the car park as you look towards the cliffs. The walk to the stacks was very muddy on our visit but starts out flat before some wooden steps mark the start of a more uneven journey. The path is easy to follow as it tracks the fence all the way with a gangplank to cross a small dip, a 90 degree turn to follow the fence again and some more wooden steps to help you out a little further along. We only went as far as the Castle stack which was about a quarter mile on from the the second set of wooden steps but I understand it runs on further south and takes in more sea stacks but not sure how much farther down they are. A fantastic weather dependant trip that rewards with some stunning photos. I imagine falling down the several hundred metre cliffs would seriously impact on your enjoyment of this worthwhile venue so be careful!
3. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
4. Scapa Crafts Orkney Chairs
5. Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
6. Ness Battery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Ness Battery is accessible by guided tour only. Please call for details. Tours available all year round - times of tours on our website. Extra tours running at other times too - call for latest times. Please note - it is not a visitor centre or museum around which the public can visit unaccompanied.. yet! It is not safe for unsupervised access, so please call to arrange a tour with a qualified tourist guide.
Reviewed By Kieran11 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
we had a guided tour by a local historian and it was fascinating to learn about the operations and workings of this battery during both 1st and 2nd world wars. Andree was interesting and a font of local knowledge - thoroughly enjoyed the couple of hours we spent there
7. Unstan Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By pakabay - Adelaide, Australia
We had a professional guide for 2 days on Mainland Orkney, and we were staying in Stromness. This is the first neolithic site that Sue brought us to and it was a pretty amazing way to start. Firstly, it was free and you just parked in the carpark nearby, and walked in. Yes, you then had to crawl or bend really low (depending on your fitness and condition) to gain entry, but there you were - standing inside a 5,000 year old tomb and it was just us! Having a guide was really important we believe, they add so much that you just can’t get off a web site or a brochure. We drove past several times during our stay and I never ever saw another car there, in the car park. Unbelieveable!
8. HMS Royal Oak Memorial
9. Mine Howe
10. The Knowes of Trotty
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 3 reviews
