Top Things to do in Orkney Islands
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Orkney Islands, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Orkney Islands, United Kingdom including Skara Brae, Hoy Island, Westray Island, Mull Head Nature Reserve, The Old Man of Hoy, Yesnaby Cliffs, Ness of Brodgar, Midhowe Chambered Cairn, Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, Orkney Library & Archive.
Restaurants in Orkney Islands
1. Skara Brae
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,073 reviews
The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, near the dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill, is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the attraction presents a remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years ago. Visitors can experience a prehistoric village and see ancient homes fitted with stone beds, dressers and seats. A replica construction allows visitors to fully understand the interior of a prehistoric house.
Reviewed By 777juliea - Winchester, United Kingdom
This fascinating historic site was on our bucket list for years, and now we have managed to visit twice. On both occasions we were on a guided tour, and the tour guide was full of interesting information. Who could imagine that these relatively advanced houses actually predated Stonehenge? The cluster of houses is close to the sea, with a magnificent sweep of a bay just beyond so visiting the site is itself a memorable experience. Some of the dwellings still retain their stone fittings. There is also a replica dwelling close by which visitors can enter.
2. Hoy Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
This is Orkney's largest island after Mainland.
Reviewed By Lindum20C - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A truly wonderful day trip, we were lucky with the weather which helped a lot. Breathtaking scenery all the way round from Lyness up to Rackwick Bay. Very useful information boards all the way round.
3. Westray Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By ScotlandE_mc
We came on the noon boat from Kirkwall to have a short visit and we wish we came for a few days or at least with the early morning boat so we could spend some more time about the isle. Quite a few gems to see, the Castle, Noup head Light house,the peedie airport that has the shortest flight in the world to Papa westray,the beaches with the seals,and the cliffs with puffins,the lovely local heritage center is a must as well,its a marvelous place!
4. Mull Head Nature Reserve
5. The Old Man of Hoy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By 480alasdairs - Austin, United States
A lovely walk from Rackwick which goes past several wee local museums that are certainly worth a visit ( they are beside Rackwick Hostel ) The sea cliff views are amazing as is the birdwatching. Keep kids on a short leash ! In season you will drive past the RSPB observation stop for the Sea Eagles that nest there - also amazing.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Midhowe Chambered Cairn
9. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
10. Orkney Library & Archive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Free Wifi throughout. We provide internet access with a small charge for visitors. Our Archive section is great for family history searches - please note, our Archive section is CLOSED every Wednesday but the LIBRARY is OPEN. Books and so much more.
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
This library has excellent facilities. A vast catalogue of books - including written, ebooks, large print. Their display is neat & easy to follow & they have a vast number of books in store to access too. The staff are friendly & helpful. There is seating, toilet facilties, coffee & drinks available. DVDs & CDs are also available . The archive unit upside is wonderful to browse & has an intensive collection of material & information about Orkney
