Top Things to do in Mainland
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Mainland, Scotland
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. Mull Head Nature Reserve
2. Inganess Beach
3. Scapa Flow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
This treacherous pass made ship navigation difficult, resulting in over 10 sunken ship wrecks, providing an excellent dive site.
Reviewed By Dannykimweed - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
This is an amazing place steeped in history, some of which is tragic from during the first and second world wars. This is a significant place for families who have lost loved ones here and is a pilgrimage for some. As a natural harbour it is a spectacular place and you get tremendous views of it from many roads. You cannot miss it and its significance to British Naval history.
4. Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By fluteandvoice - Holywood, United Kingdom
Super bird life, great walk up to the Kitchener memorial, beautiful bay, gorgeous sunsets. One of Orkney's top short walks.
5. The Big Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
6. Happy Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
What a lovely, serene & tranquil wooded area in the heart of Orkney. You can miss the entrance to the car park as not sign posted & car park is small so park with consideration. Lovely sign boards have been placed to advise of the story. Follow the clear paths through a mixed woodland (unique in Orkney) & along the tranquil stream with waterfalls & arches. Take time to stop, look & listen at the Stone benches & seats then follow the paths out at either end to work through shrub & grassland. It's amazing to visit in spring early summer when the woodland floor is carpeted in flowers
7. Kirkwall Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Safe and Secure marina berths for boats close to the centre of Kirkwall
8. RSPB Birsay Moors
9. Fernvalley Wildlife Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 410hannahd - Orkney Islands, United Kingdom
Hidden gem. Brilliant place for the whole family. The whole place was full of nice little touches including the view in the tearoom and the meerkat tunnel. Tearoom was great and all staff were lovely. We will definitely be back and we wish we had visited sooner.
10. Stromness Marina
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
A safe and secure marina near to the heart of Stromness in the Orkney Islands. A day's sail from mainland Scotland, explore this ancient archipelago.
