Location: Stromness
Top Things to do in Stromness
The 8 Best Sights & Landmarks in Stromness, Scotland
Stromness locally /ˈstrɒmnəs/ is the second-most populous town in Orkney, Scotland. It is in the southwestern part of Mainland Orkney. It is also a parish, with the town of Stromness as its capital.
Restaurants in Stromness
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. 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.
3. 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!
4. Ring of Brodgar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,342 reviews
This is the largest Neolithic standing stone circle in Scotland, which is more than 340 feet in diameter consisting of 25 stones, the largest of which is 15 feet in height.
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Your step back in time starts at the car park - read the info & realise you're about to walk somewhere that has been there longer than the pyramids!! Stroll the paths to the ring of amazing standing stones (in winter you can't access the centre due to ground damage) however, the walk round the perimeter is awesome. Dwell on how these massive stones where moved from various parts of orkney - not just local. And reflect on their purpose & why they are there. Various single stones stand off from the ring & clear cut paths guide you. The views across both Harray & Stenness Loch complete the walk.
5. 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
6. Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By davetlg - Christchurch, United Kingdom
I am sure that many people drive past here without knowing it is there. This is a real shame. Situated just behind the impressive standing stones of stenness the barnhouse settlement shows Neolithic dwellings. Situated on the banks off the loch it gives a flavour of every day life. It is well worth a visit but is so easy to miss.
7. Skaill House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 446 reviews
Skaill House is the finest 17th Century mansion in Orkney. Home of William Graham Watt, 7th Laird of Breckness, who unearthed the World famous neolithic village of Skara Brae in 1850. Covering thousands of years of history, Skaill House is renowned for its contribution to Orkney's diverse and exciting past. The house was originally built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham (Bishop of Orkney 1615-1638), and has been added to by successive generations over the centuries. In its 400 year evolution, all 12 Lairds have been related, contributing to the history and collections in the house. Today, after careful restoration work, the house is open to the public and entry is included in a joint ticket with Skara Brae, which is just a 200m walk away. There are many rooms to explore and stories to uncover. Visitors can experience a family home as it was in the 1950s, and discover the items collected by the family since the 17th Century. Neolithic and Iron Age finds, Captain Cooks's dinner service, the Bishop's bed , and Stanley Cursiter paintings are a few of the many fascinating items on exhibition here. Children are very welcome here at Skaill House, and can join in our much loved Viking hunt as they explore the rooms of the house. The house abounds with ghost stories to capture their imagination during their vis
Reviewed By MrsJosephineJones - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
A superb suite of rooms with fascinating memorabilia including Captain Cook's Dinner Service! A one-way system operates in order to facilitate an efficient flow of visitors.Available on a joint ticket with Skara Brae from the Skaill Visitor Centre, and is open from Easter to the end of October. Situated on Skaill Bay [see the picture], the neolithic village of Skara Brae was found in the grounds after a storm in 1850.
