Things to do in Mainland, Scotland: The Best Sightseeing Tours

September 16, 2021 Jacquiline Darosa

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. Orkney Trike Tours of Orkney

Orkney Trike Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Welcome to Orkney Trike Tours it's not where you end up on Orkney, but the journey there that is just as important. Orkney Trike Tours offers you an exclusive, exciting, unique and a fun way of exploring the beautiful islands of Orkney. Don’t be just a tourist in a car or a coach, stand out from the crowd and arrive in style. We promise a bit more than just a tour - we give you the “journey” across Orkney. Most but not all, of our tours usually last from 1/2 day to a full day. Tours are can be themed such as Neolithic Orkney, Spirits of Orkney, Orkney wildlife, Orkney at War or a tour tailored to your personal interests. Not sure what there is to see then take a scenic tours showing the wonderful variety of attractions that Orkney has to offer.

Inclusions: Scenic Trke Tours, Neolithic trike tours, Viking Orkney Trike Tours, Orkney at War Trike Tours, Hoy Trike Tours, Evening Trike tours, Splirits of Orkney Trike Tours

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By briantc

What an amazng trip this is.... we spent nearly 3 hrs with John on his trike..... it was FUN, EXCITING and extermly knowlegable.... He was able to take us off the beaten track and showed us everything Orkney had to offer. John is such a lovely gent and adjusted the trip to suit exactly what we wanted to see.... If you do nothing else while on orkney - You must do this.....

2. Orkney Mini Tour 5 hours

Orkney Travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This tours take you through some of Orkney’s famous Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar. We then have a drive with scenic views of the sheltered of Scapa Flow which was used by the British Navy during both World Wars and the final resting place of HMS Royal Oak. We then go to the Italian Chapel. Built during the 2nd World War by Italian prisoners of war who were stationed on the island of Lamb Holm and tasked with building the Churchill Barriers. Finally we have a look around the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall. Built in 1137 when Orkney was under Norse rule.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entry Fee's to Skara Brae and Italian Chapel

Reviewed By gtorkos

My husband and I booked a tour with local Orkney guide Garry for 9-28-19. Prior to our trip Garry sent an email introducing himself and asking if we had any special requests. We arranged for him to pick us up at the Kirkwall airport at 8 am where we would start our 8 hour tour. Garry was inside the airport waiting for us when we landed with a name placard. We got settled (with our luggage) in his car while he reviewed our itinerary. He used a small microphone so that my husband who was seated in the backseat could hear him as well as I could in the front. He was very organized, arranging the sites according to when they were not as busy. He also used laminated maps and photos to help us understand the geography and sites. Garry has lived in Orkney all his life, so he was able to talk about historical facts, historical figures, and landmarks with personal knowledge and experiences which gave the tour a personal touch. Garry was also very flexible, as we talked and he got to know us, he was able to make several unscheduled stops that he thought we would like. We opted to eliminate one scheduled stop to keep us on schedule. He dropped us (and our luggage) off at our hotel at the end of the day. Overall, it was a wonderful tour. Garry was punctual, knowledgeable, flexible, patient and passionate about the Orkney Islands. One thing to consider. If you purchased a Scotland explorer pass, let Garry know in advance. He prepaid for two admissions for us, and we had free admission with our passes. I think he was able to be reimbursed for this, but if we had told him in advance it would have saved him some time getting it all straightened out. I would highly recommend this tour and this excellent tour guide.

3. Orkney Day trip from Inverness

Dezso Csaba Kari

This tour is long, yes but it is one of the very few tours that will give you more than you want from an Orkney day tour!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, services of a professional driver/guide, fuel, insurance

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Reviewed By 4SIGHT

Enjoyed an hour at Speyside. Knowledgable guide with a reasonable tasting ... wasn't my favorite whiskey but a nice experience.

4. Orkney Shore Excursion

Dezso Csaba Kari

Today is your day to walk in the footsteps of Vikings, to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this stunning island, an island where swathes of fertile green farm land are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of both the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Services of a professional driver/guide, fuel, insurance.

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By 4SIGHT

Enjoyed an hour at Speyside. Knowledgable guide with a reasonable tasting ... wasn't my favorite whiskey but a nice experience.

5. Kirkwall Private Walking Tour

Top Private Tours

For this tour you need to take the shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre. Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago in the north of mainland Scotland. What to expect – your local guide will take you around Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney, which is situated on the northern coast of mainland Orkney We will explore St. Magnus Cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus. Then we will visit two buildings full of history in the heart of Kirkwall: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace. Bishop’s Palace is one of the best - preserved buildings from medieval times. Once this visit is finished, we will head to Albert Street. Your local guide will meet you up at the meeting point and take you back to the ship. PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!! Included: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace

Inclusions: St. Magnus Cathedral Ticket, Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace Ticket, Private Tour, Professional Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

6. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour

Top Private Tours

Get ready for an incredible tour around Orkney!! Orkney is unique because of its Neolithic monuments. The group of monuments constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which depicts life in this remote archipelago 5000 years ago. We will drive through agricultural land to the shores of Scapa flow, a natural harbour located off the coast of Scotland Then we will stop at Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn (to reach this attraction you need to walk for about 20 minutes). A quick visit to The Stones of Stennes Ring of Brodgar is our next attraction to visit Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved stone-built Neolithic settlements. It is one of the most fascinating prehistoric villages We will also stop at Skaill House. Our last stop is an icon of Orkney’s rich archaeological heritage: Broch of Gurness (big coaches cannot reach this attraction so it will be replaced by Yesnaby). PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!!

Inclusions: Skara Brae and Skaill House Ticket included, Broch of Gurness Ticket Included, Private Tour, Professional Local Guide, Port or Hotel pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Gratuities

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