Top Things to do in Orkney Islands
Things to do in Orkney Islands, Scotland: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in Orkney Islands, United Kingdom including Skara Brae, Midhowe Broch, Taversoe Tuick, Knowe of Yarso Chambered Cairn, Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Dwarfie Stane, Tomb of the Eagles, Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement, The Blackhammer Cairn.
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. Midhowe Broch
3. Taversoe Tuick
4. Knowe of Yarso Chambered Cairn
5. 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.
6. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 710 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Enter one of the finest Neolithic buildings in north-west Europe, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. This chambered tomb, which sits on a platform encircled by a ditch, is a monument to the skill and beliefs of Orkney's people some 5,000 years ago. If you visit in midwinter - and the skies are clear - you can witness the central chamber illuminated by a shaft of light from the setting sun. Maeshowe's unique story continued with it was broken into about 1,000 years ago by Norsemen. They left their mark in the astonishing runic graffiti, alongside the stunning 'Maeshowe Lion' carving. Visits are by guided tour only. Tours depart from the new Maeshowe Visitor Centre (at Stenness), postcode KW16 3LB. Tours are hourly and start at 10am with the last tour at 4pm.
Reviewed By _sw5555_ - Vancouver, Canada
Guided tour is about 1HR and features a number of topics which are semi-hidden, only to be illuminated by the knowledgeable tour guide. There is also reportedly the largest number of Viking runes in one location in the UK.
7. Dwarfie Stane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
A 5,000-year-old monument that's thought to be Britain's only rock-cut tomb.
Reviewed By m_burford - Preston, United Kingdom
A 5000 year old tomb that you can crawl into-whats not to like..!! the age and how it was carved is mindblowing. Well worth a quick 30 min detour
8. Tomb of the Eagles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 494 reviews
Perched above the dramatic South Ronaldsay cliffs, the Isbister Chambered Cairn - better known today as the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’ - is one of Orkney’s top archaeological sites. Discovered by chance by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s, the Stone Age tomb revealed an amazing collection of bones and artefacts, placed here some 5,000 years ago. Roughly half a mile inland from the tomb is a Bronze Age site. It comprises a mound of burnt stone and the remains of a stone building, named after the ‘Liddle’ farm where Ronnie uncovered them. Excavations at the site have led to important discoveries about how people lived and worked in Orkney 3,000 years ago.Enjoy a unique ‘hands-on’ experience at the Visitor Centre, where you can see, and enjoy the privilege of handling some of the original artefacts found at the sites. During the main visitor season, fascinating displays and daily talks offer insights into the lives of these Stone Age and Bronze Age people. Explore some of the questions which remain unanswered. The Gift Shop offers a wide range of items, including many local crafts, books, hot and cold drinks and Orkney ice cream. There is a stunning walk from the Visitor Centre to the tomb, via the Bronze Age site - approximately 1 mile along a well-marked path. The maritime heath and grassland is alive in the summer with birds and wild flowers. More than 50 years after Ronnie Simison came across these remarkable sites, his family invite you to come and enjoy these well-loved visitor attractions.
Reviewed By RogerP403 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Wonderful location with a pleasant walk taking us to a very historic site where you can visit a Bronze Age and Stone Age site. Access into the tomb is difficult however the walk is worth it even if you can't get into the tomb. The walk along the cliff top is great with a large selection of birds and wild plants to see, the plants even have name tallies as well. The visitors center has a great staff who bring the past to life and you can handle ancient pottery and eagles claws.
9. 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.
