Location: Stromness
Top Things to do in Stromness
What to do and see in Stromness, Scotland: The Best Free Things to do
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. 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!
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. ArtWorks of the Earth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Near the center of the historic haven of Stromness, this working studio/shop/gallery offers a colourful experience of the Orkney landscape. Painter, Jeanne believes art likes being accessible, so her images are found on quality reproductions, cards, tea towels, cushion covers, mugs, and more. Also for sale are creative projects from folks living in Stromness beside other ecletic crafts, all with a story tied back to Orkney or Jeanne. Since 2004, Jeanne has offered short workshops in the only North American contribution to printmaking, the Provincetown Print aka watercolour white-line woodcut which she is renaming with local adaptation, the ORKNEY WOODCUT. Future plans, to teach a workshop using R + F oilsticks aka oil bars. Jeanne will be one of the artists in residence at the Ness of Brodgar excavation summer 2018. Shop open year round. In season M-Sun 10 - 5ish. If closed phone for appointment.
Reviewed By reise3
Stumbled upon ArtWorks of the Earth & was warmly welcomed by the artist, herself, & drawn into conversation about her pieces and the history of the area. Beautiful work! There's everything from large, colorful oil paintings to prints, post cards, mugs, etc. I highly recommend a visit.
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. Pier Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
The Pier Arts Centre in Orkney was established in 1979 to provide a home for an important collection of British fine art donated by Margaret Gardiner (1904 - 2005). Alongside the permanent collection The Pier Arts Centre curates a year round programme of temporary exhibitions and events for the education and enjoyment of the general public.
Reviewed By margarettM2882HK
You are welcomed by the Pier Arts shop, full of quality locally produced work, excellent books relevant to the Margaret Gardner Collection, current exhibitions and artists connected to Orkney and Pier Arts. The Collection is lovely and nicely displayed. Visiting exhibitions are top quality, well displayed and plenty information. Don't be put off thinking "Art" is not for you, the building itself and the view of the harbour from the seaside windows are worth a visit!
6. The Quernstone Knitwear Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
7. The Ferry Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Jpgpvg
We ate here during Orkney folk festival. It’s best to book as it is very popular! Great menu especially seafood , lovely friendly staff , orkney dark island amongst great real ale choices and local feel with Celtic music -all right opposite the northlink ferry ( and on beautiful Stromness high street) you could not get better !
8. 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.
9. 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.
