Things To Do In Scotland: Orkney Islands
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History comes alive on the Orkney Islands. Neolithic henges and standing stones are scattered across the hills of the Scottish territory. Medieval cathedrals and monuments left by Viking warriors abound in small towns; and the coast is littered with war ships sunken during World War II. History-lovers will never run out of things to do in Scotland in the Orkney Islands.
The Orkney Island’s cultural offerings are complimented by its hauntingly beautiful beaches, sea cliffs, and wildlife. Our travel blog post highlights some of the best things to do in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Read on to learn about the St Magnus Cathedral, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Highland Park Whiskey Distillery, and more.
WHERE ARE THE ORKNEY ISLANDS
The Orkney Islands are an archipelago of about 70 islands surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. A part of Scotland, the islands are located some 300 miles (480km) north of Edinburgh. About 20 of the islands are inhabited.
Mainland is the biggest island. The largest town on Mainland is Kirkwall, which is also the territory’s capitol. Kirkwall is Orkney’s main commercial and transportation hub with a small airport, several ferry terminals, and a regional bus service. Some of Orkney’s smaller islands are Hoy, Graemsay, Flotta, and South Walls.
ORKNEY ISLANDS HISTORY
The Orkney Islands have a rich and well-preserved Neolithic history with several underground houses, standing stones, and earth houses open to the public. In 1999, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney had four ruins: Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Stones, and the Maeshowe tomb declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Viking raiders occupied the Orkney Islands between the 8th and 15th centuries. Much of the island’s architecture was influenced by Norsemen including St. Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces. The islands came under Scottish rule in 1472.
In modern times, the Scapa Flow naval base was a strategic location during World War II. At the end of the war, 74 German ships were scuttled there. Today, the Orkney Island’s economy is based on fishing, oil, agriculture, whiskey distillery, and tourism – the area has recently become a popular cruise ship port.
ORKNEY ISLANDS HOTELS
If you are staying the night on the Orkney Islands, try these Mainland hotels:
The Ayre Hotel - Kirkwell Scotland
The Kirkwall Hotel - Kirkwell Scotland
Linidsfarne Bed & Breakfast - Stromness Scotland
Graemeshall House - Holm Scotland
ORKNEY ISLANDS TOURS
The Orkney Islands are a rural destination. Outside of the two main towns, Kirkwall and Stromness, public transport and car rental options are few. Excursions usually include transportation and bundle area attractions. Here are a few well reviewed Orkney Island tours:
ORKNEY ISLANDS WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT
For much of the year, the weather in the Orkney Islands is cool and overcast with frequent precipitation. In the summer (June – September), temperatures average around 57’ F. In the winter (November – March), temperatures average around 47’F.
July and August bring the most crowds to the islands. During the winter months many businesses and historical sites close. Randy and I think the best time to visit the Orkney Islands are in the months of May, June, and September when the weather is pleasant and most businesses and attractions are open.
THINGS TO DO IN SCOTLAND IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS
Explore Skara Brae and Skaill House
On the Orkney Islands visiting Skara Brae is a must-do activity. The Skara Brae Prehistoric Village is an excavated Neolithic settlement. Skara Brae’s cluster of underground houses at one time supported a community of around 50 people. The UNESCO World Heritage site was thought to be occupied between 3100BC and 2500BC.
Skaill House is the manor house that sits on the farm where Skara Bare was discovered after a fierce storm in 1850. Skaill House is decorated in the style of 1950s wealthy landowner’s home. There is a joint ticket to both attractions.
Tour St Magnus Cathedral
The Vikings still ruled Orkney when St. Magnus Cathedral was commissioned in 1137. The red sandstone church, also known as the Light of the North, is dedicated to Saint Magnus, Earl of Orkney. Today, the cathedral is Britain’s northernmost cathedral, and one of the best preserved medieval churches in Scotland. Visitors can wander the church with its stained glass windows and distinctive red hue. Tours of the cathedral’s upper levels include viewing the church bells, clock, and archived collections.
Go on a Highland Park Tour & Tasting
The Orkney Islands are home to the Highland Park Whiskey Distillery. The distillery has won many awards and has a reputation of being one of the finest Scotch whiskey makers in the world. Highland Park Visitor Experiences include distillery tours and many kinds of tastings. The distillery is located on the outskirts of Kirkwall, and there is a company store in downtown. Both establishments ship all over the world.
Discover the Towns of the Orkney Islands
Kirkwall and Stromness are the Orkney Islands most well-developed towns. Both communities are located on Mainland Island. Each of the towns have narrow medieval lanes, working harbors, and quaint shopping districts. The towns are well-known for their fresh-off-the-boat seafood. The region is also famous for its weaving and knitting shops.
Kirkwall is the larger of the towns with St. Magnus Cathedral, two museums, and medieval ruins. Stromness is a traditional seaport with fishermen cottages and charming Victorian hotels. Both towns are great for walking.
TRAVELING TO SCOTLAND? CONSIDER THESE WELL-REVIEWED TOURS
Trek Around the Bishops and Earl’s Palaces
The Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces in Kirkwall are a fun pair of Middle Age ruins to tour. The Bishops Palace was the first of the palaces to be constructed in the 1100s. The two story building served as a residence for the Bishop of St. Magnus. Centuries later, the much grander Earl’s Palace was constructed in the 1600s. The Earl’s Palace enveloped the Bishop’s Palace into its design to make one large palace complex. There is one admission price to tour the ruins of the two palaces.
Find the Vikings at the Orkney Museum
In downtown Kirkwall, the Orkney Museum is housed in two manor houses that were fused together in 1570. This quirky little museum guides guests through 5,000 years of Orkney Island history. There are exhibits from the Iron Ages, the Picts, the Vikings, Medieval Orkney, and more.
Visit Neolithic Sites
The UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site is made up of four locations: Skara Brae (above), the Ring of Brodgar, the Stenness Stones, and Mawshowe Chambered Tomb.
The Ring of Brodgar and Stenness Stones are circles of standings stones that were put in place between 4,000-5,000 years ago. How and why the stones were placed on the windswept Orkney plains is a mystery. These neighboring sites are free to enter. The Maeshowe Tomb is an underground multi-chambered passage grave thought to be built around 2800BC. Maeshowe can be toured year round (fee to enter).
Go Wildlife Viewing
The Orkney Islands are a wildlife haven for birders and lovers of marine life. Orkney’s soaring sea cliffs and marshlands provide a natural habitat for hundreds of specimens of birds including puffins, golden eagles, kittiwakes, and many birds of prey. In the sea surrounding the islands there are frequent sightings of seals, otters, dolphins, and orcas. Birding, hiking, and boat cruises are popular ways to take in the local wildlife.
Follow the Creative Orkney Trail
To showcase the works of Orkney crafters, the Orkney Creative Trail is maintained as a way to help visitors discover talented artisans on the islands. The “trail” is made up of twenty-something stops at the workshops of crafters across five of the Orkney Islands. Along the trail finds studios that produce jewelry, chairs, textiles, pottery, and more. Go to https://www.orkney.com/things/crafts/trail to download a map of the trail.
Get Sporty
For those who live an active life, the Orkney Islands have much to offer. The islands are home to a dive school and the popular Scapa Flow dive site (where the wrecks of several German boats lie on the sea floor). E-biking, sea kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and golfing are also popular past times on the island.
We hope you enjoy the wild and windswept Orkney Islands, Laura and Randy
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