Things to Do in Scotland UK: Skara Brae
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, please see our Terms & Conditions page.
Discover the most complete Neolithic settlement in western Europe on the windswept grasslands of the Orkney Islands. At Skara Brae Prehistoric Village learn how farmers, hunters, and fisherman lived 5,000 years ago. The UNESCO World Heritage site is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. A day touring Skara Brae’s well-preserved ruins Is one of the best things to do in Scotland UK.
The Skara Brae archeological site borders the Bay of Skaill. Follow a path along the ocean to view a cluster of primeval underground houses. After touring the site, visit Skaill House. The 17th century mansion sits next to Skara Brae.
What is Skara Brae and Skaill House
Skara Brae is an ancient Neolithic settlement which supported a community of around 50 people. The site is made up of ten flagstone houses that are linked by a series of passageways. The house interiors are furnished with cupboards, beds, and fireplaces. Each house also has a primitive commode and drainage system.
Skara Brae is thought to have been occupied between 3100BC and 2500BC. The prehistoric village is a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” monuments. The village gives insight into the achievements of early-age people who lived in isolated communities. Due to its remarkable preservation Skara Brae has sometimes been called the “Pompeii of Scotland.”
Skaill House is manor house attached to the estate on which Skara Brae was discovered. The house replicates a 1950s wealthy landowner’s home. It is filled with heirlooms collected by the twelve lairds (lords) of Skaill.
Orkney Islands Hotels
If you are staying the night on the Orkney Islands, investigate these Mainland hotels near Skara Brae:
The Ayre Hotel - Kirkwell Scotland
The Kirkwall Hotel - Kirkwell Scotland
Linidsfarne Bed & Breakfast - Stromness Scotland
Graemeshall House - Holm Scotland
Skara Brae History
In the winter of 1850, a fierce storm hit the Orkney Islands. When the winds receded, sand from a knoll overlooking the Bay of Skaill had been stripped away to reveal several small roofless houses. The name of the knoll was Skerrabra.
The son of the laird of Skaill House recognized Skara Brae’s potential importance and took step to begin its preservation. The cottages were excavated and pottery, gaming dice, necklaces, beads, and tools were collected. The artifacts told the story of a farming, hunting, and fishing community.
Life in the Skara Brae Prehistoric Village is thought to have terminated around 2500BC for unknown reasons. Today, the site is maintained by the Historic Environment Scotland. Skara Brae attracts over 100,000 visitors a year.
Where is Skara Brae & Skaill House
National Grid Reference: HY 231 188
Skara Brae and Skaill House are located on the southern shores of the Bay of Skaill on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, UK. The site is about 6 miles (9.5km) from the town of Stromness.
Due to the rural nature of the Orkney Islands and sparse public transportation, most visitors to Skara Brae and Skaill House will arrive via guided Orkney Island tours or private vehicle.
Orkney Island Tours: Things to do in Scotland UK
A tour with an experienced local guide is a great way to visit Skara Brae, Skaill House, and other Orkney Island highlights. Excursions usually include transportation and bundle area attractions. Here are a few well reviewed Orkney Island tours:
Orkney Islands Weather & Best Time to Visit Skara Brae
Throughout the year, the weather in the Orkney Islands is cool and cloudy with frequent precipitation. In the warm season (June – September), temperatures average around 57’ F. In the cool season (November – March), temperatures average around 47’F.
Skara Brae is an outdoor attraction on a windy coast. The site is most crowded during the summer months of July and August. The island receives the most precipitation between October and February. Randy and I think the best time to visit Skara Brae is in the warmer months of May and June.
Skara Brae Map
Skara Brae & Skaill House Points of Interest
General Overview
The Skara Brae Prehistoric Village is entered via a Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has an orientation film, exhibits, restrooms, a gift shop and café. From the Visitor Center, visitors follow an 500 meter one-way gravel path around the Skara Brae community. The village is set at the edge of Skaill Bay. Skaill House is located a short walk (about 140 meters) from the prehistoric village.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Learn how the residents of Skara Brae lived and worked at the Visitor Center exhibits. See cookware and tools found at the site such as pots, axes, shovels, knives, and needles made from wood, pottery, whale bones, orca teeth and other materials. See clumps of red ochre (possibly used for body painting) and evidence of what people ate (seafood, shellfish, barley, seeds and nuts).
Explore the Skara Brae Neolithic Houses
Walk a path that takes you up close to the Neolithic houses. Except on special tours, you can’t walk down into the houses. However, the structures can be viewed from above at a short distance away. The houses were built on midden (mounds of waste) sunk into the ground to protect residents from the harsh wind and cold.
As you tour, view the houses peat-burning hearths. See living quarters furnished with cabinets, dressers, sitting spaces, and storage containers. Most of the cottages have two beds and a small chamber with a primitive toilet. One house has a “porch.” Another has no beds and is thought to have been a work room.
Tour Skaill House
Skaill House is the 17th century manor house that overlooks the Skara Brae Prehistoric Village. The home has been occupied by the laird of the province since the 1600s. At Skaill House there is a two-story manor, stable yard, and brew house. Guests can tour many of the mansion’s period rooms and outside areas.
Walk the Beach at Skaill Bay
Before you leave the site, take time to walk the long white-sand beach that borders Skaill Bay.
How much time to spend at Skara Brae & Skaill House
Plan to spend a morning or afternoon at Skara Brae and Skaill House. Bundle your visit with these other Orkney Island tours for a full day of sightseeing:
Planning Your Visit to Skara Brae & Skaill House
Opening Hours and Days
Skara Bare and Skaill House are open throughout the year; except for December 24, 25, 26th and January 1 and 2nd. General Hours: summer 9:30am – 5:30pm; and winter 10am – 4pm. Check the site’s webpage for seasonal closures and events.
Admission & Tickets
For guaranteed admission and best price, visitors are encouraged to pre-book tickets. Ticket prices vary according to age group, Family tickets and some discounted tickets are available. Tickets include a joint entrance to Skara Brae and Skaill House. For reference purposes: (2024) A single adult ticket to Skara Brae and Skaill House is $11.00 Euros online, and $12.50 Euros for a walk-up purchase.
Café, Restrooms, Giftshop
There is a café, restrooms, and giftshop onsite in the Visitor’s Center.
Parking
Free onsite car parking is available. Large camper vans may park in the beach car park if space is available.
Orkney Digital Guide
Orkney Digital Guides are available as an add-on when purchasing a ticket. These digital guides provide information on 5,000 years of Orkney’s history including details on Skara Brae.
Accessibility
The Visitor Center has ramped walkways and accessible restrooms. While touring Skara Brae’s Neolithic houses visitors will find gravel or grass paths – mostly level, but with some changes in grade. Leashed attendance dogs are permitted. Contact Skaill House for accessibility information on the manor house.
Tìoraidh an-dràsta (Cheerio for now), Laura and Randy
For more information on the best things to do in Scotland UK, read our travel blog posts on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!'
Comments