Orkney: Neolithic History, Island Nature and Culture

Orkney offers hundreds of miles of coastline and countless islands to explore. Orkney Ferries operates inter-island ferry services between Mainland Orkney and 13 smaller islands. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Neolithic monuments and their history

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Heart of Neolithic Orkney includes a remarkably well-preserved settlement, a large chambered tomb and two stone circles with their surrounding henges. Orkney’s monuments date from 3000 to 2000 BC and are outstanding evidence of the cultural achievements of the Neolithic peoples of Northern Europe.

The Ring of Brodgar is a ceremonial circle set among hills and lochs; the spectacular landscape resembles a natural amphitheatre. Thirty-six stones remain within the circular monument. The Stones of Stenness are the remains of a large stone circle at an ancient ceremonial site and may be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. Maeshowe is a large stone chambered tomb. Its passage is aligned approximately with the sunset at the winter solstice.

Museums, cathedral and island history

In Kirkwall, the Orkney Museum tells the story of the islands from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings to the present day. Its archaeological collection is of national importance. St Magnus Cathedral also combines a long building history with a distinctive place in Scotland: it was founded in 1137 and took about 300 years to complete. It is the country’s only fully intact medieval cathedral.

The Scapa Flow Museum tells the story of Scapa Flow as the United Kingdom’s most important naval base during both world wars. Its significant collection of wartime artefacts includes many items of national and international importance. Kirbuster Farm Museum offers a different insight into life in Orkney: it preserves the last unrestored example of a traditional firehoose in Northern Europe. Features of this firehoose include a central hearth and a peat fire.

On Rousay, the Rousay Heritage Centre explores topics ranging from archaeology and natural heritage to wildlife habitats, geology and the local population. A visitor centre explains Orkney’s prehistory in the Stone Age; visitors can also explore a walk-in replica house. Check visiting arrangements before your trip.

Islands, walks and wildlife watching

Ferry trips to Orkney’s North Isles pass historic landscapes and sea routes, uninhabited islands, and numerous seabirds and wild animals. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The landscape also offers different perspectives on land: the predominantly flat terrain makes it possible to walk through varied habitats with changing views and soundscapes.

At the RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss nature reserve, a viewing hide offers the chance to watch hen harriers, short-eared owls and curlews. Check visiting arrangements before your trip. Seals can be seen in Orkney, and whales, dolphins and orcas are regularly sighted. These sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The partly collapsed sea cave Gloup can be reached from a car park via a short walk.

Water activities available in Orkney include dives to wartime wrecks, snorkelling, sea kayaking and eFoiling. Check conditions with the relevant providers before your trip.

Crafts and other experiences

The Creative Orkney Trail has 25 stops across six islands; individual participants may change. The trail’s workshops and studios give visitors the chance to watch crafts being made up close. Access to individual studios may vary.

Orkney Brewery offers tours by advance booking. It also has a café and a beer bar serving tasting paddles of Orkney ale. Check the seasonal availability of tours and café and bar offerings before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kirkwall, Finstown, Stromness, Burray Village, Orphir, Westray, Hackness, Tingwall.

For the main travel overview: Orkney Islands.