Discover Orkney in many different ways: hundreds of miles of coastline, countless islands and a rich archaeological heritage define this destination. You can choose from a range of experiences, from prehistoric monuments, museums and wildlife watching to ferry trips. Along the way, you’ll see how the islands’ history is reflected in their buildings, collections and landscapes.

Plan your islands and ferry trips

Orkney Ferries operates the inner ferry service between Orkney Mainland and 13 smaller islands. If you’re planning ferry trips, it’s worth checking the current timetables. On journeys to the North Isles, the ferries pass historic landscapes and sea routes, uninhabited islands, and numerous seabirds and other wildlife. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the journey still offers a unique perspective on the island world.

Explore Neolithic monuments in context

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. Their different forms offer distinct perspectives for visitors: a stone circle can be experienced as a space, while a chambered tomb reveals its distinctive shape from within and through its entrance.

The Ring of Brodgar preserves 36 stones within its circular monument. It lies between hills and lochs in a landscape resembling a natural amphitheatre. At the Stones of Stenness, the surviving remains of a large stone circle stand on an ancient ceremonial site; it may be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. Maeshowe adds to these impressions as a large stone chambered tomb. Its passage is aligned approximately with the sunset at the winter solstice—a design that connects the structure with the changing seasons.

Museums, building history and craftsmanship

The museums offer a different focus from the outdoor monuments. The Orkney Museum in Kirkwall traces the islands’ history from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings to the present day; its archaeological collection is of national importance. The Scapa Flow Museum explores Scapa Flow’s role as the United Kingdom’s main naval base during both world wars and displays a significant collection of war artefacts, many of which are of national or international importance.

At Kirbuster Farm Museum, a traditional firehoose takes centre stage: it is considered the last unrestored example of its kind in northern Europe and has a central hearth and peat fire. For insights into other subjects, the Rousay Heritage Centre offers interpretation on the archaeology, natural heritage, wildlife habitats, geology and people of Rousay. The Creative Orkney Trail includes 25 stops across six islands; the individual participants featured may change. In workshops and studios, visitors can watch crafts being made up close; access to individual studios may vary.

Orkney Brewery also combines a visit with local craftsmanship: tours are available by advance booking. The brewery also has a café and a beer bar offering tasting paddles of Orkney ale. As availability can vary seasonally, it’s best to check these offerings before your trip.

Coastlines, habitats and wildlife watching

Orkney’s mostly flat terrain makes it possible to walk through varied habitats, each with its own views and soundscapes. You can reach the partly collapsed sea cave Gloup from a car park via a short walk. If you’d rather watch wildlife, the RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss reserve has a hide from which hen harriers, short-eared owls and curlews can be observed. Check the reserve’s visitor information before your visit.

Seals can be seen in Orkney, while whales, dolphins and orcas are regularly sighted. These sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The nature experiences on offer are therefore quite different: a walk offers impressions of habitats and landscapes, while a stay in the hide focuses your attention on particular bird species.

Discover more destinations

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

For the main travel overview: Orkney Islands.