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  1. Home
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  4. Orkney

Dingieshowe

Visit Orkney

Orkney

These astonishing islands shelter Scotland’s ancient past, from standing stones to entire early settlements carved into the coastline.

Orkney at a glance

  • Active & adventure:

    wildlife watching, coastal walking, cycling, sea kayaking, world-class diving

  • Food & drink:

    Scotch whisky and gin, fresh seafood, Orkney cheese, craft beer

  • History & heritage:

    UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Viking history, medieval cathedrals, World War heritage

  • Towns & villages:

    Birsay, Kirkwall, South Ronaldsay, Stromness

Map of Scotland

What to expect in Orkney

Across Orkney, astounding examples of ancient sites reveal a story stretching back more than 5,000 years. In Kirkwall, the magnificent red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral stands at the heart of a bustling island capital, while nearby Stromness charms with its narrow streets as the cultural capital of Orkney. Beyond the towns, dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife and miles of walking and cycling routes invite exploration. Catch a glimpse of puffins and seals by the coast or stand in awe at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Every corner of this archipelago offers a sense of connection to Scotland's distant past.

The essence of Orkney's magic is silence, loneliness, and the deep marvellous rhythms of sea and land, darkness and light.

George Mackay Brown, Scottish poet and author

Highlights in Orkney

Step into a legendary island world where nature’s grandeur will stop you in your tracks. Orkney's shores are home to ancient villages older than the pyramids, majestic coastal backdrops and exciting local culture shaped by centuries of Norse and Scottish influence.

Experience island history, nature and culture

Feel the power of the sea on quiet beaches as you gaze at cliffs teeming with seabirds. In Orkney’s towns, enjoy fascinating museums, local crafts, independent shops, and fresh seafood. Explore the remarkable St Magnus Cathedral, founded by a Viking earl in the 12th century, weave around the impressive pillars supporting beautiful arches and imagine the life stories behind the carved gravestones lining the cathedral walls.

Disover the history, nature and culture of Orkney

St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Step back in time at one of Europe's richest prehistoric landscapes, featuring the iconic sites of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, all part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Explore Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage Site

Winter solstice at the Ring of Brodgar.

© Orkney.com

Island escapes

Venture beyond Orkney’s Mainland to the Outer Isles, from Rousay and Hoy to Westray and Stronsay. From the towering cliffs of Hoy to the wartime history of Flotta, island hopping is one of the best ways to experience this archipelago.

Plan your island hopping adventure in Orkney

The Old Man of Hoy

What’s on in Orkney

Orkney’s calendar is rich with a huge array of events and award-winning cultural festivals. Get to know the community and experience life as a local in while celebrating the nature, culture and people of these islands.

Orkney Folk Festival

The Orkney Folk Festival has grown to become one of the most prolific and special throughout Scotland, the UK and further afield.

North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival

An annual celebration of Sheep in Orkney

Orkney Storytelling Festival

Discover the magic of words and folklore at the Orkney Storytelling Festival where voices old and new bring island tales to life.

Orkney Nature Festival

A celebration of the county’s unique natural heritage and wildlife.

St Magnus Festival

Watch a variety of events in music, theatre, arts, dance, literature, cabaret and folk music.

See Orkney through a new lens

With so many monuments, picturesque villages and unforgettable sunsets on show, you'll want to keep your camera close on a trip to Orkney.

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Discover your ideal location in Orkney

Kirkwall and Stromness are lively with people, but you’re never far from coastal cliffs and bluffs full of gossiping birds. You’ll find empty beaches galore on smaller islands like South Ronaldsay.

Kirkwall

Feel the contrast between historic and modern Orkney in Kirkwall. Enjoy excellent dining and shopping along with easy access to many of the islands' top attractions.

Visit Kirkwall

Stromness

A romantic harbour town of winding lanes and waterfront views, Stromness is a cultural hub and a gateway to Orkney's spectacular west mainland.

Explore Stromness

Brough of Birsay

Along this stretch of coastline you’ll find peaceful trails and Norse heritage. Brough of Birsay is ideal for soaking up epic coastal views.

Discover Brough of Birsay

South Ronaldsay

Perfect for beachcombing and rich in archaeology, this welcoming island offers a quieter escape at Orkney's southern edge. If you travel to Orkney by ferry from Gill's Bay, you will arrive at the harbour near the small village of St Margaret's Hope in the north of this ferry-linked isle.

Travel to South Ronaldsay

The harbour at Kirkwall

A small town sits by the sea with low hills in the background

Stromness

Brough of Birsay, Orkney

Burwick coastline

© Orkney.com

The Italian Chapel

Created by Italian prisoners of war during WWII, the ornately decorated chapel on Lamb Holm is a poignant reminder of this history and one of Orkney’s best-loved attractions.

A guide to the Italian Chapel

Trip ideas in Orkney

Can’t wait to start planning your dream Orkney trip? Here are some ideas for things to do and places to see.  

Inspirational Orkney trails

These themed trails will help you explore Orkney's history, landscapes and wildlife at your own pace.

An 8-day itinerary for the Orkney islands

Enjoy Mainland highlights, island-hopping adventures, historic landmarks, scenic walks and local culture across Orkney.

Ideas for one or two days on Orkney

Visit Orkney's must-see attractions, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, St Magnus Cathedral and the Churchill Barriers.

Plan your trip

Getting to Orkney

Ferry

Orkney is well connected to the Scottish mainland by ferry. Regular ferry services operate to Stromness and St Margaret's Hope and visitors can travel between Orkney's islands using an established network of inter-island ferries.

NorthLink Ferries sail several times a day between Scrabster and Stromness (around 90 minutes), and several times a week between Aberdeen and Kirkwall (6 hours). Pentland Ferries operate several times a day between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope (around 1 hour). Once in Orkney, you can travel from the mainland to the outer islands using an established network of inter-island ferries.

Find out more with Northlink Ferries

Discover routes operated by Pentland Ferries

Plan inter-island journeys with Orkney Ferries

Bus and coach

New for 2026, travel around Orkney by bus for just £2 for a single fare! This offer is open to locals and visitors alike, letting you discover more during your trip.

Find out more with Stagecoach

Flying

Kirkwall Airport offers year-round flights from several Scottish airports, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Sumburgh. Flight times vary by route, with Aberdeen taking around 50 minutes.

Book flights with Loganair

Driving

Mainland Orkney is accessible by car from mainland Scotland using the ferry service from Scrabster, Gills Bay or Aberdeen. Having your own vehicle offers the greatest flexibility, particularly for exploring rural sites and archaeological attractions.

Find out more about driving in Scotland

Accessibility

Orkney’s Mainland has lots of accessible visitor attractions, museums and accommodation with accessible facilities. Accessibility can vary across smaller islands, historic monuments and coastal walking routes, so checking individual providers before travelling is recommended.

Plan your visit to Stromness with Euan’s Guide

Find wheelchair-accessible attractions on Orkney

Explore nearby

Take your time on your Scottish adventure and discover some of the regions nearby.

Shetland

Discover islands where untouched nature meets ancient sites on the very edge of Scotland.

The Scottish Highlands

Green valleys, vibrant culture, towering mountains, historic castles and peaceful lochs: the Highlands is the Scotland of your imagination.

Inverness

Discover Inverness, our capital of the Highlands, with scenic riverside walks, historic sights and a warm local atmosphere.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Orkney?

June to August is a fantastic time to visit Orkney, with long daylight hours giving you more time to explore the islands' ancient sites and abundant wildlife, though you can enjoy Orkney all year round. 

Spring (March–May): Milder weather is ideal for wildlife spotting, while puffins return to nesting sites at the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head. 

Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours create excellent conditions to visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Autumn (September–November): Wander through Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar as the landscape transforms with the changing colours of the season. 

Winter (December–February): Fewer visitors allow for a more relaxed experience at attractions such as the Italian Chapel and St Magnus Cathedral. 

How long should I stay?

3-5 days in Orkney allows time to explore many of Orkney Mainland's highlights but make the most of this trip across 5-7 days (or longer) for the whole island-hopping experience with destinations such as Hoy, Westray, Papa Westray and South Ronaldsay.

Where can I stay?

Accommodation options range from hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to self-catering cottages, camping sites and unique island stays. Many visitors choose to base themselves in or around Kirkwall, Stromness or the West Mainland.

Search accommodation in Orkney

Do I need to book ferries and accommodation in advance?

Yes. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during the summer season, school holidays and popular events. Ferry crossings, accommodation and some guided attractions can fill up quickly.

Do I need a car?

Not necessarily, but it can be useful. Public transport, guided tours and taxis can help visitors explore many key attractions. However, a car provides the greatest flexibility, particularly for reaching archaeological sites, coastal viewpoints and more remote parts of the islands.

Can I visit other islands on a day trip?

Yes. Hoy, South Ronaldsay and several northern isles can be visited on day trips from Mainland Orkney, depending on ferry schedules. Popular excursions include visits to Hoy's dramatic landscapes, Westray's wildlife and Papa Westray's archaeological sites.

What wildlife can I see?

Depending on the season, you may spot puffins, seabirds, seals, otters, dolphins, whales and a wide variety of marine and coastal wildlife. Several islands and coastal reserves are particularly noted for birdwatching.

Is Orkney only for history enthusiasts?

Not at all. While Orkney is famous for its Neolithic sites, visitors also come for coastal walks, wildlife watching, island-hopping, beaches, local food and drink, arts and crafts, maritime heritage and outdoor adventures.

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