Orkney travel

Orkney

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Scotland

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Justin Foulkes

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Orkney. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Overview

There鈥檚 a magic to Orkney that you begin to feel as soon as the Scottish mainland slips astern. Only a few short miles of ocean separate the chain of islands from Scotland's north coast, but the Pentland Firth is one of Europe鈥檚 most dangerous waterways, a graveyard of ships that adds an extra mystique to these islands shimmering in the sea mists.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Skara Brae

Orkney

Predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, extraordinary Skara Brae is one of the world's most evocative prehistoric sites, and northern Europe鈥檚 best鈥�

Maeshowe

Orkney

Constructed about 5000 years ago, Maeshowe is an extraordinary place, a Stone Age tomb built from enormous sandstone blocks, some of which weighed many鈥�

Tomb of the Eagles

Orkney

Two significant archaeological sites were found here by a farmer on his land. The first is a Bronze Age stone building with a firepit, indoor well and鈥�

St Magnus Cathedral

Kirkwall

Constructed from local red sandstone, Kirkwall's centrepiece, dating from the early 12th century, is among Scotland's most interesting cathedrals. The鈥�

Noltland Castle

Orkney

A half-mile west of Pierowall stands this sturdy ruined tower house, built in the 16th century by Gilbert Balfour, aide to Mary, Queen of Scots. The鈥�

Midhowe Cairn & Broch

Orkney

Six miles from the ferry on Rousay, mighty Midhowe Cairn has been dubbed the 'Great Ship of Death'. Built around 3500 BC and enormous, it's divided into鈥�

Knap of Howar

Orkney

By the seashore, this sturdy stone-built farmhouse and storeroom are solidly built testimony to crofting life on Papa Westray island鈥�5500 years ago. An鈥�

Highland Park Distillery

Kirkwall

This distillery, South of Kirkwall's centre, is great to visit. Despite a dodgy Viking rebrand, it's a serious distillery that malts its own barley; see鈥�

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