Top 10 things to do in Orkney
Orkney is a group of islands off the north coast with 5,000 years of history, huge skies, seabirds and good food. Its Neolithic sites are among the finest in Europe.
- 1
Skara Brae
📍 West MainlandHistory, NeolithicA well-preserved 5,000-year-old stone village by the sea.
- 2
Ring of Brodgar
📍 West MainlandHistory, stonesA large circle of standing stones on a narrow isthmus.
- 3
Maeshowe
📍 West MainlandHistory, NeolithicA chambered cairn with a midwinter sunset alignment. Visits are by tour.
- 4
St Magnus Cathedral
📍 KirkwallHistory, indoorsA red-and-yellow sandstone cathedral, 900 years old, in Kirkwall.
- 5
The Italian Chapel
📍 Lamb HolmHistory, artA chapel decorated by Italian prisoners of war from scrap material.
- 6
Old Man of Hoy
📍 HoyWalks, cliffsA tall sea stack on the Isle of Hoy, reached by a coastal walk.
- 7
Yesnaby Cliffs
📍 West MainlandCoast, walksDramatic sea cliffs and rock stacks on the west coast.
- 8
Broch of Gurness
📍 EvieHistory, Iron AgeAn Iron Age broch village overlooking the sound.
- 9
Scapa Flow
📍 South OrkneyHistory, wartimeA natural harbour with a wartime history and wrecks for divers.
- 10
Highland Park Distillery
📍 KirkwallWhiskyOne of Scotland’s most northerly distilleries.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.