15 Amazing Things to do in Orkney in 2023
Despite being very close to the immensely popular North Coast 500 Route, we feel that Orkney never seems to get the attention it rightly deserves.
The breathtaking scenery should provide reason enough to visit but Orkney can also offer amazing experiences, great hospitality and a history that rivals most others.
We were blown away on our last trip there so to inspire you, we’ve compiled our list of 15 Amazing Things to do in Orkney!
1. Skara Brae
A visit to Orkney wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the best preserved neolithic sites in the world.
The 5000-year-old prehistoric village of Skara Brae was only discovered during the aftermath of a violent storm in 1850 that washed away the top layer of soil revealing the ruins beneath.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on the dramatic west coast of the mainland and gives a unique glimpse into life during this time.
During the summer months your ticket can also be used to access the nearby Skaill House, the biggest mansion in Orkney.
2. Skaill House Falconry
We adored the time we spent at Skaill House Falconry, and it was one of our favourite things to do while in Orkney.
Their collection of birds is superb and if you get lucky you may be the only visitor meaning you get an amazing one-on-one experience.
The site is within the grounds of Skaill House but it is a separate entity so tickets need to be purchased separately.
3. Standing Stones of Stenness
You’ll soon come to realise that you really can’t go anywhere in Orkney without coming across some ancient ruins.
The Standing Stones of Stenness are an impressive collection of stones thought to have been placed here over 5000 years ago.
This means that they are likely older than Stonehenge and well older than the pyramids!
Their exact purpose is still contested but from their location and size it’s believed they were used for various ceremonial purposes.
The largest of the stones is 6 metres tall and you just can’t grasp the scale until you are standing directly next to it.
While here, we recommend walking the very short distance to the Barnhouse Settlement which is a smaller version of Skara Brae.
4. Ring of Brodgar
Only a few minutes’ drive from the Stenness Stones you’ll find the Ring of Brodgar.
Despite its similar appearance, this ring is actually about 500 years younger, however you’d need to be an expert to see the difference.
This site contains 36 standing stones arranged in a huge circle measuring over 100 metres across – this makes it one of the largest circles in the UK!
5. Ness of Brodgar
One of the most interesting things we did in Orkney was pay a visit to the archaeological dig at the Ness of Brodgar.
Since 2004, a team of archaeologists have been excavating the site which contains neolithic buildings from over 5000 years ago.
Due to its large size and amazing remains, the Ness of Brodgar is one of the most important excavation sites in the world!
If you plan on visiting, or volunteering, remember that it is only open between July and August each year.
6. Maeshowe
The epic chambered tomb known as Maeshowe is one of Europe’s best surviving neolithic buildings.
Maeshowe was used as a burial chamber for a few hundred years by the early inhabitants of Orkney until it became too full and was sealed shut.
It remained this way for around 3000 years until some adventurous Norsemen broke in to investigate. These Norsemen left behind runic graffiti which can still be seen today.
7. Italian Chapel
Orkney is famous for its neolithic history, but it also found itself involved in much more recent events.
During the start of WW2, additional manpower was required in Orkney to help construct large barriers between the various small islands so that German submarines couldn’t sneak their way through.
This unfortunate job landed at the feet of some recently captured POW from Italy who were shipped up to help with the project.
During their time here they longed for a place that reminded them of home and so built what is now known as the Italian Chapel.
From the front, the chapel is indistinguishable from the real thing. However, if you catch a glimpse of it from the side you’ll find out its secret!
8. Scuba Diving
Did you know that Orkney is not only one of the best scuba diving locations in the UK but also the world?
The calm waters of Scapa Flow mean that no matter your skill level, you will have an unforgettable experience.
There are a few companies you can go with however we loved our trip with Kraken Diving. As complete beginners, the instructors were very patient and always on hand throughout the entire dive.
This was the best thing we did on our entire trip and can’t wait to try out our newfound skills in other dive locations round the world.
9. Old Man of Hoy
If you want a true adventure in Orkney, then you shouldn’t just stick to the mainland – there are over 70 islands to explore!
The most popular one to visit is called Hoy which you will have sailed past already on the ferry to the mainland.
There are lots of cool things to do on Hoy however the one you can’t miss is hiking up to see the massive sea stack known as The Old Man of Hoy.
This huge rock formation is one the largest in the UK and the views across to it from the cliffs are spectacular.
10. Dwarfie Stane
Also located on Hoy is a curious site known as the Dwarfie Stane.
The Dwarfie Stane is an ancient tomb carved completely out of one large rock. The entrance is open today so feel free to squeeze inside to take a look – mind your head!
Since its discovery, many people have left their mark on this neolithic resting place – the most intriguing of which is the beautifully carved Persian script said to be nearly 200 years old.
11. Kitchener Memorial
High up on the cliffs of west Orkney stands the stoic Kitchener Memorial.
It was built here just after WW1 in memory of Lord Kitchener who lost his life along with over 700 others when their ship hit a mine close to this point.
Although it is not the most unique monument you’ll ever see, the surrounding cliff edges give it a stunning backdrop.
12. Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack
The Yesnaby coastline is perhaps the most picturesque area in the whole of Orkney.
After you park up near the old WW2 battery, you will be welcomed by stretching sea views, rolling hills, and amazing structures like the Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack.
This rather precious sea stack is balanced on two legs which forms a cool natural arch under it.
There are miles upon miles of coastal walks you can do here but if you are pushed for time then focus on seeing this stack.
13. Earl’s Palace, Birsay
The tiny village of Birsay in north-west Orkney is home to the ruins of the Earl’s Palace which was built by Mary Queen of Scots half-brother, Robert Stewart, way back in the 16th century.
At the time, the castle would have been considered quite opulent although now only the outer walls survive.
Even though the castle wasn’t in use for that long, it still has a bloody history which you can learn about through the handy information boards when you visit.
14. St Magnus Cathedral
Kirkwall is Orkney’s largest town and a gateway to Shetland for those looking for even more adventures.
The town is dominated by the massive St Magnus Cathedral which has stood watch over Kirkwall since 1137.
This is the UK’s most northernly cathedral and its bright red walls also make it one of the most striking you’ll see.
15. Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces
The history enthusiasts out there won’t want to miss out on a trip to two of Kirkwall’s most important buildings.
On your visit you will see the almost 900-year-old Bishop’s Palace where King Haakon IV of Norway drew his last breath in 1263. Next door is the more visually impressive Earl’s Palace which is a lot newer however is still over 400 years old.
