5 things to think about when planning a trip to Orkney
Is an Orkney holiday on your bucket list? Knowing where to start with arranging your trip can be tricky! We’ve pulled together five essential things to keep in mind as you plan your Orkney adventure.
1. Creating your Orkney itinerary
Orkney is brimming with ancient sites, breathtaking landscapes, and stories waiting to be uncovered. Start by jotting down your must-visit spots - some of the most popular include the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and the St. Magnus Cathedral. Orkney.com is a great resource for learning more about what’s on offer.
Our Best of Orkney package includes Orkney’s most popular attractions. If walking is more your thing, the St Magnus package is for you. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, we can create bespoke tours for larger groups who book out the whole B&B. Learn more about our packages.
2. Embracing the Seasons
Each season in Orkney paints a different picture, offering unique experiences. Summers gift us longer daylight hours for adventures, vibrant green landscapes, and exciting local events. Autumn blankets the islands in warm hues, providing a serene backdrop for explorations. Winter, though chilly, brings the chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Spring breathes new life into the islands, perfect for budding explorers. Think about what season suits your vibe best!
3. Getting here
Orkney is easily accessible from the UK mainland. We’ve included a summary below, and you can also use this interactive journey planner on Orkney.com to help you plan your trip to the islands from any location in the UK.
When you stay with Shorelands Orkney, we’ll be there to collect you on arrival, so there’s no need to pay the extra cost to take your vehicle on the boat or hire one when you get here.
Ferries
There are daily ferries departing from Scrabster (Northlink Ferries) and Gills Bay (Pentland Ferries) all year round. The sailings are frequent and journey takes between 1hr – 1hr 30 mins depending on which route you choose.
There is a shorter ferry from John O’Groats (John O’ Groats Ferries) from May – Sept which takes just 40 mins.
There is also a ferry departing from Aberdeen which takes around 6 – 7 hours (Northlink Ferries).
Air
Kirkwall Airport is well connected to Scotland’s major cities, with flights from Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London (operated by Loganair) If you’re traveling from further afield, these airports all have excellent links to the rest of the country and the wider world.
If you’re coming from outside of Scotland, you can book connecting flights through British Airways, who operate a codeshare agreement with Loganair.
4. Where to stay and getting around
From charming B&Bs in Kirkwall to remote cottages with panoramic views, there’s something for everyone in Orkney. Accommodation in Orkney books up quickly, especially during the busy times, so it’s wise to book ahead - finding the right one can make a huge difference to your trip!
Read more about our cosy family run B&B here, or check out Orkney.com for other options.
Orkney has public buses but arranging your own method of transport will help you make the most of your time here. You can either hire a car, or when you book with Shorelands, sit back and relax in our comfy minivan as we tour you around! Your package also includes private transfers to/from the local airport and ferry ports.
5. Diving into local life
Immerse yourself in Orkney's rich culture and traditions. Orkney hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, arts, culture, and local traditions.
The main festivals are:
May – Orkney Folk Festival
June – St Magnus International Festival
July – Stromness Shopping Week
September – Orkney Blues Festival
September – Orkney International Science Festival
Check Orkney.com for details on upcoming events.
And let’s not forget the food! Dive into the island’s culinary treasures, tasting the freshest seafood or indulging in the famous Orkney Fudge.
The warmth and hospitality of Orcadians add an irreplaceable dimension to your Orkney tour, providing insights and experiences beyond the guidebooks.
Find out more
Ready to book your trip? Check out our packages here and let us take care of the finer details: https://www.shorelandsorkney.com/orkney-holiday-packages