What to see in Orkney? Our top recommendations
With so much to see in Orkney, it can be hard to know where to start! We’ve narrowed it down to some of the most popular sites that will help you see the best of what Orkney has to offer during your time here - keeping reading to embark on a journey through some of our most iconic sights and landmarks. From ancient wonders to poignant reminders of Orkney's wartime history, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Orkney's past and present.
Skara Brae: Unveiling Orkney's Neolithic Village
Travel back in time 5000 years to see how the living conditions were for the first settlers in Orkney. Skara Brae is older than Stone Henge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. The site was occupied from roughly 3180 BC to about 2500 BC and is Europe's most complete Neolithic village.
Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness: Mystical Stone Circles
This site is right in the heart of the Mainland between the Stenness and Harray Lochs. The Ring of Brodgar is a circle comprising 60 original standing stones, of which 27 remain today. It is generally thought to have been erected between 2500 BC and 2000 BC. A walk around the stones can be spectacular in all weathers, creating a stimulus for all levels of photography.
The Standing Stones of Stenness are nearby. These Neolithic stones still have many unanswered questions, leading to a number of different legends of their origin.
The Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel
In WW1, block ships were sunk in the shallow waters between some of the islands. These were to prevent German ships entering Scapa Flow where the British fleet was anchored. The remains of these block ships still rise above the surface of the water to create one of Orkney’s iconic sites.
Early in WW2, the block ships proved ineffective when a German U-boat entered Scapa Flow and torpedoed the HMS Royal Oak. As a result, using huge, concrete blocks, the Churchill Barriers were created to further block the channels. They now serve as a link between the Orkney Mainland and four of the South Isles.
As many men were called away to play their part in the war effort, there were not enough to help build the huge causeways. Consequently, Italian prisoners of war were taken to Orkney to help with the construction. The prisoners stayed in a camp on the small island of Lamb Holm and were granted permission to turn a Nissen hut into a chapel for worship - ‘the Italian Chapel’. The families of the prisoners maintain friendly links with Orkney to this day.
St Magnus Cathedral: Britain’s most northerly cathedral
The St Magnus Cathedral is a must for any visit to Orkney. Known as the ‘Light in the North’, the cathedral was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus who was martyred here in Orkney. St Magnus Cathedral is a testament to Orkney's enduring legacy and the craftsmanship of generations past.
Discover ‘Orkney's best’ with our package!
Ready to embark on your own Orkney adventure? Join us for an unforgettable journey through Orkney's must-see sights.. Learn more about our tour and accommodation package to get started on your adventure.
