Why you need more than one day for your Orkney trip
Planning a trip to Orkney? If you're thinking of squeezing the experience into just one day, think again! Orkney is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, begging to be explored at a leisurely pace.
With its slow pace of life and stunning scenery, Orkney is the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Arriving and leaving on the same day, with a jam-packed itinerary in between goes against everything we stand for! Having made the effort to get here, you don’t want to miss out - give yourself time to fully embrace and reflect on the beauty and tranquillity of Orkney.
Orkney's rich history is one of the things that makes it so special. Dating back thousands of years, sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar offering glimpses into ancient civilizations. Delve into the mysteries of Neolithic life at Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved stone-age village older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Explore the burial chamber of Maeshowe, a monumental chambered tomb and the finest Neolithic building to survive in north-west Europe. And marvel at the Ring of Brodgar, one of the most spectacular prehistoric monuments in the British Isles, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
With around 70 islands in total, not even the locals claim to have visited them all! But giving yourself enough time to explore different areas of Orkney will enable you to see the diverse and captivating landscapes. With nearly 600 miles of coastline, from the dramatic cliffs of Yesnaby to the shores of Scapa Flow, there’s a lot to see! If you’re on a tight schedule, Kirkwall and the West Mainland are excellent starting points for seeing Orkneys top sights and give you the opportunity to take in some of our stunning landscapes on route.
Orkney's vibrant culture is showcased in the local festivals and arts scene. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Orkney Folk Festival, where musicians from around the world gather to celebrate traditional music. Explore the craft workshops of Kirkwall, where artisans create beautiful jewelry, pottery, and textiles inspired by Orkney's rich heritage. And don't miss the chance to taste Orkney's famous seafood, including freshly caught lobster, crab, and scallops.
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and array of outdoor activities, Orkney truly does have something for everyone to enjoy. So why rush through it in just one day? For those short on time, consider our 2-day B&B + tour package, designed to help you see the best of Orkney without any of the stress – we take care of the logistics so that you can relax and enjoy from the moment you arrive.
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