Orkney · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Orkney: The Enchanted Archipelago

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Orkney, a captivating group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland, is a haven for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. The archipelago boasts a rich tapestry of ancient sites, from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar to the standing stones of Stenness. These archaeological wonders transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into the lives of Neolithic settlers. Beyond its historical allure, Orkney's natural beauty is simply breathtaking. Rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and marine wildlife spotting. The islands are home to a diverse array of seabirds, as well as seals, dolphins, and even the occasional whale. The ever-changing Orkney skies, known for their dramatic light and color, are a constant source of inspiration. The local culture in Orkney is vibrant and welcoming. Traditional music, arts, and crafts thrive here, with many festivals and events celebrating the islands' heritage throughout the year. Visitors can explore charming villages, sample local delicacies like Orkney cheese and fresh seafood, and enjoy the warmth of Orcadian hospitality. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, admiring stunning landscapes, or immersing yourself in local traditions, Orkney offers an unforgettable experience.

Stromness

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Kirkwall

St Magnus Cathedral

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Stromness

Ring of Brodgar

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Orkney

Italian Chapel

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Stromness

Standing Stones of Stenness

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Orkney

Broch of Gurness

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Stromness

Skara Brae Visitor Centre

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Stromness

Yesnaby

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

Orkney

Brough of Birsay

Discover Orkney: A magical blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture in Scotland's enchanting archipelago.

When is the best time to go to Orkney?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJun–Sep
Longest daylightJun–Jul
Driest periodMar–Jul

Explore places in Orkney

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Orkney sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

    Step back 5,000 years at Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village with stone houses, ancient furniture, and immersive exhibitions.

    Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

    Ring of Brodgar

    Explore the majestic Neolithic Ring of Brodgar, a vast stone circle and henge steeped in mystery and ancient ritual on Orkney’s Mainland.

    Ring of Brodgar

    Italian Chapel

    A stunning WWII chapel on Lamb Holm, crafted by Italian POWs, symbolizing faith, artistry, and resilience amid adversity.

    Italian Chapel

    St Magnus Cathedral

    Explore Scotland’s oldest cathedral, a stunning medieval masterpiece and spiritual heart of Orkney, rich with Norse history and vibrant cultural life.

    St Magnus Cathedral

    Standing Stones of Stenness

    Explore the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness, a mystical Neolithic henge and one of the oldest stone circles in the British Isles, set amidst Orkney’s stunning landscapes.

    Standing Stones of Stenness

    Skara Brae Visitor Centre

    Explore one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved Neolithic villages with a modern visitor centre and rich archaeological insights on Orkney’s stunning coast.

    Skara Brae Visitor Centre

    Broch of Gurness

    Explore one of Scotland’s finest Iron Age brochs and village ruins set against the stunning coastal landscape of Orkney.

    Broch of Gurness

    Yesnaby

    Dramatic sandstone cliffs, ancient fossils, and the iconic two-legged sea stack create a captivating coastal experience on Orkney’s wild west shore.

    Yesnaby

    Maeshowe Visitor Centre

    Discover the ancient mysteries of Maeshowe, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb famed for its winter solstice alignment and Viking runes in Orkney.

    Maeshowe Visitor Centre

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    File:Clock Tower - Palace of Westminster, London - September 2006-2.jpg -  Wikipedia
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    Explore Orkney in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Village néolithique de Skara Brae dans les îles Orcades en Écosse.jpg  - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Ring of Brodgar in Orkney.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, viewed from the Bishop's Palace.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:Old Man of Hoy (5927357279).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Maeshowe Chambered Cairn - geograph.org.uk - 3221595.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:Italian Chapel - Lamb Holm - Orkney - kingsley - 29-JUN-09.JPG -  Wikipedia
    File:Block Ship, Scapa Flow.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Brough of Birsay in summer 2012 (4).JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Kirkwall Town Hall, Orkney.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Dwarfie Stane, Island of Hoy, Orkney.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    Planning another trip?

    Continue exploring nearby country regions around Orkney, from connected city edges to neighbouring counties, coastlines, and countryside escapes.

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