Maeshowe Visitor Centre and Chambered Cairn, Stenness
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 in Stenness, Orkney, serves as the gateway to the remarkable 5,000-year-old Maeshowe Chambered Cairn. This Neolithic tomb is famed for its precise winter solstice sun alignment and Viking runic inscriptions. The centre offers guided tours, informative exhibitions, a shop, and visitor facilities, providing deep insights into Orkney’s ancient heritage and the cairn’s cultural significance.
A brief summary to Maeshowe Visitor Centre
- Maeshowe Visitor Centre, Ireland Rd, Stromness, Stenness, KW16 3LB, GB
- +441856851266
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book your guided tour online well in advance, especially for winter solstice dates, as capacity is limited.
- Wear warm clothing for the cairn visit, as the interior can be cold and damp, particularly in winter.
- Photography is not allowed inside the cairn to protect its delicate interior and inscriptions.
- Prepare for a stooped entry through a low and narrow passage when accessing the main chamber.
- Explore the visitor centre’s exhibitions and shop for detailed information and souvenirs about Neolithic Orkney.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving to Maeshowe Visitor Centre from Kirkwall takes approximately 30-40 minutes via the A965 and A965 roads. Parking is available at the centre with accessible bays. Note that coach parking is limited, so large coaches must drop off visitors nearby.
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Public Bus and Shuttle
From Stromness, take local bus services to Stenness village, then walk approximately 1.5 km on uneven terrain to the visitor centre. A shuttle bus operates from the visitor centre to the cairn during tour times, accommodating wheelchairs with prior arrangement.
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Walking
For active travelers, walking from Stenness village to the visitor centre is about a 20-minute walk over rural roads and paths with some uneven surfaces. The path to the cairn includes gravel and grassy slopes, requiring moderate fitness and caution.
Maeshowe Visitor Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Maeshowe Visitor Centre
A Portal to Neolithic Orkney’s Past
Maeshowe Visitor Centre is located in the village of Stenness on Orkney Mainland, acting as the starting point for exploring one of Europe’s finest Neolithic monuments. The centre itself provides rich interpretative displays and exhibitions, including seasonal showcases like the Ness summer exhibition, which delve into the archaeology and history of the region. It offers a warm welcome with amenities such as toilets and a shop, preparing visitors for their journey back 5,000 years to the era of the cairn’s construction.The Enigmatic Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
The Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is a remarkable burial mound built around 2800 BC, renowned for its architectural sophistication and cultural importance. Its long, narrow entrance passage is carefully aligned so that during the winter solstice, the setting sun illuminates the inner chamber, a phenomenon that can be witnessed on guided tours in late November through mid-January. The cairn also bears Viking-era runic graffiti carved into its walls, offering a rare glimpse into Norse presence and interaction with this ancient site.Guided Tours and Visitor Experience
Access to the cairn is exclusively by guided tour, which departs regularly from the visitor centre. Tours last about an hour and include a coach transfer to the cairn itself, followed by a short walk over uneven terrain and a low, narrow entrance passage requiring stooped entry. Photography inside the cairn is prohibited to preserve its delicate interior. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, especially in winter months, as the chamber can be chilly.Setting and Surroundings
Maeshowe sits amidst the pastoral landscape of Stenness, surrounded by farmland and notable Neolithic sites such as the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. From the cairn, visitors can view nearby lochs and standing stones, enriching the sense of connection to Orkney’s prehistoric environment. The rural setting enhances the tranquil and contemplative atmosphere of the site.Practical Information and Accessibility
The visitor centre is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with tours scheduled at fixed times throughout the day. Due to limited capacity, advance booking is strongly recommended. The centre offers accessible parking bays and toilet facilities. While the shuttle bus to the cairn can accommodate wheelchairs, the cairn itself is not wheelchair accessible due to the low entrance and uneven path. Assistance dogs are permitted at the centre but not at the cairn.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Maeshowe is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, reflecting its outstanding universal value. The site embodies the ingenuity of Neolithic builders and the layering of history through Viking inscriptions. It continues to captivate archaeologists and visitors alike, offering a tangible link to ancient rituals, astronomy, and cultural exchange in northern Europe.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
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- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
