Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre
Immerse yourself in Orkney’s rich oral heritage through storytelling, guided walks, and cultural workshops at this unique visitor centre.
Located in Via House, Sandwick, Stromness, the Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre offers a unique cultural experience immersing visitors in the rich oral heritage of Orkney’s fishing and farming communities. This visitor centre hosts storytelling events, guided heritage walks, and workshops that bring to life the island’s legends, social customs, and maritime history.
A brief summary to Orkney Attractions
- Via House, A967, Stromness, Sandwick, Stromness, KW16 3JF, GB
- Click to display
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book storytelling events and guided walks in advance as spaces are limited and booking is essential.
- Attend Peatfire Tales evenings for an authentic experience of traditional Orkney folklore by the peat fire.
- Explore the Heritage Library and Hamnavoe Room to discover local literature and historical archives.
- Combine your visit with nearby Orkney UNESCO sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae for a full cultural day.
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Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Stromness town centre to Sandwick, which runs approximately every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes and costs about £3-£5. The stop is a short walk from Via House where the centre is located.
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Car
Driving from Stromness town centre to the centre takes about 10 minutes via the A967. Limited parking is available nearby on local roads. Note that parking spaces may be restricted during events.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, the centre is approximately 3.5 km (about 45 minutes) from Stromness town centre along the A967, with mostly flat terrain suitable for most walkers.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
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Restrooms
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Information Boards
Orkney Attractions location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Orkney Attractions
A Living Tradition of Orkney's Oral Heritage
The Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre is a vibrant cultural hub nestled in Via House, Sandwick, just outside Stromness. It celebrates the rich oral traditions of the Orkney Islands, focusing on the stories and legends passed down through generations of local fishing and farming communities. The centre serves as a gathering place where tales of the sea, land, and island life are shared through storytelling sessions, workshops, and heritage events, keeping alive the unique cultural identity of Orkney.Engaging Storytelling and Community Events
Visitors can attend regularly scheduled storytelling evenings known as Peatfire Tales, held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, where traditional legends, folklore, and social customs are narrated around a peat fire. The centre also offers family and children’s story circles, fireside afternoons, and bespoke private group events. These sessions combine music, song, and dance, creating an immersive experience that connects audiences with Orkney’s past and present.Guided Heritage Walks and Educational Workshops
Beyond indoor storytelling, the centre organizes Stromness Heritage Tales guided walks, led by qualified local guides. These walks explore the town’s maritime history, hidden closes, and seafaring characters from the last 400 years, offering a tangible connection to Orkney’s heritage. Workshops on folklore, storytelling techniques, and social customs provide hands-on opportunities to learn about the power of oral tradition and its role in community life.A Resource for Local Culture and Literature
The centre houses the Heritage Library and the Hamnavoe Room, which contain collections of Orkney books, maps, photographs, and contemporary writings by local authors. Visitors can browse these resources to deepen their understanding of the islands’ history and cultural evolution. The Garden of Legend & Lore adjacent to the centre offers a tranquil outdoor space that complements the storytelling experience.Location and Visitor Information
Situated on Via House, A967 in Sandwick, the centre is accessible from Stromness and lies within reach of other Orkney attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. The venue is open year-round with scheduled events mostly in the evenings and afternoons. Booking is essential for most activities to ensure availability and personalized experiences.Preserving Orkney’s Intangible Heritage
The Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre plays a vital role in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of the islands. By fostering community engagement and educating visitors, it ensures that the oral traditions, myths, and social customs continue to inspire and inform future generations. This centre is not just a visitor attraction but a living archive of Orkney’s soul.Explore the best of what Orkney Attractions has to offer
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Experience Orkney’s rich maritime legends and island folklore around the peat fire in a unique cultural storytelling centre near Stromness.
