Did you know that Scotland has over 90 islands inhabited by at least one person? While the Isle of Skye is the most visited, several others are well worth considering, especially Orkney in the Northern Isles. This archipelago is a little trickier to get to, but its remoteness, landscape, Neolithic sites, and diving opportunities draw in holiday-makers looking for a slower-paced trip. Does that sound like your style of travel? Let’s take a look at things to do in Orkney for first-timers.
The Best Things to Do in Orkney
From the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae to the wartime wrecks of Scapa Flow, Orkney packs an extraordinary range of history and scenery into a compact group of islands. Use the guide below to find each site, plan your route and decide what to prioritise on a first visit. Every entry links to a full page with directions, tips and background.
Getting to Orkney by Ferry
Getting ThereEverything you need to plan the crossing to Orkney – routes, sailing times and whether to bring the car.
Skara Brae
Must-SeeThe 5,000-year-old Neolithic village on the Bay of Skaill, older than Stonehenge and astonishingly intact.
Ring of Brodgar
Must-SeeA vast Neolithic stone circle 104m across, set on an isthmus between two lochs – free and unforgettable at dusk.
Standing Stones of Stenness
NeolithicFour towering slabs from one of Britains oldest henges, minutes from the Ring of Brodgar.
St Magnus Cathedral
LandmarkThe red-sandstone Norse cathedral at the heart of Kirkwall, founded in 1137 and free to enter.
The Italian Chapel
WartimeA tiny chapel built by Italian POWs from two Nissen huts – one of Orkneys most moving sights.
The Churchill Barriers
WartimeFour wartime causeways sealing Scapa Flow, lined with rusting blockship wrecks and now carrying the road south.
Broch of Gurness
Iron AgeA well-preserved Iron Age broch ringed by a stone village, looking across the sound to Rousay.
Yesnaby
FreeWild Atlantic sea cliffs and stacks, home to the rare Scottish primrose – a walkers and photographers favourite.
Stromness
TownAn atmospheric flagstone harbour town with the Pier Arts Centre and deep whaling history – a great island base.
Kirkwall
CapitalOrkneys lively capital – cathedral, seafood, independent shops and Highland Park distillery on its edge.
Orkney Distilleries
Food and DrinkTour Highland Park and Scapa single malts plus Kirkjuvagr gin – a surprisingly broad island drinks scene.
Scapa Flow and Scapa Beach
HistoryThe vast natural harbour where the German fleet was scuttled in 1919 – now beach, memorial and museum.
Diving in Orkney
AdventureWorld-class wreck diving on the scuttled German High Seas Fleet, run by charters out of Stromness.
Orkney Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Type | Area | Entry | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skara Brae | Neolithic village | West Mainland | Ticket | History lovers |
| Ring of Brodgar | Stone circle | Between lochs | Free | Photographers |
| Standing Stones of Stenness | Neolithic henge | Stenness | Free | Neolithic circuit |
| Broch of Gurness | Iron Age broch | Evie | Ticket | Archaeology fans |
| St Magnus Cathedral | Norse cathedral | Kirkwall | Free | Culture and history |
| Italian Chapel | Wartime chapel | Lamb Holm | Small charge | Wartime history |
| Churchill Barriers | Wartime causeways | Southern isles | Free | Scenic driving |
| Scapa Flow | Harbour and memorial | Southern isles | Free | Naval history |
| Diving in Orkney | Wreck diving | Scapa Flow | Charter | Experienced divers |
| Yesnaby | Sea cliffs | West coast | Free | Walkers |
| Stromness | Harbour town | West Mainland | Free | Galleries and cafes |
| Kirkwall | Capital town | Kirkwall | Free | Dining and shopping |
| Orkney Distilleries | Whisky and gin | Around Kirkwall | Tour fee | Drinks lovers |
| Getting to Orkney | Ferry crossing | Mainland ferries | Fare | Trip planning |
How to Plan Your Orkney Visit
With only a day or two, base yourself near Stromness and focus on the western Neolithic sites – Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Stenness sit within a few miles of each other. Add St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall and you have covered Orkneys headline history.
With longer, drive south across the Churchill Barriers for the Italian Chapel and the wartime story of Scapa Flow, then set aside time for the wild coast at Yesnaby. Bringing a car makes all of this far easier, so check ferry options early and book vehicle space for summer sailings.
Orkney is an open-air museum for visitors who appreciate history from the Stone and Iron Ages as well as the World Wars.
Diving enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy the underwater experience, and nature fans shouldn’t miss the views at wild Yesnaby.
Those who prefer souvenir shops and sipping coffee in cafes will find Kirkwall and Stromness scratch that itch.
Just check for opening times and make reservations in advance for dining.
You can read about my services here if you need help planning your trip to Scotland.
Orkney Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Orkney?
Two to three days lets you cover the essentials – the western Neolithic sites, Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral, and the wartime history around Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers. A week allows day trips to outer islands like Hoy and a more relaxed pace.
What is Orkney most famous for?
Orkney is best known for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness – along with the wartime history of Scapa Flow and its Norse heritage, embodied by St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.
How do you get to Orkney?
Car ferries run from Scrabster to Stromness (about 90 minutes), Gills Bay to St Margarets Hope (about an hour) and overnight from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. There are also flights to Kirkwall from several Scottish airports. Most visitors bring a car to reach the scattered sites.
Is Orkney worth visiting?
Absolutely – few places in Britain pack in this much prehistory, wartime history and dramatic coastline in such a small area. The Neolithic monuments alone rank among the finest in Europe, and the islands relaxed pace makes them a rewarding contrast to the mainland.