my orkney tours

MY ORKNEY TOURS with Marlene Thomson

Hello are you thinking about a trip to orkney, i’m marlene, native orcadian and stga qualified green badge tour guide for this area. i’m born & raised here in orkney, with a fount of local knowledge and a real love for my home islands., – new orkney farm tours – , come on a tour with me.

Orkney is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. In the Summer we have long days with almost 24 hours of daylight so you can be out sightseeing till midnight if you choose. And in the Winter, short days, spectacular storms, clear starry skies, a chance to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and to settle by an open fire with a glass of our local Whisky or Beer before a meal at one of our many fabulous pubs or restaurants.

There is so much to see and do here, history covering over 5000 years of continuous occupation, from the Stone Age, Iron Age & Bronze Age, to the Vikings, and to modern day, with touches of Wartime History, Tales of Cruel Earls & Shipwrecks throughout the ages.

We have amazing birdlife, scenery to take your breath away, nature by the bucketload. Crystal clear skies and pure light will give you some of the best photographs and memories you have ever had.

STGA qualified Green Badge tour guide

Southern Odyssey

A Drive through Agricultural scenery down to the pretty village of St Margarets Hope via the famous Churchill Barriers and the amazing Italian Chapel. Time for a coffee & shopping break in the village.

Country & Western

From Kirkwall out to the Neolithic Heart of Orkney, Calling at the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and finishing up at Skara Brae our original neolithic village by the shores of Skaill bay. Have a coffee at the visitor centre or dip your toes into the Atlantic Ocean at the white sandy beach.

Western Explorer

A panoramic tour around our West Mainland, around the north & west coast lines of Orkney, returning via Scapa Flow where our wartime history is strongest.

Orkney Food & drink

A tour of one of our two distillaries, The Orkney Brewery, and to one or two of our artisan food producers – depending on length of tour.

Orkney Farm Tour

A tour to some local farms, pedigree, commercial beef or dairy units, with visits to local agricultural businesses. Let me know what you’re interested in.

Ask Marlene!

Or book a tour of your own choice. Tell me what you like and I will find it for you! Entrance fees to sites may be payable above cost of tours, contact me for prices.

View sample itinerary

Booking information, contact me for prices and booking.

Marlene Thomson

East Massater Windwick, Orkney KW17 2RN

• +44 (0)7710 494187
• [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook

I am a driver guide with a comfortable minibus which can carry eight guests, I can also hire bigger vehicles up to 50 seats if necessary. I am also happy to work as a step on guide and join you in your car or coach. If you’re here on business for a day and have a few hours to look around, I can plan you a route and show you the sights you want to see, saving you time and from concentrating on a map. I know the best places to eat and where to find our local delicacies… even the best ice cream shops on route!

Tours start from 4 hours up to 8 hours daily, and I can either make up a tour with you to suit your interests & abilities, Or you can take one of my set tours just to give you a feel for Orkney and its people. I can entertain and enlighten you as we drive through My Orkney.

• Book your tour:
• [email protected]
• 01 856 874 649
• 07 742 648 700

• Home Slide1
• Shetland Ponies On Hoy1
• Old Man Of Hoy

Hello, I’m Lizzie! Welcome to Lizzie’s Orkney Tours.

I was born in Orkney and have lived here all my life being very proud to call myself an Orcadian. I am a  Scottish Tourist Guiding Association Green Badge accredited tourist guide. 

I am experienced in accompanying visitors to many of the exciting sites around Orkney, exploring the history over the past 5000 years, enjoying the scenery, wildlife and unique atmosphere whilst guiding my guests through an exceptional Orkney experience. Join me on one of my Orkney tours.

FIND OUT MORE…

Orkney World Heritage Tour

Orkney pre-history tour, scapa flow tour, the orkney tour, tasting orkney tour, happy visitors.

“So glad we got Lizzie as our tour guide, she was really enthusiastic about Orkney and this certainly rubbed off on us as we were taken to amazing places. We can see why Lizzie loves her home. Thanks for making our visit to Orkney so enjoyable and memorable.”

— Jack and Audrey, Melbourne, Australia – 2017

“We only had a peedie visit to Orkney but had a great time with Lizzie as our guide. She even taught us some Orcadian words!”

— Peter & Jack

“We want to come back! Had a great day with Lizzie, she certainly made sure we had a fantastic tour, love Orkney.”

— Paula and Donna, New York – Aug 17

“Lizzie’s wonderful accent, her engaging personality and local knowledge has resulted in a great Orkney experience, thank you so much.”

— Colin and Linda, Cornwall – July 2017

“Spending the morning visiting and learning about Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar was wonderful and made even more special with Lizzie whose warm personality shone through.”

— J & G Buckland, Dorset – June 2017

“Thanks Lizzie I had a brilliant day, being my first time on a tour I now want to do more.“

— Anne Bryan, Hampshire – June 2017

“Our tour with Lizzie was a wonderful and magical experience. We have learnt so much and will be back for sure!”

— Maggie from Dublin

My Orkney Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

My Orkney Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

My Orkney Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

My Orkney Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Top Tours in Orkney Islands, Scotland

Orkney islands tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour

2. Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall

3. Orkney West Mainland Tour

4. Half-Day Trip in Orkney

5. Orkney Travel Classic Tour - 5-6 hours

6. Orkney Islands & Highlands from Inverness - 3 Day Tour from Inverness

7. Historic Orkney 4 Hour tour by a Local

8. Private Tour Discover Orkney with Pick-Up

9. Orkney Trike Tours of Orkney

10. Orkney Mainland Private Tour

11. 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness

12. Kirkwall Private Walking Tour

13. Godfather Tour

14. Treasures of Orkney: Private Half-Day Tour from Kirkwall

15. 3 Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness

16. Shore Excursion Kirkwall Small Group Highlights of Orkney

17. 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Puffin Tour

2 hour group lesson (3-16 people)

Taxi & Private Hire (Executive Minibus)

Vistravi Private/Public Hire and Guided Tours covering Caithness and Sutherland.

Scotland Trips

What travellers are saying.

• Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall
• From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour
• Half-Day Trip in Orkney
• Orkney West Mainland Tour
• Shore Excursion Kirkwall Small Group Highlights of Orkney
• Orkney Uncovered
• Orkney Aspects Tours
• Kraken Diving
• Great Orkney Tours
• Wild Orkney Walks
• Red's Orkney Tours
• Orkney Tailor-Made Tours
• Odin Tours of Orkney
• About Orkney
• Island Tours of Hoy
• Westraak Tours
• Orkney Trike Tours
• Scapa Scuba
• Orkney and Shetland Charters

• +44 (0)1856 850776
• +44 (0)7786 752760
• [email protected]

GoOrkney Highlights Tours – Small Group Tours

Goorkney has created a small group ’ orkney highlights ’ tour to cater for guests who wish to see the best of orkney in a day. ideal for those visiting orkney on a cruise ship requiring a more personal shore excursion ,   on a day trip, or looking for   that last minute booking..

• Personalised service – up to 15 guests
• Fully inclusive price – no extras
• Highlights Tours – up to 4.5 hrs or 5.5 hrs
• Professional Local Guide . Scottish Tourist Guide Association Approved Guide
• THE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
• AVAILABILITY & BOOKING
• BOOKING INFO & FAQS

Our ‘ Orkney Highlights Tour’  takes you on a journey through time, giving you a real sense of life ‘on the edge’, from experiencing how our Neolithic ancestors lived and survived over 5000 years ago, through the ‘invasion’ of the Vikings, documented in the 13 th Century Orkneyinga Sagas and how they still influence Orkney’s culture today to the global importance played by Scapa Flow during two World Wars, the moving stories of which tell of innovation and tragedy and are forever preserved in the fabric of our amazing Islands and their people.

Orkney Highlights Tour

Depending on the date of your visit, you will be offered a variety of Highlight tour options ranging from 4 hrs to 5.5 hrs which include visits to some or all of the sites listed below. Please check the tour description on our booking page to see which tours are available on your chosen date. Our small group intineraries have been designed around the cruise ship schedule, maximises guests time in Orkney and guarantees a timely return to ship. You will be met and welcomed by your GoOrkney guide at the ship’s arrival point. From here, the tour will start and head west, hugging the coastline of Scapa Flow where you will hear about the Royal Oak Tragedy, learn about the ‘Scuttling’ of the German fleet in 1919 and how Scapa Flow remains economically important for Orkney today.

On to ‘Yesnaby’, to view our stunning Atlantic coastline with stunning cliffs, geology, wildlife and fauna and where you may, if you’re lucky find the rare ‘Primula Scotica’. On a clear day you may also catch a glimpse of ‘The Old Man of Hoy’ and Britain’s highest vertical cliffs.

Step back 5000 years now as we enter the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ and our UNESCO World Heritage Sites, home to some of the best-preserved Neolithic structures in the world. You will visit Skara Brae, a world-renowned Neolithic village dating to 3100bc, buried and preserved in sand for thousands of years before being uncovered by a storm in 1850. You will be amazed at the condition of the houses that make up this completely original village with stone furniture, beds and implements exactly as they were left. A nearby modern visitor centre and replica Neolithic house adds to the experience and enables you to fully immerse yourself in our Neolithic history.

Your Neolithic experience continues as we take a short drive to our next stop where you will be guided around two stunning henge monuments, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, set in a natural amphitheatre and amongst the oldest in Europe.

We now travel south, passing other Neolithic sites and learning about our Viking heritage and Wartime history. We will take in panoramic views of Scapa Flow and visit the World War 2 sea defences, the ‘Churchill Barriers’, an incredible engineering achievement, built by Italian prisoners of war in response to the tragic sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939. We then visit and marvel at the splendour of the ‘Italian Chapel’, where you will not fail to be moved by this masterpiece built and beautifully decorated by the Italian prisoners and affectionately named ‘The Miracle of Camp 60’.

Then back to our Capital City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall where our 4.5hrs tour ends outside St Magnus Cathedral. On our 5.5hrs tour you will be guided around the stunning red and yellow sandstone St Magnus Cathedral. Known as ‘The light of the North’ and built in the 12 th Century, this magnificent monument honouring our Viking Earl, St Magnus has been beautifully preserved and is still in use today.

It will then be time for us to bid you all farewell. We can either return you to the Travel Centre where we started the tour, to your ship or you can take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Kirkwall and enjoy the unique abundance of shops and businesses selling local food, drink, garments and of course stunning jewellery.

Due to schedule limitations on certain dates, we offer a 4 hr tour which includes all the Neolithic sites detailed above but excludes the Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers.

Searching Availability…

The tour and the services of a professional driver-guide.

Meals, drinks and refreshments, apart from chilled bottled water, are not included in your ticket price. We believe in giving you the choice to suit your budget. Alternatively feel free to bring your own packed lunch for day tours.

With the luxury of a Bespoke Tour, we can include coffee and/or lunch stops in your itinerary, but this would be at your own cost.

We operate Bespoke tours and our Corporate service all year round.

Our Highlights Tours are only available on specific days from May to September. Please check the availability calendar.

Please contact us directly if you have an unusual or complicated agenda, we will try to accommodate your request if we can.

For cruise ship customers, we provide a pier side pickup and drop off service. Your GoOrkney guide or driver will be at the Pier to greet you and holding a GoOrkney name board. At the time of booking, please let us know which ship you are arriving on.

Kirkwall Pier (Anchorage): After you disembark from the tender boat, your guide/driver will meet you as you come up the pier and take you to your vehicle. If you miss each other, the Meet & Greet Staff on the pier will help and direct you to us. Please allow sufficient time for tendering.

Hatston Pier: On arrival to the pier, after you disembark from the ship, please let the Meet & Greet Staff on the pier know you are on a private GoOrkney tour. Your Guide will be called onto the pier to pick you up.

On request, we also provide a pick up service from the Travel Centre, West Castle St, Kirkwall, KW15 1GU. At the time of booking, please let us know if you require pick up from the Travel Centre. Map details are available on the following link: https://www.bing.com/local?lid=YN1029x11914293144776059141&id=YN1029x11914293144776059141&q=Visit+Scotland&name=Visit+Scotland&cp=58.98310470581055%7e-2.96174693107605&ppois=58.98310470581055_-2.96174693107605_Visit+Scotland

Yes. We offer personal pick-ups for all our Bespoke tours. If you require to change your pick-up point after booking please contact us directly and we will be happy to help you.

Our ‘Highlights Tour’ is offered on a book now, per seat basis and on dates where Cruise Ships are visiting Orkney. These tours are not exclusive to Cruise Ship passengers and can be booked online up 12 hours before the tour. Please contact us directly to confirm last minute availability

Yes, Bespoke Tours can be arranged on any day where the calendar shows availability, including ‘Highlights Tours’ dates (where no ‘Highlights Tour’ bookings have been taken). As we offer the ‘Highlights Tour’ on a per seat basis, please contact us for latest availability.

Sorry, no. All seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please be assured that all seats have ample leg room and visibility.

We want you to enjoy the very best Orkney has to offer and we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the bus as often as we can. We ensure this with a mixture of photo stops and comfort breaks.

The tour have been timed to ensure you maximise your time in Orkney and see as much as possible in the given time. As such, there is no lunch stop however you can pick up on-the-go refreshments, payable at the time

The weather in Orkney is changeable, even in summer. Please wear sensible footwear as the ground we visit is often uneven and may be slippery. Layering of clothes is recommended and another sensible precaution is to carry light waterproof clothing. If prepared, you will have a great time, no matter the weather.

We do not offer refunds due to bad weather.

Highlights tour: limited to one small rucksack or bag per person.

Bespoke and Corporate: additional luggage can be facilitated by prior arrangement. Please advise at time of booking.

Unfortunately our vehicles are not equipped for wheelchair users who require to remain seated in their wheelchair when boarding, alighting from or travelling in the vehicle.

Our small group Highlights Tours are usually run using a 15 seater vehicle which has no additional storage space, so we are generally unable to accommodate mobility aids. If you are a wheelchair user, have limited mobility or require assistance in any way, please contact us prior to booking to discuss.

Our 7 seater vehicles, mainly used for bespoke tours, are equipped with wide side access doors, can accommodate a folding wheelchair and may be accessible for wheelchair users who, with minimal assistance are able to transfer themselves to and from a vehicle seat.

GoOrkney maintains insurance meeting all statutory requirements, we strongly recommend that passengers hold comprehensive and suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance to cover their period of travel.

• Contact JP Orkney Tours
• Welcome to JP Orkney Tours 🚐

• Neolithic Tour
• Viking Tour
• Wartime Tour
• Cruise Day Tour
• Food & Drink Tours
• Renewable Energy Tour
• Tour Reviews
• Orkney Recycling Centres
• Orkney Guided Tours: Health and Safety
• Terms And Conditions
• Delivery and Returns
• JP Orkney Tours – Eco-friendly CO2 Saving Tours
• Privacy Policy
• Green Policy
• Visitor Charter
• Green Tourism

Join the JP Orkney Newsletter!

Email address:

Experience and savour

The magic of orkney.

We deliver memorable days out on our Orkney Tours

Orkney Tours

Experience and savour Orkney’s sights and delights with our tailor-made tours. See the best of the island in our luxury all-electric Mercedes tour vehicle, seating eight passengers. Be it one day or one week, we will create the perfect tour for you.

Testimonials

‘the perfect orkney tour’.

“ A perfect guided tour

We visited Orkney specially to see the Neolithic sites and Paul was our guide. He is very knowledgeable about the sites, their excavations and findings. He designed a tour that was perfect for us fitting in with the tides and the limited access time to one of the sites. As well as showing us what we had come for, he also gave us a great tour of Orkney and showed us much of the lovely coastline, views of the other islands and beaches. Travel was in an electric people carrier, very comfortable, with a picnic lunch overlooking a beautiful sandy beach. The picnic included foods grown locally prepared by Paul and Jane. Yummy.

“ It was a perfect day

We were on an 11-night cruise, and our stay in Orkney was the highlight of our entire trip! Paul was a wonderful guide and we loved exploring the islands with him. JP Orkney provided us with a delicious lunch, and because of the great weather we were able to enjoy this picnic overlooking the ocean. All in all it was a perfect day. Looking forward to our next visit, and having another tour with JP Orkney.

“ Thank you Paul for the perfect visit

I waited to post this until our three-week British Isles and Northern Europe cruises were complete. After visiting 20 locations, hands down, JP Orkney provided the best shore tour for the entire trip. From the very start of planning our excursion, I was impressed. Their website is well done, Paul was prompt in all of his communications, and he provided an excellent list of sites to see. When we arrived at the port he was there waiting for us. He was very knowledgeable about the sites as well as answering our constant questions about the Kirkwall area […] Thank you Paul for the perfect visit, and the jam was excellent. Bravo!

Laura Sudkamp

Our credentials and awards.

Orkney Tour designed for you by an Orcadian

Patricia Long grew up in Orkney and can trace her ancestry back to the Norse Earls.

Orkney Tours – designed for you

It couldn’t be easier to book an Orkney tour and make the most of your time on the islands with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. A lot can be fitted into a day but there is so much to see that you could easily fill a week or more. Book a longer tour or use a day tour to help plan the rest of your stay.

The first step is to send an enquiry to  [email protected]  with the dates you are looking for and the size of your group. I will let you know if the dates are available and what the cost would be. I will then send a suggested itinerary, which can be changed around as much as you like.

Your tour will be designed specially for you but here are some suggestions for tours, to give you an idea of the wealth of possibilities.

Orkney Highlights Tour

Orkney archaeology tour, orkney wartime tour, orkney – the wey hid wis, king hereafter tour, family history tour.

• Skara Brae – 5,000 year old Neolithic village rediscovered in 1851
• Ring of Brodgar – one of the largest stone circles in the country and one of the most impressive
• Standing Stones of Stenness – the oldest known stone circle
• Italian Chapel – built by the Italian PoWs building the Churchill Barriers during World War II
• St Magnus Cathedral – founded in 1137 and still in active use
• Scapa Flow – the main base for the British fleet in both World Wars and the site of the scuttling of the German fleet in 1919
• There may be time for something else. Get in touch for a personal itinerary

The tour begins at the Standing Stones of Stenness, the oldest known stone circle in Britain, dated to c 3000 BC. A short walk takes us to the site of Barnhouse Village, only discovered in 1986.

It is time then to head to the Maeshowe Visitor Centre, for the 10 am tour of the most remarkable Neolithic tomb in Western Europe. The astonishingly well-built walls are covered in the largest collection of Norse graffiti in the world, written by Vikings in the 1150s. We hope Maeshowe will reopen sometime in 2022.

The Ring of Brodgar is one of the best known stone circles in Britain and the third-largest. There will be time to walk around the ring before lunch

After lunch, there is the option of a stop at Unstan Cairn,  another Neolithic tomb but built in a much more modest style.

We will visit the Ness of Brodgar archaeological dig when it is open in July and August. I can show you the astonishing Neolithic buildings they are uncovering and the hole my grandfather dug there in 1925, under the impression he was excavating a small grave.

The village of Skara Brae was hidden away in sand dunes until uncovered in a storm in 1851, revealing 5,000 year old houses still standing in a unique state of preservation.

If tide times allow, the tour can include the Norse remains on the Brough of Birsay. If this isn’t possible, we could drive along the coast to end the tour at the Iron Age Broch of Gurness

The tour begins with a look around Hatston Industrial Estate, once the site of HMS Sparrowhawk, one of the four WWII airfields in Orkney. You will see a few buildings still in use and hear the astonishing story of the sinking of the German ship Konigsberg in Bergen harbour.

The Churchill Barriers were built to block the eastern side of Scapa Flow after the Royal Oak was sunk in 1939. We will drive across all four of them and take a walk around the village of St Margaret’s Hope.

Many of the men who built the Barriers were Italian PoWs and the chapel they built on the island of Lambholm, out of the most basic of materials, is unmissable.

Lunch will be at the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre, which includes a display about the building of the Barriers among its fascinating collections.

In the afternoon, there will be a tour of either Ness Battery http://nessbattery.co.uk/ or HMS Tern http://hmstern.co.uk/

The drive back to Kirkwall will be along the shore of Scapa Flow, the home of the British fleet in both world wars. The German Fleet was interned here after WWI.

If your ancestors emigrated from Orkney or if you are interested in Scottish life, this tour will show you what life was like not so very long ago.

The tour will begin in Kirkwall, with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, which has watched over the Royal Burgh since the 12th century, and a walk along the street.

The next stop will be Stromness, the charming harbour town with a lively history. It lies on one of the safest harbours in the North so grew quickly in the 18th and 19th Centuries. A walk through the winding main street will take us to Stromness Museum, run by the Orkney Natural History Society. It is one of the oldest privately-run museums in Scotland.

Lunch will be in the Orkney Brewery, which was once the Quoyloo School, and then we will visit the last working watermill in Orkney. The Barony Mill https://baronymill.com/ is the only mill in the world which still grinds bere, the ancient form of barley.

The Click Mill near Dounby hasn’t been used for a very long time but it has been very well restored and is a fascinating example of a horizontal water-wheel.

There are two farm museums so we will have to choose between Kirbuster, the last surviving example of a fire in the middle of the floor and Corrigall with its well-restored byre and barn. If you are interested and we move quickly, we could fit them both in.

The greatest Earl of Orkney was Thorfinn the Mighty, who ruled over all of the north of Scotland and as far as the Isle of Man. According to the Orkneyinga Saga, Thorfinn travelled to Rome. Other sources say Macbeth travelled to Rome at the same time. It was suggested they may have travelled together but Dorothy Dunnett, in her detailed historical novel, King Hereafter, went a step further and suggested that Thorfinn was Macbeth.

The novel follows Thorfinn/Macbeth all over Scotland and as far as Rome but much of the action is in Orkney and we will visit all the sites.

Thorfinn’s main residence was in Birsay and this is where he promised the Pope that he would build a cathedral and establish a bishopric. There is no sign of the cathedral but the Norse remains on the Brough of Birsay include parts of structures from the time of Thorfinn and his father Sigurd.

We will visit the Orkneyinga Saga Centre in Orphir, site of another of Thorfinn’s residences, and see the remains of the Round Church built by his grandson Hakon

In King Hereafter , a dramatic scene between Thorfinn and his rival Rognvald is set in the impressive burial chamber of Orkahaugr. We know it now as Maeshowe and a tour there will let you see the astonishing structure and the largest collection of Norse graffiti in the world.

According to the Orkneyinga Saga, Thorfinn’s foster father, Thorkel Fostri, lived at Skaill in Deerness. Although there are no visible Norse remains now, excavations in the 1970s found some substantial Norse buildings. A visit to the site on the eastern coast of the Mainland will help us to picture the sea battle which took place there.

The tour will end at St Magnus Cathedral. Although this cathedral was founded a century after Thorfinn’s, this ‘Wonder and Glory of the North’ is a vivid illustration of the importance of the earldom of which Thorfinn the Mighty was the greatest leader.

However much you know about your family’s connections with Orkney, I can help you find out more; visit the places your family would have known and find out whether you have relatives here.

Before you arrive, I will have found out as much as possible, using the local archives, the resources of the Orkney Family History Society https://orkneyfhs.co.uk/home.php and perhaps my own family records.

Of course, the tour will vary, depending on what I have discovered and what you would like to do.

If there are family homes still standing, we will visit those. On a tour in Hoy we were looking at the modern house which stood on the location of the family home when a lady came out and invited us to look inside the well-maintained outbuilding which had once been the house. On a visit to Orphir, the house was long gone but old maps enabled us to find where it had stood and to admire the marvellous view.

Last year, I found the widow of my guest’s grand-uncle so we visited for tea and got copies of many family photos. I discovered that the grand-uncle of another guest had written a book about his experiences in the Hudson’s Bay Company.

All the churchyards in Orkney have been recorded so, if there are gravestones, we can visit them. Then we can visit one of the farm museums and take a walk through Kirkwall or Stromness, to get a feel for what life would have been like for the family.

We might finish with a visit to the Orkney Archives http://www.orkneylibrary.org.uk/archive.htm if there are family records or documents there.

By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc.  Read more

Your Personal Orkney Tour Guide

Hi! I’m Jean Ross

Book Your Tour

Guest reviews

What my clients have said about my Orkney tours

“Jean met six of us at Stromness and delivered us safely back to St Margaret’s Hope four days later. She gave us a wonderful three and a half days of touring, was indefatigable, patient and extremely knowledgeable throughout, and showed us sights large and small with grace and friendliness. We all had a wonderful time – Orkney never disappoints but this was the best trip I have been on. Well worth while.”

— Reviewed by a Tripadvisor traveler

What Orkney has to offer

Orkney may not look big on the map, but when you get here it’s huge! We have a history stretching back 9,000 years, set in stunning natural surroundings, so there’s lots to see.

Rich in archaeology and history, Orkney boasts a diverse range of sites to visit, including Skara Brae, Standing stones Circles, Brochs, Viking, Earls and Lairds also World War history to the modern day.

Our wildlife...

…includes spectacular seabird colonies, birds of prey, otters, seals and cetaceans. Wild flowers are abundant in the summer months and add a splash of colour to stunning walks along the cliffs and seashores.

Our scenery...

…is breathtaking. Soft rolling farmland and heather clad hills stretch across the islands. The sea and sky change colour all the time in the varying light. A paradise for artists and Photographers alike.

Our skies...

Our sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking.

On 21st June in Orkney it is never dark, we have 24 hours of day light to enjoy magnificent walks at midnight.

Personal Orkney tour guide services by Orcadian Jean Ross. Get in touch to find out more.

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions

The Orkney archipelago is as dramatic and diverse as the history and heritage that has shaped it.    From the uninterupted archaeology of the middle stone age through time to the present day.

Allow me to give you a personal insight and foray deep into Orkney's past.    I will enhance your visit to these shores, and "haste ye back" for a longer stay in the future.

Hello and welcome to DAVEYS ORKNEY TOURS. My name is Davey Malcolm and I have QUALIFIED as a PROFESSIONAL green badge orkney TOURIST GUIDE, ACCREDITED by the STGA [SCOTTISH TOURIST GUIDE ASSOCIATION].I offer a DRIVER GUIDE service, where I offer ISLAND TOURS in my OIC [ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL] licensed and registered motor vehicle. Mainland Orkney is connected to the SOUTH ISLES by the famous CHURCHILL BARRIERS, and has an incredibly rich, DIVERSE, HISTORY, HERITAGE and CULTURE.Our strategic GEOGRAPHICAL location and fertile FARMLAND, has been drawing in VISITORS and GUESTS, for thousands of years. We have some of the best NEOLITHIC ARCHAEOLOGY anywhere in EUROPE dating back to over 5,ooo years with the best known sites being SKARA BRAE, MAESHOWE and the HENGE MONUMENTS OF BRODGAR AND STENNESS.

Orkney Travel | Private Guided Tours Orkney | Group Guided Tours Orkney | Orkney Highlights Tours

Orkney West Mainland Tour - Kirkwall Departure

West Mainland Tour

(1st May 2024 until 27th September 2024) Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 10.30am Start at Kirkwall Travel Centre The West Mainland Tour is a semi private tour that takes you to some of the most fabulous spots on the West Mainland of Orkney. The tour starts at Kirkwall Travel Centre in the centre of Kirkwall and takes a scenic drive looking at the magnificent Scapa Flow, which was the main British naval base during both World Wars. Your guide will tell you about some of the major events that happened in the waters of Scapa Flow. The first stop is Unstan Tomb, a 5,300 year old burial chamber situated on the edge of Stenness Loch. The next stop is a photo stop at the Cliffs of Yesnaby, some of the most stunning coastal scenery on the Orkney Islands. Next on the agenda is a guided tour of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850, it is considered the best-preserved Neolithic Village in Northern Europe. Your guide will tell you all about this magnificent 5000-year-old village. After the guided tour, you will get free time to have a look at the 400-year-old Skaill House or have a look around the Skara Brae visitor centre. The tour then goes on to the Ring of Brodgar. A spectacular henge monument dating back 4500 years. This stone circle has been part of the Orkney landscape for thousands of years. Finally, we will stop at the Standing Stones of Stenness, which is believed to be the oldest stone circle in the UK. All this for only £89 per person

Our Itinerary

• Scapa Flow - Stunning scenic views across this famous stretch of water used by the Royal Navy during both World Wars.
• Unstan Tomb - 5,300 year old burial chamber.
• Cliffs of Yesnaby - dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery.
• Skara Brae - 5000 year old stone-age village, discovered in 1850 when a great storm blew away a sand dune to reveal the village beneath. (optional visit of Skaill House, one of Orkney's finest manor houses)
• Ring of Brodgar - Stone circle and henge monument estimated to be around 4500 years old. Originally made up of 60 standing stones 27 remain standing today.
• Standing Stones of Stenness - The smaller of two stone circles we will visit today, a beautiful monument built around 3100BC.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the west mainland tour run.

We run the West Mainland Tour on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the start of May until the end of September. If you are looking for a tour outwith of these times or out of season, this may be possible subject to availability. We normally require at least 2 people to run an extra tour outwith of normal time.

Where do you depart from?

We depart from and return to the Kirkwall Travel Centre (normally Stand 5). If you are docking with a cruise ship from Hatston Pier, there are free shuttle buses that run from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre. Here is a pin for google maps. https://maps.app.goo.gl/E3fw7vMsCB8HM3QB7

What time does the West Mainland Tour depart and how long does it take?

The West Mainland tour departs Kirkwall Travel Centre at 10.30am and lasts for approximately 4.5 hours. Please arrive 10 minutes early however so we can depart on time. We aim to return to Kirkwall Travel Centre at 3pm. If you are in Kirkwall on a cruise ship then the driver may be able to drop you off at the cruise port.

Are you able to pick up from the cruise port?

We are unable to offer pick ups from the cruise port.

Tour Information

Meeting Point: Kirkwall Travel Centre When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Start Time: 10.30am Duration: 4.5 hours Please bring snacks as there is no lunch stop on this tour, there is a cafe at Skara Brae where you may be able to buy lunch.

Transportation

8 seat minibus

What's Included

• Driver Commentary
• Guided Tour of Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar
• Admission Tickets
• Complimentary Water

We modified this tour to roughly 5 hours. So we saw the Stones, Skara Brae ruins, The Tomb, and Hilltop view of Kirkwall. Garry provided a history of Orkney, was very accommodating and was willing to spend as much time as we wanted on the tour. Garry has a thick…

JEFFREY DODGE

Garry provided a day long tour of Orkney to our party of four through a largely wet and blustery day. The tour was superb. Garry was an excellent host & guide adapting the tour to our interests and the circumstances. He is very knowledgable on the history of the Orkney…

MICHAEL JEFFERY

This tour was fabulous. Garry was a terrific tour guide. Very sincere and also very proud of the Orkney Islands. We enjoyed him very much.

ROBERT BARROWS

We had a wonderful 5 hour tour with Garry. He was organized, extremely knowledgeable, and very engaging. We learned a great deal and gained insight into the history, nature, and character of the Orkneys. We couldn't have discovered the amazing sights he showed us on our own. Our needs and…

Garry was a terrific tour guide and made my two daughters and I fell very comfortable.He was very flexible with our schedule, very knowledgeable about the area and just an all round superb tour guide . We would highly recommend him!

WILLIAM CONSTANTINE

Quick Links

Home About Tours Book now Reviews Contact

01856 881700 [email protected]

• Private Guided Tours Orkney
• Group Guided Tours Orkney
• Orkney Highlights Tours

Website Design by Webfactory

Away With Maja

The complete orkney guide: an 8-day itinerary for the orkney islands.

My trip to Orkney was one of the best of my life. There is so much to see and do on this cluster of islands, just off the north coast of Scotland . I had 8 days to explore Orkney, and packed in a lot into this short amount of time! While I loved my adventures around the Mainland, the Barrier Islands, South Ronaldsay, Hoy , Papa Westray , and Westray , there was still so much I missed out on – Rousay, Sanday, and Stronsay, to name a few.

I had a day each on Hoy, Papa Westray, and Westray, with the rest of my time split over the Mainland and exploring the Barrier Islands and South Ronaldsay. Having your own car will definitely open up a lot of possibilities, and it’ll mean you can see so much more of Orkney – so I do recommend driving. This trip itinerary would have looked very different if I’d been relying on public transportation to get around.

If you’re after the ultimate guide to what to see in Orkney, this is the post for you! Here’s an 8-day itinerary to see the best of the Orkney Islands.

Table of Contents

What to See on West Mainland, Orkney

For many people (myself included), Stromness is the first taste of Orkney – the Northlink ferry from Scrabster arrives here. You can learn about local history at Stromness Museum . I really liked the exhibits on maritime history during the World Wars, and the exhibit on John Rae, who was an Arctic explorer from Orkney. It costs £5 for adults.

Make sure to head up Brinkie’s Brae for incredible views. This hill isn’t very high (94 meters), but on a clear day it’s phenomenal. There is a signpost from the road to help you find the path – it does go right next to someone’s garden – and took me about 30 minutes, including lots of time taking photos at the summit.

Sands of Evie

This might be one of my favorite beaches on Orkney. Just outside of the village of Evie, you’ll find this expansive stretch of sand with views out to Rousay. I loved going for a quick swim here! This is a great place to catch the sunset, too.

Broch of Gurness

This is an ancient historic site, perched right on the coast. The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village, and one of the most impressive. You can walk around the main broch itself, and through the remains of the broch village – including a toilet. It dates back over 2,000 years and is run by Historic Scotland, so there is an admission charge.

Kirbuster Museum

Wondering what life was like in rural Orkney in the 19th and early 20th centuries? Kirbuster Museum showcases farm life in Orkeny – the farmhouse was occupied until the 1960s, and has a central hearth with a peat fire, a stone neuk bed, and very pretty gardens. Admission is free.

Of course this post wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to Twatt now, would it?! One of the main reasons I came to Orkney was to take a picture with this sign. And yes, I pre-planned my Twatt content and brought pictures of my ex-husband to have a photoshoot with here, ha! There is a Twatt sign with an arrow in Abune-the-Hill , which is a must. There is no welcome sign in Twatt itself, but I highly recommend you stop at Twatt Church, too.

Orkney Brewery

A lot of Scotland is focused on whisky when it comes to producing alcohol – but there’s plenty of great beer, too. Head to Orkney Brewery and you can tour their brewery – samples included – or just stop by their Tasting Hall for lunch. Beers in the shop are very reasonably priced (£2.30 each!), and my favorite so far is the Puffin beer.

Brough of Birsay

One of the most unique spots to visit on Orkney is the Brough of Birsay. This is an island just off the mainland, and is connected to the shore by a tidal causeway. It’s safe to cross about 2 hours either side of low tide, and make sure to check the tide times in advance so you don’t get stuck. There are remains of a Pictish settlement and church/monastery to explore, and a lighthouse. Head past the lighthouse and you might be lucky enough to spot some puffins!

Earl’s Palace, Birsay

Birsay is a very small village, but make sure to stop and see the remains of the Earl’s Palace. While it’s mainly in ruins now, this was once a fine castle and home to the Earl of Orkney (the half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots). It’s free to visit.

Skara Brae is one of the most famous historic sites on Orkney. It’s a top Orkney attraction and part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. This ancient settlement is the most complete Neolithic village in Europe, and was occupied from 3180 to 2500 BCE. You can walk around the individual houses, and even see some of the remaining furniture. The visitor center has an excellent exhibit on what life was like for the people living here, and how it was discovered after a storm in 1850.

This can be a busy site as it sees a lot of cruise ship/coach visitors. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon will be the quietest times. Skara Brae is run by Historic Scotland and there is an admission charge. Admission also covers entry to Skaill House , a 17th-century mansion. The house is set up to show how it functioned as a family home in the 1950s, with lots of information on the people who owned the property and lived here.

Skaill Beach

This is another incredible beach on Mainland Orkney. White sand stretches in a curved arc all around the bay. You’ll get a great view from Skara Brae, but it’s also a great place to go for a walk or even swim. There’s a car park and toilet here.

Marwick Head and Kitchener Memorial

There’s a great coastal walk around Marwick Head – approximately 2.5 miles and it took me about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You can start at either the RSPB Marwick Head car park, or the Kitchener Memorial car park. As Marwick Head is an RSPB reserve, bring your binoculars – you’ll hopefully see lots of seabirds here!

The Kitchener Memorial rises from the rocky cliffs, and can be seen from many different spots on the western coast. In 1916, Lord Kitchener’s ship (the HMS Hampshire ) was struck by a mine laid by a German submarine, and the ship sank with a loss of 700 lives. Only 12 people survived. Lord Kitchener was very well-known as the poster boy (literally) for army recruitment during World War I in Britain. The memorial was built in 1926, and in 2016 an additional wall, commemorating all the men who were killed, was built.

Yesnaby Cliffs

Yesnaby is another spot on the coast of West Mainland of Orkney that can’t be missed. The rocky cliffs lead you south from the car park to Yesnaby Castle, a sea stack with a notable hole in the base. It took me about 50 minutes from the car park to the best part of the coast around the sea stack – but you can certainly carry on the coast even longer here.

Loch of Harray

The Loch of Harray is the largest loch on Mainland Orkney, and is a very peaceful place in comparison to the busier sites along the coast. There’s a car park and picnic area with a viewpoint, and there’s a short walk on boardwalks to see more of the marshy area that juts out into the loch.

Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle

This is one of the most unbelievable place to visit on Orkney: the Ring of Brodgar is a massive stone circle, dating back to 2500 BCE and with 36 stones left standing today. This is, quite simply, one of the most magnificent sites I’ve ever visited. The stone circle is 104 meters in diameter, and is one of the most phenomenal stone circles in Britain. It’s free to visit, and open 24/7 – I recommend coming in the early morning or late evening. I had the entire place to myself when I showed up at 8:30am! In World War II, the Ring of Bordgar was used for tank training – the tanks practiced maneuvering around the ancient stones.

The Ring of Brodgar is part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. If you’re interested in seeing more archaeology up close, check out the Ness of Brodgar . This site has been undergoing excavation since 2004, and members of the public can sometimes visit and see the excavations on site .

Standing Stones of Stenness

This superb stone circle only has 4 stones left standing today, but there was originally comprised of 12 stones. It was built about 5,400 years ago, and is also part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. In 1814, the farmer leasing the land started to pull the stones down. The locals were so mad that they attempted to burn his house down – twice. Like the Ring of Brodgar, the site is run by Historic Scotland but free to visit, any time of day. This is one place you can’t miss on Orkney.

Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Barnhouse Settlement , where you can see the remains of a village overlooking the Loch of Stenness.

Unstan Chambered Carin

A short drive from the Standing Stones of Stennes, you’ll find Unstan Chambered Cairn. Crawl into the gateway and you’ll find yourself in a rounded Neolithic tomb – there are modern windows built into the mound, so its light inside. Pottery is the most important artifacts that were found here. l To get here, follow what seems to be someone’s driveway through to a small car park. There is room for 2-3 cars.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit Maeshowe on my Orkney trip. Entrance is by guided tour only, and as they had only recently reopened for the season, it was completely booked up for several weeks in advance. This is one of the finest chambered cairns in Europe, and dates back to about 2800 BCE. It’s also part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Don’t make my mistake, make sure you book well in advance ! It’s run by Historic Scotland, and there is a charge for the tour/admission.

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn

Grab the flashlight from the box and crawl on your hands and knees to enter Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn. This Neolithic tomb is 5,000 years old – when it was excavated in 1901, they found the skulls of 24 dogs buried here. It’s a steep climb up from the parking area, but the views over this part of Mainland Orkney are wonderful.

Wideford Hill and Chambered Cairn

Just outside of Kirkwall, Wideford Hill dominates the landscape. At 225 meters high, you’ll have an excellent view over the city from here – a trig point marks the summit. I found it impossible to find any information on parking here, so please note that there are two areas where you can park your car. At the top of Wideford Hill, there is room for about 2 cars (the spot is listed as Wideford Hill Scenic View on GoogleMaps ). Just below that, there is space for 2 or maybe 3 cars at the bend in the road. There is a small Historic Scotland sign here that says this is where you should park to visit the cairn.

Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn is on the west side of the hill – there’s a well-trodden, easy-to-follow path from where you park to get to the cairn. But it will take at least 10-15 minutes to get there, and I recommend having sturdy footwear. It’s definitely worth the trek though: you enter this cairn through a hatch in the roof of the mound!! There is a flashlight in a box, you pull open the hatch, and descend into the cairn by a short ladder. It’s a tight squeeze, so I recommend leaving any backpacks outside. Look out for the Neolithic graffiti while you’re in the cairn.

Waulkmill Bay

Is this the best beach on Mainland Orkney? My jaw dropped when I first saw Waulkmill Bay – a huge expanse of perfect sand. It’s simply spectacular, and I loved going for a swim here! There is parking off the side of the road by the toilet, where you’ll follow the steep steps down to the sand. I could have spent the entire day here, alternating between swimming in the crystal-clear sea and lounging on the sand.

There are two places of interest to visit in Orphir. The first is the Orkneyinga Saga Center , which has an exhibition about the Norse Earls of Orkney. A narrative of the political history of Orkney (and Shetland), the Orkneyinga Saga goes into great details about various events in the Viking era. The center is free to visit and there is a film you can watch, although it is a few decades old.

The other main attraction to visit in Orphir is the ruins of the Earl’s Bu and Church . This was the setting for one of the events in the Orkneyinga Saga, and is one of only two round churches in all of Scotland. The ruins are right behind the exhibition center and free to visit.

What to See in Kirkwall, Orkney

As the main town in the Orkney Islands, I think Kirkwall deserves its own section!

St. Magnus Cathedral

A beautiful red brick building in the center of Kirkwall, St. Magnus Cathedral can’t be missed. It was founded in 1137, and was named after Saint Magnus, who was killed on Orkney in the early 1100s and became a martyr. The cathedral is free to visit – the interior is just beautiful.

Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces

The Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace are right across the street from one another – both are run by Historic Scotland (who charge an admission fee). The Bishop’s Palace was built in the early 1100s, and today it’s really only the ground floor that remains. The Earl’s Palace is much larger – it was built in the early 1600s by the Earl of Orkney. There’s more to see here, such as large fireplaces, the earl’s chambers, and a beautiful large staircase.

Orkney Museum

I was completely blown away by the Orkney Museum – there is SO much to see here! I’d recommend setting aside at least 1 hour for your visit. The museum covers the history of Orkney from the prehistoric age, all the way up to the 20th century! It’s free to visit, but well worth a donation at the end.

Orkney Library

I visited Orkney Library mainly because I follow them on Twitter , and they’re hilarious. I had to see the balls for myself. No regrets.

Judith Glue Shop

This is an excellent shop with all sorts of local gifts, clothing, knitwear, and souvenirs you can pick up. I stocked up on some puffin items – there’s also a good selection of Twatt merchandise. They also have a café at the back of the shop and lots of local produce!

Archive Coffee

This café looks tiny from the outside, but it’s a huge space inside! An excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or just coffee, Archive is my top pick in Kirkwall. Get the peanut butter cup pancakes, trust me.

If you’re after a hearty meal in a classic pub setting, head to Helgi’s by the waterfront. The food here is delicious, the service was quick and the staff were really friendly. If you’re looking for an evening meal, I recommend booking in advance.

Orkney Distillery

Right on Kirkwall harbor, you’ll find the Orkney Distillery and visitor center – the home of Orkney gin. They offer distillery tours as well as gin-making classes. But the café/bar at the front is also a great choice for a drink, or whiling away a rainy afternoon.

Highland Park Distillery

This is the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the country – so it’s not one to miss. It’s located just outside of Kirkwall (about a mile), and access is only available if you’ve booked one of their guided tours. They have a well-stocked whisky shop on Albert Street in the center of Kirkwall.

Scapa Distillery

Scapa Distillery is home to (possibly) my favorite whisky in the entire world: the Scapa Skiren. Of course I had to visit and buy a bottle at the distillery itself! They do offer distillery tours/tastings (book in advance), and I’d recommend checking the shop opening times before you visit. It’s about 2 miles from the center of Kirkwall. While you’re there, stop by Scapa Beach ! This beach looks out to Scapa Bay – check locally for any exciting recent whale or dolphin spottings.

What to See on East Mainland, Orkney

Inganess beach/sands of wideford.

This is a quiet beach, just outside of Kirkwall and down the road from Kirkwall Airport. The view is dominated by the rusting wreck of Juniata, a World War II ship. There’s a small car park here, and a few quiet walks you can do nearby.

Rerwick Head

The road to get here isn’t the best, but Rerwick Head is a quiet place with a fascinating history. You’ll probably have it all to yourself! There’s a small car park, from where you can head on a short walk around the old WWII gun battery. You can see what’s left of the camps and barracks, lookout posts, and the gun batteries themselves. Don’t enter any of the buildings though, as they might not be safe.

Dingieshowe

This is a spectacular beach, connecting Mainland Orkney with Deerness. There is a car park here with toilets, and you can then head over the dunes and onto the sand for spectacular views across the isthmus. There are signs up about erosion here, so please stick to the paths and I’d discourage camping here.

Deerness Distillery

This small gin and vodka distillery is on the Deerness peninsula in Orkney. The distillery can offer short tours/samples (no charge!!) when they’re open. If you can’t visit in person, they do have an online shop!

This is a beautiful, quiet stretch of sand, with great views out over to other islands. You can do a short coastal walk along the Point of Ayre here – I also saw a few windsurfers in the evening when I went!

One of the best places to see on the Deerness Peninsula is Mull Head. I loved hiking here – it’s an RSPB reserve, so I saw quite a few seabirds including puffins! The walk starts off in the car park by the visitor center, and passes the Gloup , a dramatic collapsed sea cave. It then heads along the coast to the Broch of Deerness – you can usually explore the ruins yourself, but unfortunately the path was closed due to a landslide when I was there.

Carry on around Mull Head and down the western coast, where you’ll find the Covenanter’s Memorial . In 1679, a ship of Covenanters, who were prisoners being transported, was wrecked off the coast. Over 200 of them died as they were trapped inside and unable to escape the sinking ship. There is a small car park close to the memorial, but the hike takes you back to Mull Head.

The hike is about 6.5 miles and took me around 2.5 hours.

St. Mary’s Totem Pole

At the very tip of Mainland Orkney, just before you go over the Churchill Barriers, you can find an intricately carved totem pole. This totem pole was placed here as part of a community project between locals and members of the Squamish First Nations people of Canada. It seems a bit random, but it’s worth stopping!

What to See on the Barrier Islands and South Ronaldsay, Orkney

I decided to combine this group of islands in one, as they’re all connected to each other and the Mainland thanks to the barriers!

Churchill Barriers

A marvel of engineering, the Churchill Barriers were built during World War II in an effort to close off Scapa Flow to enemy submarines. Much of the work constructing the barriers was actually carried out by Italian prisoners of war. The barriers serve as road links between the Mainland, Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay. There are quite a few shipwrecks around the bridges, which are meant to be excellent for diving. Driving over the barriers is so cool – it is such a unique Orkney experience, and can’t be missed.

Italian Chapel

On the side of the road on the island of Lamb Holm, you’ll find this poignant and ornate little Catholic chapel. It was built by the Italian POWs during World War II, and was transformed from two Nissen huts into this beautiful chapel by Domenico Chiocchetti. The interior is stunning – you’d never expect it!! In 2014, unfortunately three of the Station of the Cross were stolen from the Italian Chapel. This shocked the local community – CCTV was installed, and there’s now an admission charge to enter (£3.50 for adults). This is one of the top attractions in Orkney, and with good reason.

Orkney Wine Company

Did you know Orkney had it’s own winery?! Right next to the Italian Chapel, you’ll find the Orkney Wine Company. They make red, white, and rosé fruit wines – along with J. Gow rum. The staff in the shop are happy to offer a few samples so you can do a taste test.

Orkney Fossil and Heritage Center

Located on Burray, you can take a trip back in time at the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Center. This is probably one of the best museums on Orkney for geology and fossils – they also have exhibitions focused on heritage, such as Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers. The admission charge is about £5 for adults.

Just north of the museum, make sure to stop in the layby on the A961 road for a great view over the Barrier Islands. It’s listed as “free car park” on Google Maps , but you might want to save the pin.

St. Margaret’s Hope

St. Margaret’s Hope is the main town on South Ronaldsay, and it’s where the Pentland Ferries boat arrives from Gills Bay. While you’re here, stop into the Smiddy Museum – it’s a small place, but it’s full of local history. I loved seeing the costumes and photo archives of the Festival of the Horse and Boys’ Ploughing Match, which takes place on South Ronaldsay. The museum is only open from 2-4:30pm, and costs £2 for adults.

Sands of Wright

This is one of the most spectacular beaches on the Orkney islands. A curved bay with picturesque white sand, it’s just outside of St. Margaret’s Hope and has plenty of parking and toilets. Unfortunately I visited it on an overcast and cloudy afternoon, but the water looks just stunning in the sunlight! This is where the Festival of the Horse and Boys’ Ploughing Match takes places each year. There’s also a short walk here to see a small lake and the Dam of Hoxa.

This is a fantastic short walk, where you can see the World War II-era batteries and defenses, as well as great views of the coastline. Head along the coast to see the Hoxa Battery and the Balfour Battery – the buildings are very unsafe, so please don’t enter them. I loved the coastal views here, plus I got to see Pentland Ferries making the journey between St. Margaret’s Hope and the Scottish Mainland! The walk took me 40 minutes and is under 2 miles.

St. Peter’s Church

This is a small church, but it’s really the coastal access that counts. There’s a great view here to the Pool of Cletts, and you can start the coastal walk down the east coast of South Ronaldsay. The walk is about 9 miles, and there is space for parking at the church.

Olav’s Wood

On the small road to St. Peter’s Church, you’ll see a small parking area for two cars and a path leading into woodland. There aren’t that many trees on Orkney, so this little space is a rarity – there’s a burn that runs through the woods. It’s a peaceful place for a stop.

Windwick Bay

Windwick Bay is another incredible beach on Orkney. While it’s a pebble beach and not as good as others for swimming, it’s certainly worth a stop for the dramatic cliffs and seastacks here. It’s meant to be a great place to spot seals! There is a memorial here to the Navy men that lost their lives in a double shipwreck here in 1918.

Tomb of the Otters (Banks Chambered Cairn)

This tomb was recently discovered in a car park in 2010 – several thousand human bones were found, as well as otter droppings. Access is only by a guided tour, which is definitely worth it. The tour guide I had told me all about the site, the history, how it was found, and lots of general local information about Orkney. It costs £7.50 for adults. The tomb is located in the car park next to Skerries Bistro, which I would also definitely recommend. Don’t miss their Orkney fudge cheesecake!

One of the best attractions on South Ronaldsay is the Tomb of the Eagles. Unfortuantely, this is permanently closed until further notice. Check their website for any updates.

What to See on Hoy, Orkney

You can read my full guide to visiting Hoy here . But I also thought I’d share some of the best spots on the island in this post. I spent one day here and stayed overnight, which I really recommend. A daytrip is just so short!

Hoy Heritage Center (Hoy Kirk)

This small local heritage center is in a converted church, just outside Moaness. They have a few exhibitons on the history of the island and the community, as well as housing the community archive. There’s no entrance charge.

Dwarfie Stane

This is a prehistoric tomb, located about 500 meters (across boardwalks) from the road. The stone is big enough that you can crawl into it! Keep an eye out for some historic graffiti inside, too.

Old Man of Hoy

Of course, the main reason people come to Hoy is to see the Old Man of Hoy itself. This impressive seastack is the highest in Europe, and one of the top attractions on the Orkney islands. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Orkney and Hoy!

You have to hike to the Old Man of Hoy from Rackwick Bay, which is about 3 miles each way. It’s a steep climb up from the bay, but the views are phenomenal. The Old Man of Hoy, which is really popular with climbers (!), is a sight to behold. It’s also an RSPB reserve, and you can spot seabirds (including puffins!) here. You absolutely cannot miss this when visiting Hoy and Orkney.

Rackwick Bay

This is a beautiful sandy beach on Hoy – it has a dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs behind it. On a clear day, you can see Dunnet Head on the Scottish mainland! There is a bothy here, which I highly recommend staying in. Rackwick Bay is accessible by a good single-track road that connects to the rest of Hoy, or by hiking from Moaness through Rackwick Glen.

The Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness is the main attraction on Hoy. It recently reopened after an extensive renovation, and is meant to be excellent – with exhibitions covering Orkney’s history during World War II, and the history of Scapa Flow itself. If you’re in Longhope, stop by the RNLI Longhope Lifeboat Museum .

What to See on Westray, Orkney

A trip to the North Isles is definitely worth a few days in your Orkney itinerary! I only spent a day on Westray, but I’m so glad I visited here. Read my Westray guide here !

Pierowall is the main village on Westray, with two shops and the most options for food. Stop by the Lady Kirk , admire the views from the harbor, and make sure you visit the Westray Heritage Center. This local museum is home to the Westray Wife, a Neolithic figurine that is the oldest carving of a human in the country!! It’s tiny in real life, but so cool to see. There’s an admission charge of £3 here.

Noltland Castle

Just outside of Pierowall, you can visit this castle that dates back to the 1500s. A lot of it is in ruins now, but there’s still several parts you can explore – keep your eyes peeled for the gun holes dotted along the walls. It’s free to visit.

This is possibly the best beach on Westray – long stretches of fine white sand. I was blown away by how beautiful it was, and how quiet it was! The Links of Noltland archaeological site is next ot the beach.

This is an RSPB reserve, and home to one of the biggest colonies of gannets in the country! I also saw plenty of puffins here, as well as other seabirds. I did a great 4.5-mile hike along the coast to the lighthouse and back, starting and ending at Backarass Farm.

Castle o’Burrian

This is one of the best places to see puffins in the UK! I did a sunset puffin tour here with Andy and Karen of Westraak Tours , which was one of the best experiences I had on Orkney. It was so special to see so many puffins, and see them up close! Even if you’re not visiting in puffin season, this is a great place for a short coastal walk.

What to See on Papa Westray, Orkney

I visited Papa Westray for the day, mainly as I wanted to do the shortest commercial flight in the world ! Here’s what to do on the island. Check out my Papa Westray guide , too.

Knap of Howar

This is the oldest preserved Neolithic settlement in Northern Europe – it’s 500 years older than Skara Brae! It’s simply incredible, and is a must-see on the island. It’s free to visit, and you’re able to walk in the stone houses, too.

St. Boniface Kirk

This church dates back to the 8th century, and you can see a 12th-century Norse hogback grave in the cemetery. It underwent a restoration in the 1990s, and is still used for events and services today.

Loch of St. Tredwell

This loch is the largest body of water on Papa Westray. It also has the ruins of a small chapel on a peninsula, which juts out into the loch. St. Tredwell’s Chapel is really just heaps of stone ruins now, but it used to be a pilgrimage center in Orkney.

Coastal Walk

I definitely recommend hiking along the northern part of the island – Papa Westray is small enough that you can walk around most of the island in a day. I started from the Knap of Howar and hiked up the western coast, past the RSPB North Hill reserve, before reaching the northernmost point and continuing down the eastern coast to the Kelp Store. If you want to see puffins, I recommend going to the Head of Moclett, by the ferry terminal.

My best puffin sightings on Papa Westray were at the Head of Moclett, so don’t miss it!

Holm of Papay

A boat trip out to the Holm of Papay is a must if you’re visiting Papa Westray. This was a real highlight from my Orkney trip! Jonathan, the Papay Ranger , will organize a boat trip over to the Holm of Papay for you. There’s a large cairn with graffiti inside – I had about 2 hours to explore the Holm of Papay, and it was a perfect amount of time. This excursion cost £25.

Planning Your Trip to Orkney

The Orkney Islands are located just north of the Scottish mainland, and accessible by ferry or by flying into Kirkwall Airport. Loganair has direct flights from several cities in the UK. There are four options for ferries: Scrabster to Stromness (North Link Ferries), Gills Bay to St. Margaret’s Hope (Pentland Ferries), Aberdeen to Kirkwall (North Link Ferries), and the foot-passenger ferry from John o’Groats to Burwick (Jog Ferry). Make sure to check out my post on what to know before visiting Orkney to help plan logistics of your trip.

There are no trains here, although the Mainland has a network of buses that aim to link up with the various ferry schedules. For other islands, check locally if they have any buses and when they run. I highly recommend having a car, at least on the Mainland, to make jam-packed itineraries like this possible. I didn’t have a car on Hoy, Papa Westray, or Westray, and managed just fine – although I did miss a few things on Hoy, and I did rent a bike for the day on Westray. But I drove everywhere on the Mainland, so I absolutely suggest having your own set of wheels.

I wild camped for the majority of my Orkney trip. Wild camping is legal in Scotland provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . This includes leaving no trace (including fires), camping only in small groups, and only spending a short number of nights in one place. I only ever camped for one night at each location.

On Papa Westray, I stayed at the hostel, Beltane House . This was a fantastic place to stay, connected to the village shop, and also a community hub. I’d absolutely stay here again! On Westray, I stayed at Chalmersquoy Hostel , which was excellent.

I stayed at Burnmouth bothy (at Rackwick Bay) for my night on Hoy. Find out everything you need to know about bothies in my guide !

There are so many unique accommodation options on Mainland Orkney. If you’re relying on public transportation, I’d recommend basing yourself in Kirkwall (or maybe Stromness). I met several people who stayed at one of the hostels in Kirkwall. You can search for Kirkwall accommodation here , and Stromness accommodation here . Use the map below for all the options available!

Orkney is one of the best places I’ve ever visited. It is so unique, with so much to see and do – from wild coastal walks to ancient sites and amazing wildlife. I easily could have spent another week here, it really is incredible. I hope this blog post helps you in planning your trip to Orkney!

Have you ever visited Orkney before? Is it on your bucket list?

You might also like my posts:

Orkney: What You Need to Know Before You Go

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Orkney on a Budget?

What to Pack For a Trip to Orkney, Scotland

Where to See Puffins on Orkney

What to See and Do on Westray, Orkney

A Travel Guide For Papa Westray, Orkney

Hoy, Orkney: Visiting the Old Man of Hoy and Rackwick Bay

The World’s Shortest Commercial Flight: Papa Westray to Westray With Loganair

A 7-Day Itinerary for Scotland’s North Coast 500 Road Trip

All of my Scotland posts!

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Related Posts

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Subscribe to Away With Maja for all the latest updates!

17 thoughts on “ the complete orkney guide: an 8-day itinerary for the orkney islands ”.

[…] is one of the small North Isles that make up the Orkney archipelago, off the north coast of Scotland. So many people skip these islands or don’t have […]

[…] Westray is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Orkney, the incredible archipelago off the north coast of Scotland. It’s only about 4 miles long, and 1 […]

[…] so many others, I visited Orkney in the hopes of seeing the Old Man of Hoy. At 449ft (137m), this is the tallest sea stack in […]

[…] trip to Orkney in June was one of the top highlights of my year, my (nearly) 6 years living in the UK, and […]

[…] of the top reasons I was obsessed with visiting Orkney? I wanted to take the shortest commercial flight in the world, which is between two of the small […]

[…] much things cost. I tally up every meal, every beer – everything I spend money on. My trip to Orkney was no different! I planned my trip to be a budget trip – I wild camped for the vast majority of […]

[…] trip to Orkney in June was the adventure of a lifetime. I had so many bucket list experiences and got to see and […]

[…] This was one of the most exciting, fascinating, and rewarding destinations I have ever been to. Orkney is one of those places where you have to want to go there – you don’t just end up there by […]

[…] place: Orkney, an archipelago of islands off the northern coast of Scotland, is an unimaginable […]

Thanks for all your posts on the Orkneys! I’m just starting my research for a trip in August (my 3rd to Scotland) and you’ve provided so much useful information.

Thanks so much for your comment, I love hearing that! I hope you have an amazing trip to Orkney, it really is such a special destination 🙂

Hi Maja! This post is amazing. We are going to be on Orkney for a week in September. Then we have another week to see some other parts of Scotland. Your post is by far the most helpful one I’ve seen on Orkney. THANK YOU. Did you buy that Historic Scotland pass?? Was it worthwhile?

Hi Mike, thanks for reading and I’m so glad you found the post useful! I didn’t buy the Historic Scotland pass as I already had an English Heritage membership, which does reciprocal free entry for members 🙂 I’d say if you’re going to be going to all the big sites on Orkney (Skara Brae, Maeshowe, etc) and one or two other Historic Scotland sites in the country (like Stirling Castle), you’d probably save money. Assuming you like historic sites that is, haha! You can always check the entry fees for all the sites you’re planning to visit and total them up to compare with the membership price. Orkney is incredible, hope you have a fab trip! 🙂

[…] a lot of money on attractions and sightseeing. I also would have loved to extend the trip and visit Orkney – I ended up going here for over a week on another trip! You can visit as a daytrip, but I really […]

[…] days doing the NC500. If you’re wanting a bit of a detour, definitely make the trip over to Orkney! A lot of people visit as a daytrip, but I recommend at least 3 days – ideally, you should have […]

[…] loads of photos on Instagram, I decided to break up the drive down south (on my way back from Orkney) with a walk out to Loch Glass, to see the pretty pink house located on the shore of the loch near […]

[…] wrote nine different posts about my trip to Orkney – and in the last year, they have started ranking and pulling in the good numbers. I’ve […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Privacy Policy

• View towards Hoy, Orkney
• Plan Your Trip