Orkney

Visitor attractions-Orkney is a magical place, filled with many ancient and mythical sites. The best known of these are probably the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Maeshowe. There are many many more however and the Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay is well worth a visit, as well as Mine Howe in Tankerness.

Other notable visitor attractions include more recent historical places such as St. Magnus Cathedral, the Lyness Visitor Centre, the Italian Chapel, amongst others. All Orkney’s visitor attractions are very well cared for and many have on-site cafes. See the links we provide for more information.

Activities-There are many different activities one can pursue in Orkney. There are golf courses in both Kirkwall and Stromness (midnight golf at midsummer). Both towns also have swimming pools and a variety of sporting activities on offer. You can try a dive or, if you are more intrepid, arrange diving trips to the wrecks of the German High Fleet with local dive boat operators. Bicycles can be hired if you like to feel the wind in your hair.

Treats-There are many local shops and restaurants selling the best of Orkney home produced goodies, including ice cream, fudge, oatcakes, crabmeat, honey, salmon, Highland Park and Scapa whisky, cheese, beef, beremeal biscuits, marinated herring, beers and even local wine! Non-food specialities include high quality jewellery, knitwear and the beautiful straw-backed Orkney Chair.

Just Orkney-As is often the case, the best things in life are free and nowhere is this more true than Orkney, which offers some of the best free fresh and saltwater angling in the country. Don’t forget the wildlife – seals, otters, porpoises, the odd basking shark – and, of course the great variety of birdlife in the isles.

 

Finally-Just to be in Orkney is an experience; whether it is on a long flagstone beach, on top of a sandstone cliff, or taking breakfast in the garden by the sea at Pier House, you’ll know you’re somewhere special.

Orkney Picture Strip- click to enlarge