Top tips for your Orkney vacation
- Visit the ancient ruins - from the preserved village of Skara Brea with its 5,000 year old sidewalks, to the prehistoric burial mound at Maeshow, and the 150 ancient sites on the island of Rousay, Orkney is the most important stone
- See the Old Man of Hoy - one of the tallest (and youngest) sea stacks in Britain
- Visit Highland Park and Scapa whisky distilleries, the most northerly Scotch whisky distilleries
- Take the world's shortest flight - just 4 minutes between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray
Orkney, or the Orkney Islands are just off the north coast of Scotland. In total, there are around 70 islands, although only 20 are inhabited today.
The biggest island is called Mainland. Lerwick, the capital of Orkney, is in the middle of it. Most of the remaining islands are divided into two groups: the North Isles and the South Isles.
These days, everyone in Orkney speaks a Scots dialect of English.
Here at The Tartan Road, we design bespoke luxury holidays in Scotland. We're passionate about this small country, and we think it's one of the best places in the world to go on vacation.
History and Archeology
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Western Mainland has some of the most impressive sites: The 5,000 year old village of Skara Brae is by far the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Europe. Only a few miles away, the imposing Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness are some of the most impressive standing stones anywhere. Nearby you'll also find Maeshowe, an impressive passage grave. The main chamber is covered in historic graffiti, including quite a bit from the Viking era.
This whole area is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site - the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
The island of Rousay has 150 ancient sites, mostly along a short stretch on the south coast. They might not be as dramatic as the ones on Mainland, but the sheer variety means worth coming over for a day trip or even staying the night.
In the far north, the Knap of Howar on the island of Papa Westray is a farmstead with the oldest preserved stone hoses in Northern Europe.
There are a number of Brochs around the islands. These fortified roundhouses were built between 2,100 and 1,700 years ago. The Broch of Gurness is probably the most well-preserved, and Midhowe over on Rousay is worth visiting too.
In Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral was founded in 1173 by the Viking ruler, Earl Rognvald. Not only is it still in use, but the stained glass windows are some of the finest in Scotland.
More recently, the islands were Britain's main naval anchorage during both world wars. Scapa Flow, the protected harbour between mainland and the South Isles is full of interesting remains, including the Italian Chapel (built by prisoners of war) and the sunken German Imperial Fleet from WW1, which was scuttled here after surrendering.
Experiences in Orkney
We'd strongly recommend spending some time with a local guide - it's by far the best way to learn about and experience the rich history, nature and culture of the islands.
Taking a boat trip is a great way to see more of the islands. There are a few options, ranging from private tours to just hopping on and off the public ferries. This is also one of the best places in the world for Sea Kayaking. The rich wildlife, dramatic cliffs, and strong tidal streams make this one of the most beautiful playgrounds on the water. There are options for beginners and more experienced paddlers.
Diving in Scapa Flow is a bucket list item for experienced divers. The remains of the scuttled German fleet are some of the only modern military ships which can be dived anywhere in the world. Be warned, though; the water is cold all year round.
One of our experiences is a specialist archaeological tour. Orkney is one of the most important archaeological areas in the world, and spending time getting closer to these incredible sites and learning more about them and the people that work on them is both fascinating and hugely educational.
Traditional Scottish Folk music is widely played on the islands, and it's worth going to a music session while you're here. These evenings are usually quite informal, with local musicians coming to a pub and taking turns to play their favourite pieces. If you're lucky, there might even be a Ceilidh dance.
Orkney is home to Scotland's two most northerly whisky distilleries: Highland Park and Scapa. We can arrange private tastings at either - or both. Highland Park might be better-known, but the new tasting rooms at Scapa have one of the best views from any whisky distillery. There's also a new whisky distillery under construction at Deerness - this family-run distillery has been making excellent Gin for years, and they're now branching out into whisky.
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Getting Around Orkney
We offer self-drive and chauffered tours of Orkney. You can either fly up or drive and take the ferry.
If you're flying, there are daily flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, or twice-weekly from London. This is the quickest way to get
Ferries run from the far north of Scotland, or you can take the overnight ferry from Aberdeen. Driving up from Edinburgh or Glasgow takes a whole day, though, and we normally recommend stopping for at least one night en route, so you can enjoy it. Orkney can easily be combined with the North Coast 500 route - it's just a 90-minute ferry ride across to the Islands.
The overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Orkney involves a lot less driving, but it does mean you arrive in Lerwick around 2 AM - and this route can often be quite rough. However, the same ferry continues on to Shetland, and it's an excellent way to get between these two groups of Islands.
Finally, there is the option of taking the train up to Thurso and then going as a passenger on the ferry. The Far North Line, running from Inverness to the northern coast of Scotland is one of the most dramatic scenic routes in the world.
In Orkney, we recommend having your own transport - hiring a car or private driver. The roads on Mainland are excellent, and it's connected to many of the southern isles by the Churchill Barriers. These causeways were built in WW2.
The ferry network between the islands works well, and you can take a car if needed. Many of the smaller islands can be visited on foot. Another option is to take the regular island hopper flights run by Loganair. These include the shortest commercial flight in the world, between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray.
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