Orkney

Orkney is an archipelago of some seventy islands off Scotland's northern tip, richer in prehistory than almost anywhere in Europe. This is where you'll find 5,000-year-old Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Neolithic heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside pale sandy bays and towering sea cliffs. Our guides dig deep into the islands' hidden gems, mysterious and unusual corners, historic sites and best beaches, including dog-friendly and solo-friendly options, so you can uncover Orkney far beyond its famous stones.

Best Beaches in Orkney

Scattered around a group of low, green islands, Orkney's white and golden bays run from Scapa and Waulkmill Bay to the cliffs above Rackwick on the isle of Hoy.

Best Hidden Gems in Orkney

On Orkney the past lies close, its low isles scattered with Neolithic tombs, wartime relics and sea cliffs: the Tomb of the Eagles, Yesnaby and Noup Head.

Best Historic Sites in Orkney

Few places wear their past as openly, with Neolithic Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar joined by the Broch of Gurness and the wartime Italian Chapel.

RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve

Best Places to Visit in Orkney

Orkney packs ancient stone and seabird cliffs into low green islands, with best places to visit from the Broch of Gurness to the quiet sands of Waulkmill Bay.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orkney

Orkney rings its islands with wide open shores, from Waulkmill Bay to Rackwick and Scapa Beach, where the sand runs for miles and the wind comes off the sea.

Mysterious Hidden Gems in Orkney

Orkney feels heavy with the deep past, its mysterious gems ranging from Skara Brae and Broch of Gurness to the Knap of Howar and Midhowe chambered tomb.

Solo Hidden Gems in Orkney

Orkney rewards the solo traveller with hidden gems like the Broch of Borwick, Midhowe Broch and the Stones of Stenness, best met slowly along quiet coast.

The Most Unusual Hidden Gems in Orkney

Orkney is full of the unusual, with hidden gems from the Brough of Deerness and Tomb of the Eagles to Betty Corrigall's grave, places found nowhere else.

Underrated Hidden Gems in Orkney

Orkney's headline sights draw the lists, but underrated gems like Cuween Hill Cairn, Hoxa Head and Noup Head Lighthouse stay off most visitors' plans here.

What are the must-see historic sites in Orkney?

Orkney's Neolithic heartland is unmissable: Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe chambered cairn form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our historic sites guide covers these plus lesser-known brochs, wartime relics and chapels scattered across the islands.

What are Orkney's best hidden gems?

Beyond the headline monuments, Orkney rewards curiosity with quiet beaches, mysterious ruins and offbeat curiosities on its smaller islands. Our hidden gems, unusual and underrated guides gather these overlooked spots, perfect for travellers wanting to explore the archipelago's stranger, quieter side away from the crowds.

How do you get to Orkney?

Ferries sail from Scrabster, Gills Bay and Aberdeen to the Orkney Mainland, while flights connect Kirkwall with several Scottish cities. Once there, inter-island ferries and flights reach the outer isles. Allow extra time, as weather can affect crossings, especially through the winter months.