The wealth of prehistoric sites heads a long list of Orkney options - including two historic towns, a magnificent cathedral, many museums and Scotland’s most northerly distillery.
Island Hopping Whichever island you choose, getting there is straightforward, thanks to fast, modern roll-on, roll-off ferry services. More...
Kirkwall Kirkwall is a go-ahead, substantial harbour town with a main street busy with locals and visitors. First impressions will include the extraordinary choice of upmarket craft shops along the main street while, overall, the bulk of St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline, as it has done for more than eight centuries.
Stromness Stromness is strung out along its sheltered shore, with its crooked main street revealing narrow glimpses of blue water between its plain and practical dwellings. Well worth the stroll, however, especially to see Stromness Museum and Pier Arts Centre. For the sailors in olden times, Stromness was the last watering place before the wild North Atlantic.
Ancient Orkney No-one could be unmoved by the glimpses of domestic life in the Stone Age village at Skara Brae - but who can ever know the meaning of the Stones of Stenness?
Museums From the principal Orkney collections at Tankerness House in Kirkwall, via two farm museums, plus the story of Scapa Flow - plenty to discover about Orkney’s past.
Speciality Shops Quality of light, ever-changing colours of sea and sky, and a Viking heritage, all inspire local craftsfolk from tapestry makers to jewellers.
Willkommen in Schottland
Bienvenue en Ecosse
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