Orkney is one of Britain’s most distinctive destinations - a scattering of green islands where the past seems ever present. As well as the thought-provoking monuments to vanished peoples, Orkney is also great for wildlife, seafood, angling and gentle touring.
Simply one of the most distinctive destinations in Scotland, Orkney offers a good accommodation range. Choose your accommodation type here.
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.
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Easy-going walking, golf, until late in the evening in summer, great angling, superb dive sites, cruising, relaxed cycling - Orkney is certainly an active destination.
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Ancient OrkneyNowhere else in Britain has such a concentration of historic sites - simply bring your imagination to this inspiring place. See Listings for Historic Sites & Monuments in Orkney
Think Orkney, think seabird colonies - also divers and harriers, otters and seals. There’s even a ‘look out for otters’ road-sign within five minutes of Kirkwall’s main street.
Whichever island you choose, getting there is straightforward, thanks to fast, modern roll-on, roll-off ferry services.
The burial tomb of Maes Howe was already about four thousand years old when 12th-century Vikings broke in and carved their runes on the walls plus a serpent, walrus and dragon.
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.
Museums & Galleries in Orkney
Italian ArtistsOn Lamb Holm, in 1945, Italian prisoners of war lovingly converted two Nissen huts into a chapel using concrete, plasterboard, wrought iron, paint and incredible dedication. A poignant memorial to the past. Italian Chapel
