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10 Historic Sites in Mainland That You Shouldn't Miss
The aptly named Mainland is the main island of Orkney, a collection of Scottish islands with serious Viking cred. On West Mainland you’ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village. Cap off your visit with a hoppy glug from the Orkney Brewery. Over on the East side, marvel at a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, take a provincial stroll through St. Mary’s Village or just dip your toes in at Mill Sands or Dingieshowe Beach.
Restaurants in Mainland
1. Skara Brae
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,073 reviews
The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, near the dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill, is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the attraction presents a remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years ago. Visitors can experience a prehistoric village and see ancient homes fitted with stone beds, dressers and seats. A replica construction allows visitors to fully understand the interior of a prehistoric house.
Reviewed By 777juliea - Winchester, United Kingdom
This fascinating historic site was on our bucket list for years, and now we have managed to visit twice. On both occasions we were on a guided tour, and the tour guide was full of interesting information. Who could imagine that these relatively advanced houses actually predated Stonehenge? The cluster of houses is close to the sea, with a magnificent sweep of a bay just beyond so visiting the site is itself a memorable experience. Some of the dwellings still retain their stone fittings. There is also a replica dwelling close by which visitors can enter.
2. Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
3. Ring of Brodgar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,342 reviews
This is the largest Neolithic standing stone circle in Scotland, which is more than 340 feet in diameter consisting of 25 stones, the largest of which is 15 feet in height.
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Your step back in time starts at the car park - read the info & realise you're about to walk somewhere that has been there longer than the pyramids!! Stroll the paths to the ring of amazing standing stones (in winter you can't access the centre due to ground damage) however, the walk round the perimeter is awesome. Dwell on how these massive stones where moved from various parts of orkney - not just local. And reflect on their purpose & why they are there. Various single stones stand off from the ring & clear cut paths guide you. The views across both Harray & Stenness Loch complete the walk.
4. Standing Stones of Stenness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
These mysterious standing stones, similar to England's Stonehenge, date from 2000 BC.
Reviewed By 266annettep - Melbourne, Australia
Again we visited the stones with a Ranger walk check the Historical Scotland Website for times and days. Eleanor our guide first took us to the Barnhouse site which gave us so much information for our visit to Skara Brae. the walk took and hour and it really gave us so much information about the Neolithic people and why they were there. The standing stones were what you wanted them to be I had my Outlander moment, again a must visit UNESCO world heritage site.
5. Rennibister Earth House
6. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 710 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Enter one of the finest Neolithic buildings in north-west Europe, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. This chambered tomb, which sits on a platform encircled by a ditch, is a monument to the skill and beliefs of Orkney's people some 5,000 years ago. If you visit in midwinter - and the skies are clear - you can witness the central chamber illuminated by a shaft of light from the setting sun. Maeshowe's unique story continued with it was broken into about 1,000 years ago by Norsemen. They left their mark in the astonishing runic graffiti, alongside the stunning 'Maeshowe Lion' carving. Visits are by guided tour only. Tours depart from the new Maeshowe Visitor Centre (at Stenness), postcode KW16 3LB. Tours are hourly and start at 10am with the last tour at 4pm.
Reviewed By _sw5555_ - Vancouver, Canada
Guided tour is about 1HR and features a number of topics which are semi-hidden, only to be illuminated by the knowledgeable tour guide. There is also reportedly the largest number of Viking runes in one location in the UK.
7. Saint Magnus Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,856 reviews
St Magnus Cathedral, built from red and yellow sandstone, is of international significance. This ‘fine minster’ took about 300 years to build, the foundations starting in 1137. It was dedicated to Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. He shared the earldom with his cousin, Haakon Paulsson, but jealousy and greed culminated in Magnus being martyred on the island of Egilsay. Access is currently restricted so please be prepared to wait outside if it is busy and to limit your visit to 15 minutes max. We ask visitors to adhere to hygiene and physical distancing advice. It is mandatory to wear a face covering whilst in the building and we will ask for your contact details for the national Test and Protect system. There are no public toilet facilities available.
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, United States
Dedicated to St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney and patron saint of the Orkney Isles, the magnificent red sandstone cathedral was begun in 1137 and took roughly 300 years to complete. The church is dark and atmospheric with marvelous carvings including a stunning blind arcade with profuse carvings. Multiple tombs including St. Magnus' tomb are inside the cathedral. The church is Romanesque in style This important Medieval Cathedral is well worth a visit. Free admission; donations accepted. If you have the time, there is a charming churchyard with lots of ancient gravestones to see. Enjoy.
8. The Earl's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By robinbS755ND - Calgary, Canada
These were the most fun ruins to climb on after a morning at the Brough of Birsay. We found some excellent advice that I would like to pass along as well - if visiting Scotland for more than one week with the intention of historic sightseeing, I highly recommend purchasing an annual pass with Historic Scotland. The price is not too much more than the week pass, but you have a year to use it and it quickly pays for itself as long as you visit 3 or 4 popular sites. I would not have found the Earl's Palace without the Historic Scotland map, and our family was incredibly grateful for the find.
9. Orkneyinga Saga Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By markclouston - Orphir, United Kingdom
The Orkneyinga Saga Centre is run by Orphir Community Council. The Centre hold a large amount of information regarding various tourist sites within Orkney. The centre is open between April and October each year. There is a short film documenting the viking saga (norse history) story. We plan to refurbish the centre this closed season.
10. Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By davetlg - Christchurch, United Kingdom
I am sure that many people drive past here without knowing it is there. This is a real shame. Situated just behind the impressive standing stones of stenness the barnhouse settlement shows Neolithic dwellings. Situated on the banks off the loch it gives a flavour of every day life. It is well worth a visit but is so easy to miss.
