7 History Museums in Orkney Islands That You Shouldn't Miss

Perched above the dramatic South Ronaldsay cliffs, the Isbister Chambered Cairn - better known today as the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’ - is one of Orkney’s top archaeological sites. Discovered by chance by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s, the Stone Age tomb revealed an amazing collection of bones and artefacts, placed here some 5,000 years ago. Roughly half a mile inland from the tomb is a Bronze Age site. It comprises a mound of burnt stone and the remains of a stone building, named after the ‘Liddle’ farm where Ronnie uncovered them. Excavations at the site have led to important discoveries about how people lived and worked in Orkney 3,000 years ago.Enjoy a unique ‘hands-on’ experience at the Visitor Centre, where you can see, and enjoy the privilege of handling some of the original artefacts found at the sites. During the main visitor season, fascinating displays and daily talks offer insights into the lives of these Stone Age and Bronze Age people. Explore some of the questions which remain unanswered. The Gift Shop offers a wide range of items, including many local crafts, books, hot and cold drinks and Orkney ice cream. There is a stunning walk from the Visitor Centre to the tomb, via the Bronze Age site - approximately 1 mile along a well-marked path. The maritime heath and grassland is alive in the summer with birds and wild flowers. More than 50 years after Ronnie Simison came across these remarkable sites, his family invite you to come and enjoy these well-loved visitor attractions.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, access is currently limited to the Baikie Library and Drawing Room and our temporary exhibition 'Between Islands'. Visitor numbers are limited, so please be prepared to wait outside if the museum is busy. Please note that it is mandatory to wear a face covering in the building and that you will be asked for your contact details for the national Test and Protect system.

Ruins of ancient tower and huts used to defend the Scotish coastline from raiders.

Would you like to … • Explore Scapa Flow’s wartime history • Get a feel for Orkney Island Life a 100 years ago • Touch a real fossil from 300 million years ago • See rocks that glow in the dark • Stand next to the fossilised remains of Orkney’s ancient beasts • Pick up some good quality gifts • Enjoy tasty Orkney home baking & hearty lunches. Orkney Fossil & Heritage Centre has something for everyone; curious youngsters love to see the ancient geology & fossils and everyone enjoys a glimpse through recent history in the heritage galleries. In our room about the construction of the Churchill Barriers peedie folk can even build their own. Our team at the Heritage Café will be delighted to serve you homemade soup, cakes & daily specials and it’s a handy retreat from the breeze! If you want to treat yourself or maybe pick up a gift our shop stocks everything from Orkney music CDs, books & jewellery to North Ronaldsay wool & local art. Come and have a browse, a warm Burray welcome awaits.

The Sanday Heritage Centre displays some of Sanday's natural and man-made treasures, and showcases some of the community's history. Current displays focus on farming, the sea, archaeology, natural history and Sanday's contribution to the First World War. A new display about the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, a Sanday resident and Master of the Queen's Music, was unveiled in May 2017.

The village smithy in St Margaret's Hope has been turned into the Smiddy Museum and houses a fine display of tools and artefacts, which the blacksmith would have used in his work. Horse harnesses hang from the walls and there are strange-looking pieces of equipment on the floor. As well as the blacksmith's tools, there is a unique and interesting collection of archives and photographs which show local events, island life and items of interest, for researching local history or genealogy.