Top Things to do in Mainland
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Mainland, Scotland
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. Mull Head Nature Reserve
3. Yesnaby Cliffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By stufromthesim - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The views here on the day we went were simply incredible but in different weather it will be entirely different so bear that in mind when deciding if a visit is worthwhile. These are particularly accessible cliffs with a car park practically on the cliff top at the old gun battery site. The sat nav may try to encourage you to turn left as you drive towards the cliffs but so long as you can see a small selection of derelict ww2 style block buildings ahead of you, stick on the straight road you have been on. There is a concrete hard standing on which about 8 cars could park with little problem and plenty of parking just before this for any overflow. Once out of the car the ground is quite rough and leads to the edge of the cliff and it would be very easy for someone to fall and die - particularly children but those unsteady on their feet would also be at risk towards the edge. That said, provided you’re not an idiot or a negligent parent there is nothing to fear that common sense would not prevent. The sea stacks are but a relatively short walk (we were out and back in about an hour which included fannying about taking pictures) along an well worn path which is signposted off to the left of the car park as you look towards the cliffs. The walk to the stacks was very muddy on our visit but starts out flat before some wooden steps mark the start of a more uneven journey. The path is easy to follow as it tracks the fence all the way with a gangplank to cross a small dip, a 90 degree turn to follow the fence again and some more wooden steps to help you out a little further along. We only went as far as the Castle stack which was about a quarter mile on from the the second set of wooden steps but I understand it runs on further south and takes in more sea stacks but not sure how much farther down they are. A fantastic weather dependant trip that rewards with some stunning photos. I imagine falling down the several hundred metre cliffs would seriously impact on your enjoyment of this worthwhile venue so be careful!
4. Ness of Brodgar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By BDenz - Campbell River, Canada
Each year, the archaeologists who work this site open greater insight into the peoples who lived between Maeshowe, Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. And with each new find, the history of the era marks this area as the first of its kind in Great Britain. Take that, Stonehenge.
5. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
6. Orkney Library & Archive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Free Wifi throughout. We provide internet access with a small charge for visitors. Our Archive section is great for family history searches - please note, our Archive section is CLOSED every Wednesday but the LIBRARY is OPEN. Books and so much more.
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
This library has excellent facilities. A vast catalogue of books - including written, ebooks, large print. Their display is neat & easy to follow & they have a vast number of books in store to access too. The staff are friendly & helpful. There is seating, toilet facilties, coffee & drinks available. DVDs & CDs are also available . The archive unit upside is wonderful to browse & has an intensive collection of material & information about Orkney
7. Scapa Flow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
This treacherous pass made ship navigation difficult, resulting in over 10 sunken ship wrecks, providing an excellent dive site.
Reviewed By Dannykimweed - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
This is an amazing place steeped in history, some of which is tragic from during the first and second world wars. This is a significant place for families who have lost loved ones here and is a pilgrimage for some. As a natural harbour it is a spectacular place and you get tremendous views of it from many roads. You cannot miss it and its significance to British Naval history.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
