Top Things to do in Mainland
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The 10 Best Free 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. Mull Head Nature Reserve
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Fursbreck Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By CLE68 - Scotland, United Kingdom
Visited this lovely pottery whilst visiting Orkney. Work on display is beautiful with a fantastic range of items. Prices are excellent and there is the opportunity to watch the potter at work. Very friendly and welcoming with no ‘pushiness’ to buy ( although we did). Part of the Orkney Craft trail which is excellent for local crafts and to see crafts people at work. Highly recommend.
5. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
6. ArtWorks of the Earth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Near the center of the historic haven of Stromness, this working studio/shop/gallery offers a colourful experience of the Orkney landscape. Painter, Jeanne believes art likes being accessible, so her images are found on quality reproductions, cards, tea towels, cushion covers, mugs, and more. Also for sale are creative projects from folks living in Stromness beside other ecletic crafts, all with a story tied back to Orkney or Jeanne. Since 2004, Jeanne has offered short workshops in the only North American contribution to printmaking, the Provincetown Print aka watercolour white-line woodcut which she is renaming with local adaptation, the ORKNEY WOODCUT. Future plans, to teach a workshop using R + F oilsticks aka oil bars. Jeanne will be one of the artists in residence at the Ness of Brodgar excavation summer 2018. Shop open year round. In season M-Sun 10 - 5ish. If closed phone for appointment.
Reviewed By reise3
Stumbled upon ArtWorks of the Earth & was warmly welcomed by the artist, herself, & drawn into conversation about her pieces and the history of the area. Beautiful work! There's everything from large, colorful oil paintings to prints, post cards, mugs, etc. I highly recommend a visit.
7. 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
8. Kirkness & Gorie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
'Whisky, cheese and wine since 1959.' Long-established family-run deli. Friendly, expert advice on a unique mix of Orkney produce and the finest cheese and wine from around the world. Comprehensive range of whiskies from Highland Park and Scapa, including rarities. Great beer from the Orkney Brewery and Swannay Brewery. Gin from all three local producers. SPiced rum from J. Gow. Cheese from Westray Wife, Grimbister, Orkney Cheddar and Hume's Smokehouse. Oatcakes, butter, fudge, biscuits, sweeties, Orkney Craft Vinegar. And much much more...
9. Deerness Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Orkney's first distillery in over 132 years, producing handcrafted gin and vodka. Come and visit us for an insight into the fascinating world of distilling, sample our spirits and enjoy our shop offering locally sourced quality gifts, takeaway tea and coffee. Offering over 30 different tonics, we are sure to have something for everyone! Tours available 11am and 1pm every day (10GBP per adult) booking advisable.
Reviewed By 892ralphm
We were an off season (November) group of four, and were given a very informative tour of their distilliery and its products. The products were excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed their presentation and learned a lot about gin making. We now enjoy a g&t, wishing it was Deerness available here. (you might call for directions, as our gps led us down a dirt road. We were straightened out by helpful farmer).
10. Sheila Fleet Jewellery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By E7273XWdavidk - Sunderland, United Kingdom
When one is out and about on the Mainland, this is a great place to shop and eat lunch. The mackerel, crab, bere roy and vegetarian options were excellent as was the child's menu. The shop is beautifully laid out and make certain you see the the pulpit with beautiful wood carving of Ruth and Boaz.
