The 10 Best Museums in Orkney Islands, Scotland

Kirbuster Museum is the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe. The house has a central hearth, complete with peat fire, and a stone neuk bed reminiscent of the Neolithic interiors that can be seen at sites such as Skara Brae, and demonstrates how little some aspects of domestic life changed in Orkney over many centuries. The house also has an Edwardian parlour and Victorian Gardens and visitors can enjoy a game of putting on the green and explore the Trowie Trail in the back garden. Kirbuster is a unique survivor which gives a fascinating insight into four centuries of family life in Orkney. An excellent place to visit if you are researching your Orkney ancestry. FREE ADMISSION. Access is currently restricted so please be prepared to wait if the site is busy, and to adhere to the safety advice on hygiene and physical distancing. It is mandatory to wear a face covering in the building and you will be asked for your contact details for Test & Protect.

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.

The Pier Arts Centre in Orkney was established in 1979 to provide a home for an important collection of British fine art donated by Margaret Gardiner (1904 - 2005). Alongside the permanent collection The Pier Arts Centre curates a year round programme of temporary exhibitions and events for the education and enjoyment of the general public.

The museum is closed for redevelopment until Spring 2022. See 'Orkney Museum - Treasures and Tales' for an exhibition about the wartime history of Scapa Flow.

A small museum tracing the history of early domestic radio and wartime communications in Orkney. Maps, charts, valves, an early computer game, a 'spy' suitcase radio. Young visitors can send their name in Morse code to get a certificate. Entirely run by volunteers. Normally open April to September. Mon-Sat 10am to 4.30 pm. Sun 2.30pm - 4.30pm. 2016 admission £3 for adults, £1 for under 16 and students. UNFORTUNATELY THE MUSEUM MUST REMAIN CLOSED FOR THE REST OF 2020. It is a very small space and does not enable social distancing.