Top Things to do in Mainland
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The 10 Best 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. 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.
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. Highland Park Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Home of our award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, made in a traditional way by modern-day Vikings. Explore the stories behind our 18th century distillery in Kirkwall, founded by Magnus Eunson - a direct descendant of the Vikings who first made their home on Orkney over 1,000 years ago. We offer 4 different tours to cater for every interest and every budget - from a short visit to our working distillery with a dram or two in our visitor centre to an in-depth exploration of our whisky's birthplace and the opportunity to taste some of our finest, aged expressions. Advanced booking is required.
Reviewed By 178angusf
For those who like whisky, or are least interested in places with some history, or just enjoy learning about how things are produced, this is a great place to visit. There is a nice visitor centre, and several different types of tours available. The basic tour takes about an hour, and goes through each part of the distillery, including a short film and a wee tasting afterwards. An easy walk from the waterfront of Kirkwall - if you are in Kirkwall, don't miss this.
5. The Orkney Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
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.
Reviewed By jacquim883
This museum summarises Orkney's past, starting from Neolithic times and going into the twentieth century. Housed in an old building, the display is well set out and you wind through the rooms where Orkney's fascinating history is depicted in chronological order. It makes you appreciate how different Orkney is from the rest of Scotland and why the Orcadians are so proud of their identity.
6. 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.
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. Orkney Wireless Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
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.
Reviewed By allanmaciver - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
This is an amazing and unusual museum right in the centre of Kirkwall, Orkney. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and the lady on duty was full of stories and memories. They have an extensive old radio collection, archive pictures from World War and especially Scapa Flow where so many lost their lives. There is a small entrance fee of £3 and you can spend as long as you like. I was humbled to look through the archive pictures. If you want a trip down memory lane this is a brilliant little museum.
9. Kirkwall VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Centre has excellent facilities - lots of booklets & leaflets & staff very friendly & helpful. Also a shop with lots of local products & gifts. Next door to bus station for easy access to transport & just a street away from main High Street for shopping & site seeing
10. Scapa the Orcadian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Explore the legendary Scapa Distillery. Situated on the shore of Scapa Flow, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Although we are currently unable to offer tours our shop is open and we welcome you to join us. We have measures in place to give visitors and staff the best experience. Please visit our website for details.
Reviewed By frankrT7387IK - Aarhus, Denmark
As part of a group of 8 whisky enthusiasts from Denmark and one Scotsman we visited Scapa on a Saturday where the distillery was normally closed. The distillery invited us well before our visit to come anyway and to receive us for a tour. We have been on quite a few distillery tours during the years but Janet made this one very special and took the time needed. This is the best tour ever. Thank you Janet and Scapa. We will be back
