Things to do in Orkney Islands, Scotland: The Best Ancient Ruins

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.

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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.

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.

A 5,000-year-old monument that's thought to be Britain's only rock-cut tomb.

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.

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