Top Things to do in Orkney Islands
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What to do and see in Orkney Islands, Scotland: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Orkney Islands, United Kingdom including Hoy Island, Mull Head Nature Reserve, The Old Man of Hoy, Barony Mill, Ness of Brodgar, Yesnaby Cliffs, Midhowe Chambered Cairn, Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, Orkney Library & Archive, Longhope Lifeboat Museum.
Restaurants in Orkney Islands
1. Hoy Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
This is Orkney's largest island after Mainland.
Reviewed By Lindum20C - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A truly wonderful day trip, we were lucky with the weather which helped a lot. Breathtaking scenery all the way round from Lyness up to Rackwick Bay. Very useful information boards all the way round.
2. Mull Head Nature Reserve
3. The Old Man of Hoy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By 480alasdairs - Austin, United States
A lovely walk from Rackwick which goes past several wee local museums that are certainly worth a visit ( they are beside Rackwick Hostel ) The sea cliff views are amazing as is the birdwatching. Keep kids on a short leash ! In season you will drive past the RSPB observation stop for the Sea Eagles that nest there - also amazing.
4. Barony Mill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
HOORAY! We'll be open again to visitors on May 31st 2021. Please phone the mill to book. Tours are at 11, 11.45, 12.30, 1.15, 2.00, 3.15 and 4pm. Numbers are limited. Barony Mill is Orkney's last remaining water mill, grinding the ancient grain bere. Milling is done in winter and in summer we are open to visitors. You can have a guided tour by the miller or a volunteer guide. Feel the building shake and shudder when the water is turned on! Afterwards buy some beremeal or oatmeal at the mill and try the recipes in our book for yourself. Entry is £3.50 for adults (free for children) but we still welcome donations which help keep the mill going. We look forward to meeting you!
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. Midhowe Chambered Cairn
8. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
9. 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
10. Longhope Lifeboat Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By JamesandLizM - Invergordon, United Kingdom
Excellent museum full of the history of the Lifeboat in Longhope and the crews who risked and gave their lives. There is someone to show you around too. Well worth a visit.
