Skara Brae B9056, Stromness KW16 3LR Scotland

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.

Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1NX Scotland

St Magnus Cathedral, built in a Romanesque style 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. The shrine of St Magnus drew pilgrims from all over northern Europe, and the tradition of pilgrimage has been revived in recent times with the opening of the St Magnus Way. St Magnus Cathedral is the only wholly Medieval cathedral in Scotland, and the bones of the saint still lie interred within the pillars of the choir.

Brodgar B9055, Stromness KW16 3JZ Scotland

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.

Ireland Rd, Stenness KW16 3LB Scotland

Due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to reserve your visit online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. 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.

Ferry Road Stromness Ferry Terminal, Stromness KW16 3BH Scotland

Let NorthLink Ferries take you on a voyage of discovery to the islands of Orkney and Shetland. With NorthLink Ferries, travelling to Orkney and Shetland is more convenient than ever before. Choose from up to three sailings a day from Scrabster (near Thurso) to Stromness in Orkney and nightly sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick in Shetland - with four of these sailings going via Orkney's capital, Kirkwall.

Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1DH Scotland

The Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities to amuse younger visitors. The Museum’s collection is of international importance and it has a changing temporary exhibition programme. The Orkney Museum used to be a house – Tankerness House. For three centuries this house was the home of the Baikie family of Tankerness, whose estate gave the house its name. It opened as a museum in 1968 and is an A-listed building. The Baikie Library and Drawing Room gives the visitor an idea of how the house looked when it was a family home. PLEASE NOTE; we are closed for the month of January.

Holm Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1SU Scotland

We’ve been crafting our award-winning whisky at the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney since 1798. Now, over 220 years later, we are one of the ten oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Age, experience and respect for tradition may define our whisky but it’s Orkney that differentiates it. Something magic happens here and the result is a wild harmony of contrasting flavours found in our single malt. Advanced booking is required.

Watergate, Kirkwall KW15 1PD Scotland

Roam the ruins of the residence of Robert Stewart, half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots, who became Earl of Orkney in the late 1500s. The Earl’s Palace is a fine courtyard castle, and remains in a remarkable state of completeness.

Kirkwall Scotland

This treacherous pass made ship navigation difficult, resulting in over 10 sunken ship wrecks, providing an excellent dive site.

Watergate, Kirkwall KW15 1PD Scotland

Step inside the spectacular ruins of two remarkable residences at the heart of Kirkwall. The medieval Bishop's Palace was built in the 1100s at about the same time as St Magnus Cathedral. King Hakon of Norway died within its walls after an indecisive battle with the Scots at Largs in 1263. In the early 1600s, the Bishop's Palace was incorporated into a refined Renaissance palace commissioned by Earl Patrick Stewart, one of Orkney's most notorious rulers. The Earl's palace was reputedly built using slave labour.

West Castle Street, Kirkwall KW15 1GU Scotland

Kirkwall is an open and inviting iCentre, providing information and inspiration to both visitors and locals. Bus and ferry timetables are available within the centre and Citylink tickets are available for sale, as are Historic Scotland tickets for sites across Orkney and Scotland. Local experts with a wide range of knowledge on the local area and beyond are able to advise you on how to get the best experience of Orkney. The RSPB have an information point in the centre offering a range of information and leaflets to take away.

Scotland

1 Junction Road, Kirkwall KW15 1LB Scotland

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. Currently the entrance charge has been suspended but visitors are invited to make a donation.

Cuween Hill Finstown, Kirkwall KW Scotland

Scapa Bay Opposite the far end of the beach, Kirkwall Scotland