Kirkwall Airport 21 min
St Magnus Cathedral (17 min) Soaring, multi-hued sandstone originally founded by the Vikings, Britain's most northerly cathedral. Brough of Birsay (22 min) This uninhabited tidal island with a lighthouse is home to the ruins of Pictish & Norse settlements. Old Man of Hoy (1 hr 14) Unique 450-foot sea stack & landmark on Hoy is popular with climbers & was first climbed in 1966. Highland Park Whisky Distillery (17 min) Guided tours through an 18th-century, malt-whisky distillery that conclude with a wee dram or two. Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces (17 min) Enduring stone ruins of 2 ornate palaces built in the 1100s & in 1606 in the Renaissance-style. Maeshowe (3 min) Tours are offered of this large neolithic chambered tomb illuminated by the setting midwinter sun. Yesnaby (12 min) Hiking & climbing across sandstone cliffs with views over sea stacks, blowholes & nesting puffins. Standing Stones of Stenness (19 min) Remains of 4 Neolithic standing stones with a central hearth area once used for cooking. Skara Brae Prehistoric Village (16 min) The ruins of 8 houses dating from roughly 3000BC with a modern visitor centre telling their tale. Bay of Skaill (15 min) Beach, prehistory, archaeological excavation, and history Skaill House (14 min) History, architecture, and museum Ness of Brodgar (3 min) Archaeological excavation, artifact, archaeological site, and ancient history Pier Arts Centre (8 min) Art and art museum Ring of Brodgar (4 min) Dramatic upright stone circle dating from the late Neolithic period, with ditch and causeways. Scapa Flow (17 min) Historic waterway with a sandy beach & rustic backdrop known for its many wartime shipwrecks. |