To Do & See in Orkney & Shetland Islands
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Bishop’s & Earl’s Palaces, Kirkwall, Orkney
The Bishop’s Palace dates from the 12th century and has been much altered over the years, with one of the most significant additions being a 16th century round tower built by Bishop Reid. The notorious Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney, built the adjacent Renaissance style Earl’s Palace circa 1600. Phone: + 44 1856 875461
Broch of Gurness, Evie, Near Kirkwall, Orkney
Protected by three lines of ditch and rampart, the base of this broch is surrounded by an Iron Age village, the internal fittings of the buildings being of particular interest. It is thought that the Vikings may have built the long house on top of the ruined broch, while the grave of a Viking woman was found nearby. Phone: + 44 1856 751414
Corrigall Farm Museum, Harray, Near Dounby, Orkney
This late 19th century Orkney farmstead with stone furnishings and heather thatch features a working barn, grain kiln and traditional livestock. Phone: + 44 1856 873191
Highland Park Distillery & Visitor Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney
Founded in 1798 by notorious smuggler Magnus Eunson, the distillery is one of only six remaining in Scotland which malts its own barley. Visitors have the opportunity to see the entire process from malting to distillation, as well as enjoying the audio-visual presentation and a dram of whisky. Phone: + 44 1856 874619.
Hoy Nature Reserve, Hoy, Orkney
Comprising a mixture of moorland and cliffs and including the famous Old Man of Hoy rock stack, this is the place to see a range of wildlife, including red grouse, golden plovers, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
Maes Howe, Stennes, Near Kirkwall, Orkney
A seemingly ordinary mound from the outside, this is one of the finest megalithic sites in the country. A narrow stone passage leads to a burial chamber containing a number of cells set into the walls, while of equal significance are the inscriptions, carved on the walls by Vikings in the 12th century. Phone: + 44 1856 761606
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Old Man of Hoy, Hoy, Orkney
One of Orkney’s most famous landmarks, this 450-foot sea stack is located just off the coast of Hoy and walkers can reach the site via a path from Rackwick. A round trip takes about three hours. Phone: + 44 1856 872856
Orkney Museum, Tankerness House & Gardens, Kirkwall, Orkney
Covering 5,000 years of history, the museum tells the story of Orkney from Medieval times to the present day. Stone Age, Pictish a
