Places to visit

In Birsay

• Marwick Bay : head down to the sea to skim stones and explore rock pools
• Marwick Head and Kitchener’s Memorial : breathtaking views, bird colony
• The Brough of Birsay : a small island with remains of a Viking settlement, reached by a tidal causeway
• Ruins of Earl’s Palace : free entry
• Birsay pools : deep natural rock pools, where the hardy can take a dip!
• Palace Stores: freshly baked pastries, icecream & other provisions
• Birsay Bay Tearooms : great views as you enjoy lunch or a cup of tea with cake
• Orkney Brewery : try some local ales and enjoy excellent food, five minutes away

Further away

• Ness of Brodgar : Britain’s ‘ancient capital’, as seen on TV, 20 mins. drive
• Skara Brae : ruins of 5000 year old houses, 10 mins. drive
• Broch of Gurness : Iron age settlement by the sea, 30 mins. drive
• Ring of Brodgar : Neolithic stone circle, 20 mins. drive
• Standing Stones of Stenness : Neolithic stone circle, 20 mins. drive
• Barnhouse Settlement : Neolithic settlement, 20 mins. drive
• Maeshowe : Neolithic Chambered Cairn, 20 mins. drive
• Italian Chapel : ornate chapel built by Italian POWs in WWII, 45 mins. drive
• Stromness : Pier Arts Centre, restaurants, museum, art galleries, live music, craft shops
• Kirkwall : St Magnus Cathedral, Bishop’s & Earl’s Palace, museum, cafes, restaurants, live music
• Other islands accessible by boat as day trips: Hoy, Rousay

Crafts

• Jewellers in several locations on Mainland – look out for the signs
• The Harray Potter
• The Woolshed, Evie – felt & knitwear
• Castaway Crafts, Dounby
• Hoxa Tapestry Gallery, St Margaret’s Hope
• Michael Sinclair, Woodturner

Annual Events

• Orkney Folk Festival
• St Magnus Festival
• Jazz Festival
• County Shows
• Science Festival
• The Ba