One of the top things to explore in all of Scotland is the Heart of Neolithic Orkney monuments. These include the World Heritage Sites: Skara Brae settlement, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness & Maeshowe. All monuments predate the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Plus, they are near each other, so it’s convenient to enjoy an extensive day tour near Kirkwall. Read on to learn about how to plan and enjoy an Orkney Scotland monuments tour.
As a Spa Acupuncturist on a cruise ship, I loved my day in mainland Orkney. Together with some friends, I caught a taxi from Kirkwall and explored Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness in just 4 hours. Plus, I even found time for Kirkwall and saw the gorgeous St. Magnus Cathedral.
About Neolithic Orkney
Orkney is an archipelago with about 70 islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Sixteen of the islands are inhabited. Mainland Orkney is the largest island with the capital city, Kirkwall. Orkney was a part of Norway until the 15th century. Today, Orcadians comprise mostly of crofters (small farmers), fisherfolk, artists and those in the trades.
Overall, 36 historic sites reside in the Orkney Islands. The main attractions include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney monuments: Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness & Maeshowe. Skara Brae is the most well-preserved prehistoric settlement in northern Europe. Indiana Jones even lectured on it in one of his movies, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).
During summer months, Skara Brae and Maeshowe require online pre-bookings. Also, it’s best to have transportation lined up for tour before arriving. Orkney is a small island with limited taxis and tours.
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My Orkney Scotland Monuments Tour at Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar & Skara Brae
I arrived by cruise ship with intent to see the Orkney Neolithic monuments. After a tender transfer, I arrived in Kirkwall port at 11 am with 5 hours to see the sites. I found the nearest taxi stand and waited. Soon, I met other cruise ship passengers to join for a tour. However, we waited for about 45 minutes, and we lucked out. As a reminder, don’t do what I did. Preplan your tours and site bookings before you arrive on Orkney.
Our taxi driver was very pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. We set off with plans to see with free admission the Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar. Next, even though we had no online bookings for Skara Brae, we planned to ask in person for admissions. However, the Maeshow burial chamber was not even an option, as it’s booked weeks in advance.
Exploring Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar
The two stone circles, Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar stand near each other within walking distance on a wonderful nature reserve. Also, the Maeshowe burial chamber lies nearby. All three monuments show that Orkney was an area of ceremonial importance. It takes about one hour to walk the circuit between the 2 with gorgeous scenery on a land bridge between Stenness Loch and Harray Loch. Both sites offer parking lots if your time or mobility is limited.
Both stone circles date back from Neolithic times to early Bronze Age. The Stones of Stenness comprise of four remaining stones, out of the original twelve. Visitors can get up close and actually touch these stones. The Ring of Brodgar may have displayed up to 60 standing stones. Today, there are 36, with 21 Orkney sandstones still standing in a circle. A walking path goes around the 21 stones for visitors.
These henge monuments are a British phenomenon, similar to the famous Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England.
The Ring of Brodgar lies in a natural amphitheater between green hills and the two lochs, Stenness and Harray. The stones are embedded surprisingly shallow in the ground. The 2 excavated were just 18 and 27 cm deep. Brodgar comes from the Old Norse term meaning ‘farm at the bridge.’
Skara Brae Village Tour
Further on we drove to Orkney’s most famous archeological site. At almost 5,000 years old, Skara Brae is one of the most preserved settlements in northern Europe. Lying on the coast of the Bay of Skaill, it faces the prevailing winds. Interestingly, Skara Brae remained buried underneath sand dunes until discovered after a storm in 1850.
We arrived without a pre-booking and humbly inquired about admission in person. It’s normally required in summer months to have an online pre-booking here. However, we lucked out, that it wasn’t overbooked at our arrival. So, thankfully, they let us book and enter without a wait.
At the entrance, it’s best to start the tour at the visitor centre. It provides a short film and exhibits describing the life at Skara Brae. Then, I recommend seeing the replica house outside the visitor centre. As one of the best house replicas on site, visitors enter and see inside. Next, the path goes toward the bay for about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the settlement.
Once you arrive at the gated cluster of eight homes connected by passages, visitors stay on the path and follow clockwise. A unique thing about this settlement is that the furniture still remains in the homes. This helps bring to life the ancient community in an authentic way. Another unique thing about Skara Brae is the covered, subterranean stone passages. These helped protect the people from the weather. At the western edge of the village is The Workshop, where stone tools were made from flint and chert.
Skaill Bay Flora and Fauna
Orkney Scotland Monuments Tour
The wildlife at Skaill Bay includes common or grey seals and shore-feeding birds, such as, redshanks and oystercatchers. Between the sand and land is bedrock revealing plant fossils during low tide. Beyond the shoreline are coastal grasslands. They grown tufted vetch and bird’s foot trefoil. The yellow flowers of bird’s foot trefoil grow throughout the island.
Skaill House
The final stop at the site contrasts the ancient village with the more recent manor built by a bishop in 1620. Later, it was the home of the landowner that discovered Skara Brae in 1850. Now, it’s a museum overlooking the Bay of Skaill and Skara Brae village.
St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall
Lastly, our taxi driver dropped us off at the St. Magnus Cathedral, the most iconic landmark in Kirkwall. Designed in Romanesque architecture, it’s made out of yellow and red sandstone. Originally, the Vikings founded it in honor of St. Magnus, martyred in Orkney. Today, it’s a Presbyterian church of Scotland. Also, a cemetery with ancient graves lay on the grounds close to the church. It’s open for visitors and private prayer.
Other things to see in town include The Orkney Museum, The Earl’s Palace, Highland Park Distillery, The Orkney Distillery and Scapa Flow.
Enjoy Orkney Islands!
There is so much to see and do here for everyone! The natural beauty and historical landmarks make Orkney Islands an incredible destination. And the locals are so friendly and kind! What more can you ask for a good vacation. Please comment below to let me know if you have additional suggestions on how to most enjoy this unique destination.
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