Orkney

Plan your escape and celebrate Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters in Orkney! This year, discover tranquillity up close with a trip to Orkney. These enchanting islands off Scotland's north coast await you. See 5,000 year old sites in the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, enjoy fantastic events and events, stroll along idyllic beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, get up close to amazing wildlife and sample Orkney's delicious local produce.

Come and join us over a cosy holiday break this winter - you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Or plan a longer escape this spring to experience the islands as they start to bloom. Relax, breathe in our fresh sea air and enjoy stunning landscapes and spectacular coastlines.

There's never been a better time to plan your escape and book your holiday to Orkney!

Orkney Travel Information

How to get to Orkney

Orkney has great transport links from across the UK, and can be reached by plane or ferry, with connections by bus, car or train.

Planes fly direct to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Sumburgh, with flights lasting up to one hour.

Choose from four ferry routes, with up to 12 sailings daily, depending on season. Travel times vary, with the John O' Groats Ferry from John o’Groats to Burwick (40 minutes), Pentland Ferries from Gill's Bay to St Margaret's Hope (one hour) and NorthLink Ferries from Scrabster to Stromness (90 minutes) or Aberdeen to Kirkwall (six hours).

Find how to travel to Orkney by plane or ferry!

How to get around Orkney

Orkney’s road, flight and ferry network is good, with public transport connections stopping at major attractions, towns and villages. Famously, the world’s shortest scheduled flight is between Westray and Papa Westray, and takes less than two minutes!

Hire cars and bikes to explore the islands, with taxis available too. Four islands can be reached by road from Orkney Mainland thanks to the Churchill Barriers. The islands are relatively flat, offering good cycling, including along the Prehistoric Loop Ride.

Plan your travel around Orkney by car, bus, ferry or plane.

Get to know Orkney

You can find out more about what to see and do in Orkney, and how to get the best of your break to the islands.

Find more information on Orkney