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Orkney
See 5,000 year old sites in the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, stroll along idyllic beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, get up close to amazing wildlife and reconnect with nature in Orkney. Discover Orkney Islands and find information on Orkney holidays, how to travel to Orkney, Orkney map, and more.
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The Outrun
Orkney's made an appearance on the big screen this September, starring as the stunning backdrop in The Outrun. Based on the best-selling memoir by local author, Amy Liptrot, this honest drama focuses on Rona's return to the Orkney Isles and how she navigates recovery, strength and survival with help from the sea, the land and the people closest to her.
The film features a range of majestic Orkney locations, including Papa Westray, West Mainland and Hoy, that are the perfect destination for an autumn break or getaway. From the islands' rich history and heritage to mesmerising coastal seascapes, and a wealth of wildlife to spot, too.
Things to Do in Orkney
Find amazing things to do in Orkney. Enjoy the outdoors, go on wildlife tours, visit world class attractions including the Italian Chapel, and enjoy some free time.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Around 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building monuments and landmarks out of stone.
Landscapes & Nature in Orkney
Reset your mind and body and reconnect with nature in beautiful island surroundings.
Leisure & Sport in Orkney
Visitors of all ages can get active across Orkney all year round, whatever the weather.
Shopping in Orkney
Find a unique gift or keepsake in one of Orkney's independent shops.
Inspiration for Orkney Breaks
Places to Stay
Find the right accommodation in Orkney to suit your budget, from camping and lodges to friendly B&Bs and cosy self-catering options.
Tours, Routes & Trails
Make your way around Orkney on a dedicated tour or trail, from ancient pilgramages to tasty foodie experiences.
Lorraine Kelly's Guide to Orkney
Orkney casts a spell over all its visitors. Among them are popular tv presenter Lorraine Kelly. Lorraine tells us all about her favourite things to see and do while exploring this destination which holds a special place in her heart.
Discover the magic of Orkney with the help of Lorraine's personal itinerary.
Unique Experiences
Experience some of Orkney's best loved and most unusual attractions.
The Italian Chapel
The Italian Chapel is a highly ornate Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands.
11 breathtaking photos of Orkney
Andrew Learmonth from Destination Orkney shares his top beauty spots across Orkney.
Orkney's lesser-known islands
Enjoy some of Scotland’s most remote landscapes with our list of some of the lesser-known islands.
Map of Orkney
Explore Orkney
Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at our iCentres.
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Travel to and around Orkney
Getting to Orkney
Ferry
There are three ferry routes, with several daily sailings. Pentland Ferries from Gill's Bay to St Margaret's Hope, Orkney (one hour) is the quickest sailing, and the most environmentally-friendly passenger ferry of its type in Scotland, thanks to the new purpose-built catamaran MV Alfred.
You can also sail with NorthLink Ferries for 1.5 hours from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney, or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, Orkney for 7 hours and onto Lerwick in Shetland.
Train
You can take public transport up north to the Orkney islands – you can travel to Aberdeen and Thurso by Scotrail train. You can then catch the ferry over to the islands.
Flying
Planes also fly direct to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness with Loganair, with flights lasting up to one hour. There are connections from Birmingham, Belfast City, Bristol, Exeter, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and Teesside.
Getting around Orkney
Driving
Many people arrive in Orkney in their own car or hired vehicle. Orkney has quiet roads and an excellent inter-island ferry service. Electric vehicle drivers will find multiple public charging points across the islands. You can find petrol stations in Kirkwall, Stromness and Dounby as well as petrol pumps on some of the outer islands.
There are several car-hire firms and taxi services on Orkney if you don't have a vehicle.
Cycling
Bike hire is widely available in Orkney. Bicycles can be hired in both Kirkwall and Stromness and outer islands such as North Ronaldsay and Stronsay.
Bus and coach
Prefer to travel by bus? Orkney's local bus services will help you reach most corners of the Orkney mainland. The network can be used to visit iconic sites such as the Ring of Brodgar and Italian Chapel. The outer islands often have local bus services too.
Ferry
Looking to hop around several islands? Check out services from Orkney Ferries which are accessible from four ports on the Orkney mainland.
Flying
For an exciting sightseeing adventure, you could even hop onboard an inter-island flight with Loganair. These flights reach six islands from Kirkwall Airport, including the shortest scheduled flight in the world, between Westray and Papa Westray.
Places to Eat in Orkney
Food & Drink
Orkney is full of exciting food & drink destinations. Why not sample a tipple or brew or take a look at our list of island restuarants to try?
A tip from your local expert
Step back 5000 years with a visit to western Europe’s best preserved prehistoric village. Skara Brae is older than Stonehenge and gives you a true insight into the lives of people who are long gone.
Josh
VisitScotland
Find out moreOther things you might like
Accommodation in Orkney
10 Amazing Things to Do in Orkney
Orkney's hidden gems
Scotland's Islands
Scottish Islands & Island Hopping
Wellness Retreats in Scotland
Airports & Flights in Scotland
Getting around Scotland by Ferry
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