Heart of Neolithic Orkney

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney achieved World Heritage Site status in 1999 due to its outstanding example of architecture that illustrates a significant stage in human history - a time when the first large ceremonial monuments were built.

But it’s only when you visit in person that you can really appreciate these four sites. Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and you’ll get a real sense of place, as you see how the sites highlight the ancient landscapes around them. You can also take your time, see how the changing light and weather affects them, and imagine what it must have been like to use them on a daily basis, thousands of years ago.

Public transport

You can take public transport up north to the Orkney islands – travelling to Aberdeen and Thurso by Citylink coach or Scotrail train, or to Gills Bay with Citylink. You can then catch the ferry over to the islands.

Ferries

There are three ferry routes, with several daily sailings. Pentland Ferries from Gill's Bay to St Margaret's Hope in 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 in Orkney for 7 hours and onto Lerwick in Shetland.