One of the greatest advantages of staying in Stromness is its proximity to Orkney’s world-renowned archaeological sites. Within just a short drive, you can step back 5,000 years into the islands’ Neolithic past.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Skara Brae

Perhaps the most remarkable prehistoric site in Europe, Skara Brae offers an unparalleled glimpse into Neolithic domestic life. This incredibly preserved stone village was hidden beneath sand dunes until a violent storm in 1850 revealed its ancient dwellings. Walking amongst these 5,000-year-old houses—complete with stone furniture, hearths and storage areas—provides an intimate connection with our distant ancestors. More sophisticated than many visitors expect, these ingeniously designed homes feature drainage systems and even primitive forms of locking doors.

Ring of Brodgar

Standing in silent majesty amidst a natural amphitheatre of hills is the Ring of Brodgar, a perfect circle of towering standing stones. Originally comprising 60 stones (of which 27 remain), this enormous ceremonial site is surrounded by a rock-cut ditch and forms part of a massive prehistoric ritual complex. Visit at sunset when the ancient monoliths are silhouetted against Orkney’s expansive skies for a truly atmospheric experience.

Standing Stones of Stenness

Older and even more imposing than their neighbours at Brodgar, the remaining stones at Stenness soar over 5 metres tall. Though only four of the original twelve stones remain standing, they create a powerful presence in the landscape. Together with nearby prehistoric sites, they form part of a ceremonial landscape that archaeologists are still working to fully understand.

Maeshowe

Marvel at the engineering prowess of Neolithic builders at Maeshowe, widely considered the finest chambered tomb in Northern Europe. This monumental structure features perfectly constructed stonework and is precisely aligned so that the midwinter setting sun illuminates its inner chamber. Later Viking visitors left their mark with extensive runic graffiti, earning Maeshowe the distinction of housing Europe’s largest collection of runic inscriptions outside Scandinavia.

Ness of Brodgar

Between the Rings of Brodgar and Stenness lies the Ness of Brodgar, where ongoing excavations are revealing a massive complex of ceremonial buildings that’s revolutionising our understanding of Neolithic society. If you’re visiting during the summer dig season, don’t miss the opportunity to see archaeologists at work uncovering the latest discoveries at this extraordinary site.