If you’re looking for a Scottish island adventure, Orkney is a convenient day trip from Celtic Lodges, being just 4 miles from the closest ferry terminal. Sail across to Orkney for a fun-packed day adventure.
An Introduction to Orkney
Orkney is not just one island – it’s in fact made up of 70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited. From Caithness, a meaningful day out can be spent on the island known as mainland Orkney. If you wish to explore more of the islands, we recommend a few days – why not top and tail your trip with a night’s stay at Celtic Lodges?
On mainland Orkney, the main towns are Kirkwall and Stromness. There are other smaller villages around the island, so it’s very useful to use a car to get between the different sights and attractions.
More interesting facts and figures about the Orkney islands can be found on the Scotland.org website.
People who live on Orkney are called Orcadians, and unlike the Western Isles, there is no prevailing history of Gaelic or Gaelic-speakers. There is however a strong Viking and Norse history to explore.
How to get to Orkney
From the north coast of the Scottish mainland, there are two crossing routes across the Pentland Firth from Caithness to Orkney and both ferry companies are listed on our Day Trips and Activities page with links to book a ferry to Orkney below. Watch the video below to compare both ferry crossings.
Pentland Ferries
Pentland Ferries operate multiple daily crossings of MV Pentalina, its catamaran car and passenger ferry between Gills Bay and St Margarets Hope. Gills Bay is just 4 miles further along the NC500 route from Celtic Lodges. The crossing time is 1hr 10 minutes and you’ll pass the islands of Stroma and Swona. Swona is only home to a herd of feral cattle! Look out for seals, dolphins, and various sea birds in cliffs and island coastlines. As you pass the coastline of South Ronaldsay, look out for the gun towers and lookout posts at Hoxa Head, a reminder of the important part that the Orkney Islands played during the second world war. If you’re looking to spend your day around Kirkwall and the east mainland, we’d recommend sailing on this route. Book Tickets
Northlink Ferries
Northlink Ferries operate multiple daily crossings of its car and passenger ferry between Scrabster (just outside of Thurso) and Stromness. Celtic Lodges is around 25 minute drive from Scrabster harbour. The crossing time is 90 minutes and on the way you’ll have the opportunity to see the Old Man of Hoy – 137 metre sea stack. If you’re looking to spend your day around Stromness and the west mainland of Orkney, we’d recommend sailing on this route. Book Tickets
For both Orkney ferry providers, it’s crucial to arrive in plenty of time to check in before your sailing – the ferry waits for no-one! We also advise you to book your passenger and vehicle tickets in advance, as the ferry is a crucial lifeline service for residents and businesses of Orkney.
What to see and do on Orkney
Archaeology
Orkney is rich in archaeological sites, and four of these form the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site:
- Ring of Brodgar: This ring of standing stones was built around 2500-2000BC and covers an area of almost 8500 square metres. It’s the third largest stone circle in the British Isles. Opinions are split on why this stone circle was built, but regardless it’s an atmospheric place to explore!
- Just one mile away from the Ring of Brodgar are the Standing Stones of Stenness, a smaller stone circle which could be the oldest stone circle on the British Isles.
Both of the stone circles are free to visit.
- Maeshowe is an ancient chambered tomb which had an addition of Norse graffiti over 1000 years ago. In winter the setting sun sets in line with the cairn’s entrance illuminating the tomb inside. The cairn is only accessible by guided tour booked in advanced operated by Historic Environment Scotland. Be prepared to crawl to enter!
- Step back into the past at Skara Brae – a Neolithic village which was uncovered by a huge storm in 1850. See prehistoric homes amidst the picturesque setting of the Bay of Skaill, and a very informative exhibition. Advance booking is a must (and you get a discount for doing so!) in the spring and summer months.
Orkney is rich in archaeological history and it’s worth investigating some of the other sites dotted around the mainland.
Wartime history
If you’re interested in modern history, Orkney has significant wartime history for enthusiasts to explore:
- Scapa Flow was the main naval base for the British main fleet during both World Wars. It is most famous for being the location where on the 21st June 1919, German orders to scuttle the entire fleet and 52 ships were sunk. It is possible to dive at Scapa Flow to explore the wrecks that remain on the seabed.
- Churchill Barriers: After the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak at the beginning of World War Two, Winston Churchill ordered the construction of giant causeways to block approaches to Scapa Flow. After the war ended, roads were constructed onto the Churchill Barriers which connect some of the southern Orkney islands to the mainland. Winter storms and high tides can often close the barriers.
- The Italian Chapel is one of Orkney’s most loved attractions. When Italian prisoners of war were transported to Lamb Holm during the second world war, two huts were transformed into a Chapel ornately painted with a scene of the Madonna and child above the altar. Visitors are welcome to pay their respects and see the artistry created in this unique place.
Food and drink in Orkney
With produce including beef, fish, cheese, oatcakes, and sweet treats like their famous fudge, You’ll never go hungry in Orkney! You can find some of the best produce, delis, cafes and restaurants on the Orkney Food and Drink Trail.
Of course you’ll need something to sip with your food. Like the rest of Scotland, Orkney enjoys a rich heritage of distilling and brewing, so if you want to taste your way around – here’s where to start!
Whisky
Scapa (just outside of Kirkwall)
Highland Park (Kirkwall)
Gin
Deerness Distillery (East Mainland)
The Orkney Distillery – (Kirkwall)
Beer
Orkney Brewery (near Stromness)
Wine
Orkney Fruit Wine and Liqueurs (Lamb Holm)
Arts and crafts
Kirkwall and Stromness are the two biggest towns on mainland Orkney and they are fortunate to be packed with many independent shops and producers . Support locals by wandering down the narrow streets and shops to see what you can find!
If you have an interest in Arts and Crafts, take a look at the Creative Orkney Trail. With 25 makers around the island, you can stop in on jewellery makers, potteries, painters, and homeware all taking Orkney as their inspiration.
Scenery and the natural world
Orkney has some stunning locations around all of the islands, and some unique ways to see some of the local wildlife and scenery:
- The Brough of Birsay is a unique causeway walk which is only accessible for a few hours a day whilst the tide is out. Once across the causeway, you can walk up the hill to see historic remains of buildings, look out over the cliffs, and see nesting puffins. Make sure you don’t get too close and disturb them – using a long lens camera or binoculars are best.
- The intriguingly named ‘Gloup’ is part of the Mull Head Nature Reserve on Orkney’s East Mainland, and is a collapsed sea cave with the sea coming in through a blow hole. The word ‘Gloup’ is translated from “gluppa” in Old Norse, a chasm. There is a good path network to explore this coastal area, make sure you take care as the Gloup is unfenced.
- Just like Caithness, Orkney is home to some big beaches and there are ones dotted all around mainland Orkney including; Waulkmill on the west mainland, Dingieshowe on the east, and Scapa Beach near Kirkwall.
- For a walk on some towering cliffs, explore Yesnaby. You might even see some intrepid climbers on the sea stacks!
Orkney Museums and Indoor Attractions
We all know that Scottish weather can disappoint us, sometimes bringing all four seasons in one day! However in addition to the shops of Kirkwall and Stromness, distilleries and attractions like the Italian Chapel, Orkney has many indoor attractions including:
- St Magnus Cathedral which was founded in 1137 and is one of the most eye-catching buildings in Orkney – being made of red and yellow sandstone. St Magnus was the Earl of Orkney in the 12th Century, a time when Orkney was part of the Norwegian Kingdom. It is still a place of worship but you are welcome to visit the stunning building.
- The Orkney Museum which tells a comprehensive story of the history from the prehistoric period right up until modern times. Located in Kirkwall it can keep the whole family entertained for hours!
- The Stromness Museum which hosts a range of permanent collections including natural history, wartime and Scapa Flow, and social and maritime history.
Events
Time your visit to experience one of Orkney’s many events and annual festivals throughout the year! Here are a few highlights but there is always something going on and it’s worth checking the Orkney Events Calendar to see what’s happening.
- Orkney Nature Festival (May) provides the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by Orcadian wildlife. Events have included cruises, nature photography, guided walks, and much more.
- For music fans, you are spoilt for choice with the Orkney Blues Festival (April) and Orkney Folk Festival (May).
- The Orkney Agricultural Show (2nd Sunday in August) is the highlight of the calendar for many Orcadians and a celebration of their livestock, food, drink, craft. It’s extremely popular and a fun day out to meet the locals enjoying a good time!
- In 2025, Orkney is hosting the 2025 International Island Games – A celebration of sports and island communities. This week-long event from 12-18 July will bring together athletes from up to 24 island groups to compete in 12 sports.
If this has whetted your appetite, why not spend a few days in Orkney and stay at Celtic Lodges before and after your trip, before continuing your holiday on the Scottish mainland? There is plenty to see in Caithness, a beautiful area including the most northerly village of the UK mainland at John O’Groats, lots of distilleries, beautiful beaches, castles, golf and lots more within easy reach of our well equipped self-catering lodges.
