We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 20 Mainland Attractions »

Skara Brae

Scotland
Ranked #1 of 15 attractions in Mainland
5.0 of 5 stars 49 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Ancient Ruins
Activities: City walk sightseeing
Owner description: The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, near the dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill, is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses... more » Owner description: The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, near the dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill, is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the attraction presents a remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years ago.Visitors can experience a prehistoric village and see ancient homes fitted with stone beds, dressers and seats. A replica construction allows visitors to fully understand the interior of a prehistoric house. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

49 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    41
    6
    1
    1
    0
Date Rating
Mims, Florida
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

This is a very well preserved site and the view from the top is magnificent. The visitor center is full of information and also has a replica of what the original brae must have looked like. You will not be disappointed. A true piece of human history.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by flennee for Mainland
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

This is a must see when visiting Orkney. The weather on the day of our visit was very windy, people were being turned away site was closed, we were the last to be admitted. So it is worth checking to avoid disappointment. The visitor centre is very good with cheery and helpful staff. Our only gripe would be that it... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
155 helpful votes 155 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

This is great, moving, full of history and emotion and so well done, a top site - a must see - BUT it is not a big site and a couple of couch tours can become too much. If possible allow enough time to find a gap between coach parties and it will seem MUCH better. The overcrowding was bad... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Thurso, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

If you go to orkney this must be on your hit list! located right on edge of western coast of Mainland Orkney. You can wander round the edge peering down into the little houses. Can't go in them , but there is a reconstructed " house " which is an exact copy that you can go into. . good beach... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by ac w for Mainland
Scotland
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I have wanted to visit this site for years and my friend and I finally made it. The Visitor Centre was excellent - just enough information, not overpowering. Staff were friendly and helpful even though clearly short staffed the day we were there. We ate in the cafe and had local produce. This was well presented and tasty. Cafe staff... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Staff and guide book very informative, you have to see it to believe it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Kirkwall
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012
2
people found this review helpful

The prehistoric village of Skara Brae in the Orkney Isles is certainly worth a visit. The walk to the villaage has marker stones depicting great events through the ages with Skara Brae being the oldest at 5,100 years old. If you wish, you can also make your way back to the reception centre vis Skaill house - an old haunted... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Orkney
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Visited between Christmas and New Year and had the place to ourselves. The guide Fiona was a mine of information and we enjoyed a pleasant hour improving our knowledge of this ancient site. Would recommend a visit to anyone.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Latheron, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Very interesting to see how people lived a long time ago.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Awesome attraction where you glimpse life in a neolithic village. It is in fantastic order for a village that's over 5000 years old. It was buried under sand and soil and this preserved it through the millenia. The houses, sleeping quarters, communicty craft hall, walkways and village square are all the in remarkable condition. As you walk to the site... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Skara Brae also viewed

Orkney Archaeology Tours - Private tours
5 of 5 stars 78 Reviews
Kirkwall, Mainland
Saint Magnus Cathedral
5 of 5 stars 42 Reviews
Kirkwall, Mainland
 
Italian Chapel
5 of 5 stars 27 Reviews
Mainland, Orkney Islands
Tomb of the Eagles
4 of 5 stars 21 Reviews
Orkney Islands, Scotland
 

Been to Skara Brae? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Skara Brae, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's