Orkney Uncovered
Orkney Uncovered
5
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Orkney Uncovered Private Tours, provides private guided tours of the Orkney Islands. We cover all of Orkney’s history, culture, economy, food and drink. We specialise in Military history and Scapa Flow. We provide bespoke Ancient Orkney private tours with a focus on Neolithic Orkney, the Iron Age and the Viking Ages. All our tours are tailored to meet our clients requirements. Orkney Uncovered Private Tours are open 365 day a year and offer professional,fun and informative private touring experience.
Kirkwall, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
643 reviews
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1
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Footprints168617
Brighton, UK1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Friends
We went for a day out with Undercover Orkney's Kinlay and I asked him to take us to places off the beaten track - he did not disappoint. We just had to say what kind of things we were into and he tailor made our tour for us. Super knowledge, great personality, sense of humour and was a super hero helping me back from the Broch of Deerness which is a steep and slippy trail. Nothing is too much trouble. He goes at your pace and checks for personal limitations to make sure you are able to do the things on offer. If you visit Orkney, I would certainly recommend at least one day out with Kinlay, I wish we had booked more, as there's so much to see and learn. What a great guy.
Written 22 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J B
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
Orkney is so rich in Neolithic, Iron Age and World War history there is hardly an acre on these islands without a story. Our guide, Kinley, not only prepared our itinerary based on our interests we shared with him before our trip, but tailored each adventure to our capabilities (recent broken ankle) with flexibility (weather) and with endless knowledge, energy and Viking fun. Personally, I can't wait to return to visit more islands, Rousay and the "Great Ship of Death" was just one highlight, plus the unexpected woolley pigs, rare flora, abundant wildlife and the secret indoor picnic spot, with tea, coffee and an honesty box.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you so much the amazing review. It was a pleasure to guide you all for your private tailored itinerary.
Glad you enjoyed seeing the Great Ship of Death on Rousay.
Thank you for booking with Orkney Uncovered I do hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 8 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris B
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
Fantastic experience with Kinkay of Orkney Uncovered. He did a personalized 2-day tour for my wife and I, along with my parents and aunt and uncle. We visited the final resting place of a family member who was killed in action during WWII and Kinlay even researched the circumstances of the battle for us. It looked like gale-force winds and bad weather were going to prevent the visit to the cemetery, but Kinlay made sure, come hell or high water, that we made it there and made it there safely. Kinlay was very accommodating to the senior members of our family and filled the trip with very entertaining stories and historical facts and stops. I could not recommend a guide more highly than we would recommend Kinlay and Kirstay. World class experience.
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoLoSF415
San Francisco, CA7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
A friend and I booked an amazing 3-day tour with Orkney Uncovered to visit Neolithic and contemporary Orkney.
Kirsty helped us with tailoring our schedule to suit our interests. She provided great suggestions for sites to visit, and places to stay and eat, as we hadn't been to mainland before. She is organized and timely in her communication, both of which help make the experience seamless and fun to plan!
Kinlay is a wealth of information and an expert on all things Orkney; history and prehistory. He is also quite the prepared guide, providing gear for cave/cairn explorations; water in the van; current weather and tide schedules as relates to the activities of the day.
I highly recommend private tours with Orkney Uncovered. You get to co-create your own experience, and share in the profound beauty and sense of place that Kinlay and Kirsty call home.
Kirsty helped us with tailoring our schedule to suit our interests. She provided great suggestions for sites to visit, and places to stay and eat, as we hadn't been to mainland before. She is organized and timely in her communication, both of which help make the experience seamless and fun to plan!
Kinlay is a wealth of information and an expert on all things Orkney; history and prehistory. He is also quite the prepared guide, providing gear for cave/cairn explorations; water in the van; current weather and tide schedules as relates to the activities of the day.
I highly recommend private tours with Orkney Uncovered. You get to co-create your own experience, and share in the profound beauty and sense of place that Kinlay and Kirsty call home.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Many thanks for your amazing review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
I had a great time guiding you both over your 3 days of tours. We had such fun exploring all the amazing ancient sites.
We are so happy you enjoyed your private tours. I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Have a great 2025.
Best wishes,
Kinlay and Kirsty
Orkney Uncovered
Written 5 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GRB186334
Leicester, UK6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The whole experience was sublime from the friendliness and approachability of Kinlay to the outstandingly beautiful spots he took us. This blended in with his endless local and historic knowledge of Orkney meant we were lacking for nothing.
Little touches like the the bottles of Scottish mineral water carefully placed around his comfortable roomy VW Multivan shouted ‘this is a guide who knows how to look after us’
Well Done Kinkay. We couldn’t praise him enough. A wonderful day out and with lots of laughter and knowledge.
Little touches like the the bottles of Scottish mineral water carefully placed around his comfortable roomy VW Multivan shouted ‘this is a guide who knows how to look after us’
Well Done Kinkay. We couldn’t praise him enough. A wonderful day out and with lots of laughter and knowledge.
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Many thanks for your amazing review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
We are so happy you enjoyed your private tour. I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Have a great 2025.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Written 5 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
naturecoastmom
43 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
If you want a first class tour of Orkney I highly recommend Orkney Uncovered. Kinlay’s knowledge of the islands is impressive and every tour is tailored specifically to each individual or group. And weather is never an issue, they will work around it if necessary, though I didn’t mind the rain. I did the multi-day tour and Kinlay provided a diverse range of destinations beyond the conventional tourist hotspots.
My favorite was Happy Valley, a little piece of woodland on a relatively tree-free island with a stream running through it and a little cottage. There are little paths and trails throughout the peaceful property. At my request, Kinlay took me back to this spot on three separate occasions.
Kinlay’s extensive knowledge of the island’s history, from Neolithic to modern warfare is remarkable. I strongly recommend Orkney Uncovered if you want a tour that has been personalized to your preferences.
My favorite was Happy Valley, a little piece of woodland on a relatively tree-free island with a stream running through it and a little cottage. There are little paths and trails throughout the peaceful property. At my request, Kinlay took me back to this spot on three separate occasions.
Kinlay’s extensive knowledge of the island’s history, from Neolithic to modern warfare is remarkable. I strongly recommend Orkney Uncovered if you want a tour that has been personalized to your preferences.
Written 15 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pamela h
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I would highly recommend Orkney Uncovered. The experience would not have been as informative and educational without our guide Kinlay. His wealth of knowledge brought the spirits of ancients to light. Booking was extremely easy and we received prompt responses to our queries. Kinlay’s good sense of humour added to an incredible experience to our visit to Orkney.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Pamela,
Many thanks for your amazing review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
We are so happy you enjoyed your ancient private tour. I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Have a great 2025.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 5 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judy B
Lavallette, NJ4 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
Without doubt, the best tour I've ever experienced!!! After so many years dreaming about it, my family and I were able to visit my uncle's grave in the Lyness Naval Cemetery in Hoy, in the Orkneys. Kinlay tailored a private tour itinerary and gave us wonderful tours of Orkney (spectacular in a hurricane!) and of Hoy. His knowledge of the islands is amazing, and his presentation varied from serious to hilarious, making each day really enjoyable. The name Orkney Uncovered says it all!
Written 19 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Many thanks for your amazing review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
I’m glad we managed to visit your uncles grave at the Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery. We also battled with the exciting and exhilarating breeze.
We are so happy you enjoyed your private tour. I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Have a great 2025.
Best wishes,
Kinlay and Kirsty
Orkney Uncovered
Written 5 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve S
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
We arrived in Kirkwall on 9 April 2024 and headed back to Edinburgh on 17 April. We booked an entire week with Kinlay Francis of Orkney Unvovered and had an absolutely wonderful time. Although our weather was blustery, windy, damp and cold, Kinlay knows where to go and how to show you a great time. Over the six days we hit the major Mainland Archaeologicla sites at Stennes, Brodger and Skara Brae plus Maes How. In addition,. since were all pretty spry, we did some fabulous cliff walks along Yesnaby and Mull Head and traipsed along to the Broch of Deerness. We ferried over to Westray in search of the just arriving Puffins, tramped they Noltland Castle, hit the Wool Shop and had some great meals. We ferried to Shapinsay and sorted around a fabulous inverted Broch. We ferried to Hoy, visited and crawled inside the Dwarfie Stone, walked along Rackjwick, visited the incredible Scapa Flow museum at Lyness, and wore ourselves out traipsing along the headlands near Rackwick.
Kinlay is an exceptional Guide,,,never met anyone as knowledgeable about the natural and ancient history of this land, and he's completely up on the Military History of the Islands dating back several centuries.
If your dine the Orkney Islands of interest, and I hope you do, the best decision you could make would be to book Kinlay Francis of Orkney Uncovered as your Tour Guide. He is, most simply, the best.
Kinlay is an exceptional Guide,,,never met anyone as knowledgeable about the natural and ancient history of this land, and he's completely up on the Military History of the Islands dating back several centuries.
If your dine the Orkney Islands of interest, and I hope you do, the best decision you could make would be to book Kinlay Francis of Orkney Uncovered as your Tour Guide. He is, most simply, the best.
Written 8 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you so very much for the excellent review, we really appreciate the feedback as do our prospective clients.
We certainly did cover some incredible islands and places.
Glad you enjoyed the local cuisine. Thank you for booking with Orkney Uncovered it was a pleasure to guide you.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 8 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elaine b
Rickmansworth, UK66 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
This is the second time we’ve had a day’s guided tour by Kinlay and, yet again, it was the best day you can have for an in depth understanding of the Orkney Isles whilst having a whole load of fun and laughter. Kinlay manages to impart a generous amount of wisdom and knowledge about this beautiful location but keeps the day relaxed and informal - we can’t recommend his tours highly enough. Completely bespoke to whatever you want the focus to be with doorstep delivery. Thanks Kinlay - we are already looking forward to coming back…
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Minty,
Thanks for the amazing review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
So glad you thoroughly enjoyed your second trip to Orkney.
We sure did cover a lot of great areas and I look forward to guiding you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi.
I am a single traveller who will arrive by ferry on 17/0918 and get the early ferry back on the 19th.
Do you have any spare seats with fellow customers who would be happy to share?
If so which day and cost would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cheers,
Deb Cayzer.
Australia.
Written 15 August 2018
Hi Deb,
Many thanks for your enquiry, unfortunately we only offer private tours of he Orkney Islands.
We hope you enjoy your time in Orkney when you visit.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 15 August 2018
I'm visiting to give a talk at the Science Festival and wondered of you had any availability for 2 of us on Saturday Sept 8th?
Written 19 June 2018
Hi thanks for your question. We offer private tours and we are delighted to say we have availability on the 8th September.
For full details and the types of tailored tour we offer please visit and contact us through our website Orkney Uncovered.
Best wishes,
Kirsty and Kinlay
Written 20 June 2018
Do you have any openings for July 11, 2018?
Written 12 June 2018
Hi,
I thought we had answered this, it seems not, so apologies for the delay.
I’m afraid we are fully booked for July. There are a few other companies you could try. Perhaps Reds Tours of Orkney.
Hope you have a great time on Orkney.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Written 20 June 2018
We will be in Inverness in Sept and wish to spend several days in the Orkneys exploring. Would you advise hiring a car to get there and then hiring your company for day tours or come by train and ferry then hire you? Do you supply the car?
Written 5 June 2018
Hi,
Thanks for your enquiry. Please can you let me know when you are looking to come over to Orkney in September, as we have only a couple of days remaining.
Many thanks,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 5 June 2018
JHilt_51
Mission Viejo, California
Do you have any availability for September 28, 2018? We have people for a large group or we could do a small group.
Written 2 June 2018
Hi,
Many thanks for your enquiry, unfortunately we are already fully booked for the 28th September.
If you have a look on Google for group tours in Orkney, you should be able to find some options.
Best regards,
Kirsty
Orkney Uncovered
Written 3 June 2018
JHilt_51
Mission Viejo, California
Do you have anything available on September 28, 2018?
Written 2 June 2018
Hi thanks for your question. We are not sure why this has gone unanswered, there has been some issues with my TripAdvisor account so we are sorry that it is only now appearing.
I’m afraid we are already fully booked for the 28th September. We would recommend trying Reds Tours of Orkney.
Have a great time on Orkney.
Best wishes,
Kirsty
Written 20 June 2018
Hi. Party of 4 Canadians arriving on Monday September 24, 2018 at 8:00 am aboard the Norwegian Jade with departure at 5:00 pm for a private car tour of Okrney. What time is pick up at the ship and the return time to the ship, and the rate please. Thank you. Chris
Written 27 May 2018
Hi,
Thanks for your message. I am afraid that we have been booked for this day for many months.
You should check with the ships concierge and see if they have access to any private cars.
That or please do try another tour firm as there are several in Orkney.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 28 May 2018
We will be in Kirkwall on July19, 2018. What is the tour availability for two adult? What is the cost?
Written 26 May 2018
Hi,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Unfortunately we are already fully booked for July 19th.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 28 May 2018
Hi, do you have any availability in the next 2-3 days? Thank you!
Written 12 May 2018
Hi Trisha,
Many thanks for your enquiry, unfortunately we are fully booked for the rest of May.
Sorry we cannot be of assistance on this occasion but we hope you enjoy your time on Orkney when you arrive.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 12 May 2018
calabs1082
East Brunswick, New Jersey
my wife and I will be cruising to Kirkwall on June 4th on Norwegian line, arriving at 11am and leaving 7pm. We're looking for a tour that will take us to the Quaholm farmhouse (my wife's ancestors lived there), as well as some of the Neolithic sites. Is there any availability on this date, and if so, what would be the cost. Hope to hear from you soon!
Written 3 May 2018
Hi,
Many thanks for your message, unfortunately we are already fully booked for this date.
Sorry we cannot be of assistance on this occasion but hope you enjoy your time on Orkney when you arrive.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 3 May 2018
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