THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Mainland (2025) - Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in Mainland
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Skara Brae, Saint Magnus Cathedral, Archaeology Tours, Ports of Call Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Skara Brae, Saint Magnus Cathedral, Archaeology Tours, Ports of Call Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)£216
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)£275
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£251
Day Tripsfromper adult£119- fromper group (up to 4)£520
Multi-day Toursfromper adult£462
Car Toursfromper group (up to 4)£250
Full-day Toursfromper adult£168
Half-day Toursfromper adult£99- fromper adult£237
Historic Sites
Neolithic village dating back 5,000 years, presenting stone-built houses and a reconstructed prehistoric home for interactive learning about ancient life.
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Historic Sites
Historic cathedral adorned with red sandstone, ancient tombstones, and stained glass. Features Romanesque and Gothic elements, guided tours, and a serene atmosphere.
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Distilleries
Modern distillery nestled in a chic building with a stylish bar and café area. Enjoy informative gin tours, sample local gins, and relax on the dog-friendly patio.
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Historic Sites
Historic stone circle set in a dramatic landscape, ideal for leisurely walks and photography. Offers a glimpse into Neolithic life with accessible paths and dog-friendly areas.
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Distilleries
Whisky tasting sessions with rare samples in an inviting layout, complemented by educational distillery tours and a well-stocked gift shop.
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Churches & Cathedrals
Historical chapel with ornate wood carvings and painted interior, created by WWII prisoners of war. Reflects a poignant history and cultural exchange, located near scenic Churchill Barriers.
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Historic Sites
Neolithic tomb with a reflective ambiance, accessed via shuttle with pre-booked guided tours. Insightful exploration of ancient architecture and carvings.
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History Museums
Iron Age ruins await for a historical journey through well-preserved living spaces and informative exhibits, set in a wild, romantic landscape. Dog-friendly and ideal for immersive exploration.
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Coastal ferry journey showcasing the Orkneys, providing panoramic sea views and a unique travel experience with clean, organised cabins and pet-friendly options. Ideal for an overnight adventure.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Cliff-top walks with clear paths provide views of dramatic sea stacks and the Old Man of Hoy. Interpretive signs and wildlife complement the natural scenery. Caution advised near cliff edges.
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Bodies of Water
Historic coastal sanctuary with WWII memorials, serene gardens, and military remnants. Reflect on maritime history amid natural beauty and somber war legacies.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Susan GColumbia, MD3 contributionsWhat an experience this was.....an intimate look into the lives of the Neolithic families who lived in Skara Brae! This village which was covered in sand in a huge storm thousands of years ago, and then made visible in a huge storm again, painstakingly uncovered so that we can learn about the clever lives these ancient people were able to live in that harsh environment. Being able to look down into the houses as they were furnished thousands of years ago was a very intimate and humbling experience. I will never forget it....it's a must not miss experience in Scotland!!Written 3 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mccue1690Fraserburgh, UK162 contributionsA really enjoyable couple of hours doing the upper level tour of this magnificent building. Our guide was a knowledgeable friendly lady who told us all the history of the cathedral and Kirkwall. The steps up the five levels were challenging but we were never rushed and safety was a priority. We saw amazing architecture and artefacts then went outside to see some amazing views. Can definitely recommend this tour and at £15 per person a real bargainWritten 28 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris ETreasure Island, FL1 contributionI thought the information and history was interesting and appreciated that any/all questions we had were answered. Samples were great (although I never drink gin straight), but it was fun to taste the differences between them. Tour description was accurate and we especially enjoyed the beverage at the tours end. Will definitely recommend Orkney Distilling to anyone visiting Kirkwall.Written 22 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RenéCape Town, South Africa186 contributionsUtterly gorgeous, magical and mind-blowing. I went back the next day to grab the free tour that was provided and could not believe how shallow those stones are actually embedded into the ground and where they came from.
Just being there is amazing, but I highly recommend joining for the weekly tour as you learn information that you might not have known. An absolutely amazing experience.Written 28 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AL_reviewer_2014Weymouth, UK189 contributionsWe were devastated to find out the Highland Park Distillery was closed, so rushed to the shop to see what we could do. The shop offers "tours" and tasters. You got into a small room off the shop and watch a short video. Then you have your taster with excellent notes. James joined us and answered all our questions – and we had a lot of them! It was absolutely fascinating. We did one tasting of the "basics" and one of the cask strength ones. I highly recommend the latter as you are unlikely to have tried them before. We had planned to just buy a miniature, but ended up splashing out on a #4 cask strength one. Delicious. James, you were a superb "guide". This was definitely a highlight of our two-week holiday in Scotland.Written 15 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- carolisasingerStoke-on-Trent, UK41 contributionsI'm writing this review over a week following our return from The Orkneys and I can honestly say that our visit to The Italian Chapel will live in my memory for the rest of my life. It's literally unmissable if you come to Orkney. Built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII and the love, care, artistry and passion that they poured in to these two Nissen Huts that were put together is stunning. Its left a big impression on me. Its small, it doesn't take long to look around but it will grab you...I promise!
All credit to the people who built it and to the ones who are preserving it. Thank you.Written 8 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Katrina May C19 contributionsMind blowing excellent..
From the mini bus journey, the history to the location you will just be shocked and amazed by it's beauty.Written 1 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ScotlandmacGlasgow, UK14,670 contributionsEnjoyed this at least as much as Skara Brae though it is 3,000 years younger.Super range of the remains of an extensive Iron Age village in a very scenic location.Much quieter than Skara Brae.
Local member of staff was very interesting about the history and finds too.Missed this first time around, glad we made it this time.Written 26 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ThereseDevonSidmouth, UK10 contributionsWe had an amazing time. We left from Scrabster on November 3rd. Neither myself nor my husband had ever done anything like this before so were a little cautious - completely unnecessary. We had every confidence in the amazing staff and BEAUTIFUL ferry. It looks so luxurious inside and out. The Captain said that the sea was reasonably calm but there was a slight swell so there would be a little rocking, we stayed on deck all the way across. Absolutely beautiful. WE WILL BE GOING AGAIN WITH NORTHLINK. Highly recommend them. I would go again tomorrow. Beautiful. Thank you NorthLink.Written 7 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris MWetherby, UK1,702 contributionsOur group tour of Orkney included a visit to this area. The road to reach here actually ends on top of the cliffs! There is an area for parking, but it remained full with vehicles parked on the edge of the access road when we were there. Remains of some old wartime military buildings are still standing on the cliffs. The views of the jagged and high sheer drop formations and also out to sea are spectacular. There is plenty of space to walk, but the warning signs are valid. Care is required on the surface underfoot, and it was also quite windy when we visited, requiring more care. Information boards explain about the area, and the sights are well worth the journey down the single track road.Written 19 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BarbaraRiekwelCoatbridge, UK931 contributionsScapa flow is of course, a large body of water but went to see the memorial al the beach. We drove around part of it and stopped at the barriers to see the ship wrecks. Interesting and impressiveWritten 6 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- P214RQwilliampBeaumaris, Australia20 contributionsMy wife & I were last in Orkney in March 2023 when I went to a tasting at the Northern most distillery. I was also given a leave pass to go to Scapa to sample their wares, however I ran out of time.
This time my wife, youngest daughter (no longer in the twenties) & myself found some time in Sept 24 for a quick visit (finally got around to writing a review).
On entry to the welcoming area we were greeted by Adrian who soon had us in fits of laughter with some of his tales. W hadn't booked a tour, however Adrian showed me a list of tastings available. I remember that I tried the 'Land' series (2024 Scapa 11yr old, 2023 Scapa 13yr old PC finish & a 2019 Longmorn 20yr old) , & it was extremely well priced. Adrian was unable to take the tasting as he was to start a tour, though he did manage to grab Kris to instruct us.
I was the only one sampling, but his knowledge & stories of his past captivated my wife & daughter. Kris has a very good knowledge of the distillery & it's Single Malts & his passion for Scapa shows.
If you ever get to Orkney, you must stop in at Scapa, I can't recommend it enough.
Slàinte MhathWritten 25 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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