Orkney: Day Trip from Stromness with Skara Brae & Standing Stones

Summary

Orkney’s ancient stones, wild cliffs and village life in one day

You’ll step off the ferry into Orkney’s wild air, walk among ancient homes at Skara Brae, feel wind-whipped on Yesnaby’s cliffs, and share stories with locals along the way. This day trip from Stromness includes guided visits to Neolithic sites, free time in Kirkwall, bottled water—and memories that linger long after you’ve left those standing stones behind.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand where people lived 5,000 years ago? I didn’t really expect much when I caught the early ferry from Scrabster — just hoped for decent weather and maybe a quiet seat. The sea was cold and salty on my lips (wind does that), and by the time we rolled into Stromness, I’d already spotted a few seals bobbing near the dock. Our guide — Margaret, who seemed to know every stone and story — met us right at the travel centre. She handed out bottled water (“You’ll need this later,” she grinned), then herded us onto the minibus like we were her slightly confused family.

The first stop was Yesnaby’s cliffs. It’s not just wind up there — it’s like the air itself is older somehow. Gulls screamed overhead, and I kept one hand on my hat so it wouldn’t end up in Norway. Then came Skara Brae: mossy stone houses half-buried in sand, the sea just beyond. Margaret told us how folks once slept here with their animals inside (she made a face — “imagine the smell!”). We had some free time to poke around Skaill House or grab something at the café. I went for soup because it felt right with all that chill in the air.

I still think about how quiet it was at the Ring of Brodgar. Just us and those stones standing in a circle, sheep off in the distance ignoring everything as usual. Margaret explained how nobody really knows why they’re there — “ceremony? calendar? nobody agrees.” After that we walked among the Standing Stones of Stenness; someone tried to hug one (not me), which got a laugh out of everyone except maybe the stone itself.

We had some time in Kirkwall too — I wandered into a tiny bakery where an old man nodded at me but didn’t say much (Orcadian style hospitality?). On our way back, Margaret pointed out Scapa Flow and told stories about wartime ships hidden beneath those calm waters. Honestly, I lost track of all the history after a while; sometimes you just want to look out at green fields and let your mind wander, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Orkney day trip highlights

• Take ferry from Scrabster to Orkney
• Photo stop at Yesnaby Cliffs
• Guided tour of Skara Brae village
• Explore Skaill House and visitor centre
• Guided tour of Ring of Brodgar stone circle
• Guided tour of Standing Stones of Stenness
• Drive around Scapa Flow war history sites
• Free time in Kirkwall town
• Return to Stromness Travel Centre
• Take ferry back to Scrabster

Top questions

How do I get to Orkney for this day trip?

You take the Northlink Ferry from Scrabster to Stromness; fares are not included in the tour price.

Is lunch included on this Orkney day trip?

No, lunch isn’t included but you can buy food at Skara Brae café or in Kirkwall; bringing your own is suggested for more site time.

What are the main stops on this Orkney tour?

The tour visits Yesnaby cliffs, Skara Brae & Skaill House, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Kirkwall town, and Scapa Flow.

Where does this Orkney day trip start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Stromness Travel Centre where the Northlink Ferry arrives from Scrabster.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at Stromness Travel Centre after arriving by ferry.

Are ferry tickets included in this tour?

No, ferry fares between Scrabster and Stromness are not included; check Northlink Ferries for current prices.

Is this Orkney tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No, it is not suitable if you arrive by cruise ship in Kirkwall as starting point is 15 miles away.

Are there any accessibility concerns with seating?

The vehicle seats are 48–51cm wide; if you need more space for comfort you can purchase an extra seat.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout and guided entry to Skara Brae with time to explore Skaill House or visit its café. You’ll travel by minibus with a local guide from Stromness Travel Centre after your ferry arrival—lunch isn’t provided but options are available along the way before returning in time for your evening ferry back to Scrabster.