Orkney Day Trip from Stromness: Skara Brae & Stone Circles

What happens when you walk inside a house that's been standing for five thousand years?

You visit four Neolithic and historical sites across Orkney in a single day, with a guide at Skara Brae and the stone circles, plus free time in Kirkwall. Entry to Skara Brae and water are included. The tour is timed to get you back to Stromness for the afternoon NorthLink Ferry to Scrabster, so it works only if that's your departure point or you're staying in Orkney and can reach Stromness by start time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Skara Brae1h 30m · entry included
2. Ring of Brodgar30m
3. Standing Stones of Stenness15m
4. Scapa Flowpassing by

Explore Orkney's Neolithic sites and scenery

• Photo stop at Yesnaby Cliffs
• Guided tour of Skara Brae village
• Free time at 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 exploring Kirkwall town

The experience

You start the day in Stromness, which matters because this tour is built around the afternoon ferry back to Scrabster, not around cruise ships or Kirkwall hotels. The guide picks you up and heads straight for Yesnaby, where the cliffs drop hard enough that you feel the wind change. It's a photo stop, maybe ten minutes, but the light on those rocks stays with you. Then you're at Skara Brae, the Neolithic village, and a guide walks you through what's left of the stone walls and hearths. Five thousand years, and you can still see where people cooked and slept. There's a café there if you want lunch, or a visitor centre, but most people bring something and stay longer at the site itself.

After Skara Brae you move to the Ring of Brodgar, another stone circle, older than Stonehenge, standing in a field with almost nothing around it. The guide explains what archaeologists think happened here, and you get time to walk the circle yourself. Then the Standing Stones of Stenness, which are closer together, more intimate somehow. By this point you've seen three different Neolithic sites in one morning, which is either exactly what you want or more than enough. The drive between stops gives you a sense of the island: moorland, lochs, very few trees. You swing through Kirkwall, the main town, for free time and lunch if you didn't eat at Skara Brae. On the way back to Stromness, the guide talks about Scapa Flow and its role in World War II. The naval history is woven through the landscape here, and you see it from the vehicle. You're back at Stromness in time for the afternoon ferry, which is the whole point of the timing.

One thing to know: the seats are narrow, between 48 and 51 centimetres wide. Legroom is fine, but if you're broad-shouldered or just want more space, you can buy an extra seat. Bottled water is included. Lunch isn't, so bring something or plan to eat at one of the stops. The café at Skara Brae is convenient, but it does cut into your time at the site. This tour does not work for cruise passengers arriving in Kirkwall. The ferry departure point is 25 minutes away, and the timing won't match your ship's schedule. If that's you, there's a separate West Mainland tour designed for cruise guests.

What’s included

• Your day includes bottled water and entry to Skara Brae with a guided tour.
• You also get guided visits to the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, a photo stop at Yesnaby Cliffs, free time to explore Kirkwall, and a drive with commentary around Scapa Flow.
• Lunch is not included, but cafés are available at Skara Brae and in Kirkwall, or you can bring your own.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 14 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site£ 4

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Orkney Travel

Is this one for you?Right for day visitors catching the afternoon ferry from Stromness, or Orkney residents who can reach Stromness by start time and want to see the main Neolithic sites in one guided day. Plan for a full day out. That's what fits four major sites and the ferry schedule into one trip.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

No. This tour departs from Stromness, which is 25 minutes from Kirkwall cruise port. If you're arriving by ship, book the West Mainland Tour instead, which is designed for cruise guests.

What's included in the tour?

Guided tours of Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and Standing Stones of Stenness; entry to Skara Brae; bottled water; and transport. Lunch is not included, though cafés are available at Skara Brae and Kirkwall.

How long is the full day?

The itinerary covers a full day from Stromness, with stops at Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Kirkwall, and Scapa Flow, ending in time for the afternoon ferry.

Can I bring lunch, or do I need to buy it?

You can bring your own lunch, which gives you more time at the sites. Lunch is available at the Skara Brae café and in Kirkwall, but bringing food is recommended.

Are the vehicle seats comfortable for long journeys?

Seats are 48–51 centimetres wide with generous legroom. If you'd prefer more space, you can purchase an additional seat.

What if I'm staying in Orkney but not arriving by ferry?

You can book this tour if you can reach Stromness Travel Centre by the start time. The tour is timed around the afternoon NorthLink Ferry departure.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels. The tour involves walking at archaeological sites and some standing time, but the pace is manageable.

What is Scapa Flow?

Scapa Flow is a natural harbour with significant World War II naval history. The tour includes a drive around the area with commentary on its historical importance.