Description

Orkney, an enchanting archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland, is a land where ancient history meets untamed natural beauty.  

Comprising over 70 islands, each with its own unique character, Orkney is a paradise for those seeking rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and a deep sense of heritage.  

From the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the islands are steeped in thousands of years of human history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a world shaped by Norsemen and Neolithic tribes. 

But Orkney isn’t just about history. Its coastal cliffs, rolling moors, and pristine beaches are a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.  

Take a leisurely stroll along the wild shores of Yesnaby or hike up to the towering sea stacks of the Old Man of Hoy, where seabirds swirl and nest in dramatic rock formations.  

For marine life enthusiasts, Orkney’s clear waters are ideal for spotting seals, dolphins, and even orcas, making every trip along the coastline a thrilling adventure. 

Orkney’s vibrant culture is reflected in its thriving arts and crafts scene. Locally made jewellery, pottery, and textiles are crafted with care and inspired by the stunning surroundings.  

The islands are also famous for their culinary delights—treat yourself to fresh seafood, Orkney cheese, and traditional bere bannocks, washed down with a dram of world-renowned Highland Park whisky.  

With a calendar full of festivals celebrating everything from folklore to food, there’s no shortage of reasons to immerse yourself in Orkney’s welcoming community. 

Whether you’re seeking to explore prehistoric ruins, connect with nature, or simply savour the tranquillity of island life, Orkney offers an unforgettable escape to a land where time seems to stand still.  

Discover the magic of Orkney—where history and landscape come together to create a truly remarkable experience. 

Your Accommodation: 

The Hotel is situated on the picturesque harbourfront, in the heart of our historic town of Kirkwall and is one of Orkney’s finest Victorian buildings. 

Built in 1890, played a key part as a base in the war and now provides an impressive backdrop to Kirkwall Harbour. 

From discovering the St Magnus Cathedral, experiencing the Orkney Museum and exploring The Italian Chapel, we’re very proud to be located on an island which oozes so much history. You’ll be guaranteed to learn a thing or two about what makes Orkney so special. 

With most rooms offering breathtaking sea views; wake up to that spectacular waterfront every morning with a fresh coffee in hand and a hearty Scottish breakfast pending. 

Enjoy a glass of wine or a dram or two of Orkney’s finest whiskies, before indulging in the incredible flavours of Orkney, cosied up in the vibrant restaurant 

The hotel has 54 recently refurbished, vibrant bedrooms, and a spectacular guest lounge on the first floor, commonly used as a quiet area to cosy up and enjoy a good book. We have a quaint study and a function room for those more intimate to larger events, all with sweeping views of the harbour, Marina and across to the islands. 

The Hotel is designed to provide experiences that suit all walks of life, from decadent Afternoon Tea, Scottish whisky flights and even fantastic talking points with many historic photographs and books, on display throughout the hotel. 

Activities included in Package: 

Ancient Orkney – step back in time to discover the stone circles, tombs, chambered cairns, villages, and brochs which offer a tantalising insight into life thousands of years ago. 

This tour focuses on the West Mainland where we will visit a selection of Orkney’s most spectacular Stone Age and Iron Age sites before heading to Kirkwall to take a tour around the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. 

Exploring Distilleries and Local Delicatesses  – Orkney is renowned for the high-quality food and drink being produced here at 59 degrees north.   

This tour will give you the opportunity to taste much of the locally produced delights and you will hear what makes Orkney such a successful place.   

During the tour, we will be stopping regularly to taste many locally-produced foods and drinks. 

Highland Park Distillery is the most northerly placed distillery in the world and was first established by a local smuggler, Magnus Eunson.   

Hear about how the Viking influence in Orkney is also now influencing this beautiful whisky. 

Hoy Scenic Wildlife and Cliffs – Hoy is both remote and unique and is very different from the Orkney Mainland and other isles. The vertical cliffs are the highest in the British Isles, there are vast swathes of wilderness, and an abundance of wildlife with a history stretching from the Neolithic era to the modern day. You will visit sites which only a resident of this beautiful island would know of and are easily missed by the casual visitor. 

Optional Activities: 

Neolithic and Viking Legacy £ 150 – An archaeologist once stated that if you scratch the surface of Orkney it bleeds archaeology, wherever you are signs of people living in Orkney from over 5000 years ago can be seen and found.   

During this tour, we will visit Stone Age and Iron Age sites. 

WW  Heritage £ 175– Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars mainly due to Scapa Flow, one of the world’s great naval bases. During our wartime tour, you will experience an array of fascinating wartime sites and hear local stories about how the war impacted the lives of ordinary Orcadians. 

This tour focuses on the wartime heritage of the South Isles and Scapa Flow before heading west to visit other key wartime sites.