Skara Brae Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Skara Brae Tours & Trips

• What is the best time of year to visit Skara Brae?

  Visit Skara Brae between May and September when mild temperatures and extended daylight hours create ideal conditions for exploration. During summer evenings light lingers until 10pm making it perfect for outdoor activities. The coastal paths near Yesnaby Cliffs are particularly rewarding during this period when visitors can see puffins nesting from April through mid-August. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "We had mostly sunshine & beautiful weather which made it near perfect!" The Albert Hotel in Kirkwall serves as a comfortable year-round base for visitors.

• What are the must-see archaeological sites in Skara Brae?

  Start with the 5000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae where stone houses remain in remarkable condition predating Egypt's pyramids. The Ring of Brodgar stone circle offers a window into ancient rituals while the Standing Stones of Stenness tower against the landscape. Maeshowe chambered cairn reveals fascinating Viking runic inscriptions carved into its walls. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Skara Brae the Stones of Stenness and the Brough of Birsay were all priorities for me and I was very fortunate to be able to experience all three!" The Kirkwall Hotel provides convenient access to these sites.

• How long should I plan to spend exploring Skara Brae and surrounding sites?

  Plan for 2-3 days to properly experience Skara Brae and its neighboring archaeological treasures. This timeline allows visitors to explore the Ring of Brodgar Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness while leaving time for coastal walks and village visits. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We learned so much about the neolithic age and archaeology. We also saw the most amazing scenery." The Bellavista Guest House in Kirkwall offers a central location for daily excursions.

• What unique experiences should I not miss in Skara Brae?

  Take time to walk the Yesnaby Cliffs visit the Italian Chapel built by World War II prisoners and explore the historic St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. The Churchill Barriers and Scapa Flow provide context to the area's WWII history. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The neolithic sites the peacefulness and the stillness. The connection with the past." The Orkney Hotel in Kirkwall places visitors near craft shops traditional music venues and cultural attractions.

• How do I get to Skara Brae from major cities?

  Reach Skara Brae by flying to Inverness or Aberdeen then taking a connecting flight or ferry to Kirkwall. Regular ferry service runs between Scrabster and Stromness with reliable bus connections to the archaeological site. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The tour made getting there easy with well-organized transportation from Inverness." The Albert Hotel provides convenient shuttle service from both the ferry terminal and airport.

• What dining options are available near Skara Brae?

  Find local specialties at the visitor center café while Kirkwall offers a range of restaurants serving fresh Orkney seafood local lamb and Scottish classics. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The evening meals were good and the local sandwich shop proved very useful for lunchtimes." The Orkney Hotel restaurant stands out for its menu featuring local ingredients and traditional dishes.