Shake Hands with History

A Perfect Day in Orkney would not be complete without dipping your toe into the islands' inspiringly varied and lively past. Nowhere in Scotland is history so commonplace and plentiful; with every walk or cycle taking you through thousands of years of history.

Neolithic settlers landed on Orkney over 5,000 years ago and their village of Skara Brae, unearthed after a great storm, is now a UNESCO site of significant historical importance. Elsewhere in the Neolithic Heartland there's The Ring of Brodgar: A huge ring of standing stones occupying a vast circle between Stenness and Harray Lochs.

Having landed on Orkney, the Vikings indelibly left their mark on everything, from Norse street names to language and culture, but the Maeshowe in particular is a sight not to be missed. Considered to be one of the very first architectural structures of pre-historic Europe, this stone chambered cairn was visited by the Vikings in the 12th century and left forever inscribed with a vast collage of Norse runic images and words.

A perfect place to let your imagination run wild, the islands of Orkney provide the inspiring environment needed to unwind and relax. With history abundant round each corner, nowhere is the past as evident today as it is in Orkney.

Even the sea surrounding the islands holds a legacy of history to be uncovered. Scapa Flow, one of the world's largest natural sheltered anchorages, is a living museum of maritime past. Undoubtedly Scotland's most historic stretch of sea water, Scapa Flow would've seen the Viking's great ships arriving more than 1,000 years ago, before being used as a passing route for both trade and battle. As a naval base during both World Wars, Scapa Flow is now home to a countless number of battleship relics and haunting wrecks to explore.

With such a uniquely rich and vast history, visit www.visitorkney.com/culture-and-history.asp or www.orkneyjar.com to find out where to look for reminders of Orkney's past.
 

Big Adventures for Peedie Folk

Orkney has plenty to keep your family entertained all year round. Take time to explore the islands whether it's walking along our countless beaches to discovering hidden trails which lead to Viking treasures!

Read more »