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A mini guide to
Stromness & the West Mainland: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Mind the tide at Birsay
Historic Environment Scotland says the Brough of Birsay causeway can be crossed only at low tide, so check tide times first.
Book Maeshowe
Entry to Maeshowe is by timed ticket from Historic Environment Scotland, so plan your day around the slot.
Ness Battery tours
Ness Battery is seen on guided tours of just over an hour; there are no toilets on site, but there are some at Stromness pier head and the Point of Ness campsite.
Stay back from the edge
Yesnaby's cliffs have sea stacks, blowholes and often rough seas below; keep well back from the edge, especially in wind.
Festivals
Orkney festivals and events
Dates are from each organiser's own website or, for the Ba', from its published custom; check before you book.
St Magnus International Festival
18 to 25 June 2027
Music, theatre, visual arts and literature by artists from Orkney, Scotland and around the world; the programme is announced in spring 2027.
Kirkwall Ba' games
Christmas Day and New Year's Day
A medieval street football game played through the centre of Kirkwall twice a year; when either day falls on a Sunday, the game moves to the Monday.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Stromness & the West Mainland?
Stromness & the West Mainland is in Orkney Islands, Scotland. Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the stone circles, Stromness harbour and the cliffs of Birsay and Yesnaby. Nearby stops and stations include Stromness ferry terminal, Stromness, Bay of Skaill.
How long do I need in Stromness & the West Mainland?
One full day for the World Heritage sites, a second for Stromness and Birsay. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Skara Brae, Skaill House, Marwick Head. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Stromness ferry terminal (NorthLink Ferries); Stromness (Stagecoach buses); Bay of Skaill (Car or bike); Stromness pier (Orkney Ferries). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 12 places to eat and drink in and around Stromness & the West Mainland, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 16 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Stromness & the West Mainland accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Stromness & the West Mainland
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Barnhouse Settlement
Neolithic settlement on the shore of the Loch of Harray, a short walk from the Stones of Stenness.
Broch of Gurness
Iron Age broch and village above Eynhallow Sound, one of the most complete later prehistoric settlements in Scotland; finds are shown on site.
Kirbuster Museum
The last unrestored traditional 'firehoose' in Northern Europe, with a central peat hearth and a stone neuk bed; lived in until the 1960s.
Orkney
More areas to explore
Scapa Flow, the South Isles & Hoy
The Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers, St Margaret's Hope, and Hoy's hills, Old Man and wartime Lyness
Open the mini guide →
North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond
Rousay's tombs, Westray's castle and cliffs, the Knap of Howar and the lighthouses of the outer isles
Open the mini guide →
Kirkwall & central Mainland
Orkney's main town: St Magnus Cathedral, the palaces, the Orkney Museum and Neolithic tombs close by
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Skara Brae: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Barnhouse Settlement: Otter, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Broch of Gurness: Rob Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Kirbuster Museum: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Scapa Flow, the South Isles & Hoy: Gregory J Kingsley, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond: MichaelMaggs, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Kirkwall & central Mainland: Robert Scarth, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Orkney