Orkney Islands Archives - Travelling Wilbys

There are some places that impress you, and then there are places that stay with you long after you leave. For us, the Orkney Islands are firmly in the second category.

Sitting off Scotland’s northern coast, Orkney feels both remote and welcoming — a place where dramatic landscapes meet thousands of years of human history. We came for the famous ancient sites, but we left completely captivated by the islands themselves.

Orkney isn’t just somewhere you visit. It’s somewhere you feel. And it definitely provided all of that, and more.

Walking Through 5,000 Years of History

As self-confessed history lovers, Orkney had been high on our travel wish list for a long time. The islands hold some of Europe’s most important Neolithic sites, and seeing them in person was even more powerful than we imagined.

Standing in Skara Brae, a stone village built over 5,000 years ago, felt surreal. Walking through preserved homes, seeing ancient beds, storage spaces, and passageways, you suddenly realize how connected we are to people who lived thousands of years before us.

Nearby, the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness rise quietly from the landscape, surrounded by lochs and open skies. These sites feel both mysterious and peaceful, and simply standing among them gives you time to reflect on how long humans have called these islands home.

And then there’s Maeshowe, a chambered tomb older than the pyramids, where Viking runes carved into stone tell stories of later visitors who also stood in awe of this ancient place. We found it truly fascinating.

Few destinations make history feel so alive.

Scenery That Feels Wild and Peaceful

Beyond the ancient sites, Orkney’s natural beauty surprised us just as much.

The islands are shaped by wind and sea, creating rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and quiet beaches where you often find yourself completely alone. We loved nothing better than standing on a secluded beach, and taking it all in. Feeling all the feels. Changing light over the water, seabirds calling out, and wide open skies creating a feeling of calm that’s hard to describe. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying.

To make it even better – we will share a secret. We like to completely immerse ourselves in those elements, sit on the beach, and play a favourite tune – “Still” by Beluga Lagoon. Close our eyes, turn up the volume, and just BE! Letting the stress and worries of life float away. You can’t help but truly feel alive – surrounded by the ocean and the lyrical sound of the music. Silliness or what, it sends shivers down our spines and is a great way to let go. This group was introduced to us by one of our Scottish tour guides. The group was founded by Scottish wildlife film-maker, Andrew O’Donnell.

A Different Kind of Scottish Experience

Orkney feels different from mainland Scotland. There’s a quieter rhythm here, and life seems deeply connected to the sea and the land.

The blend of Scottish and Viking history, friendly locals, and small harbour towns gives the islands a unique character. It never felt crowded or rushed — just welcoming and genuine.

We loved that exploring Orkney felt like discovery rather than tourism.

Would We Return?

Without hesitation — yes.

There are still coastal walks to explore, smaller islands to visit, and more history to uncover. Orkney feels like a place you could return to again and again and always find something new.

Tips for Visiting the Orkney Islands

If you’re considering a trip, here are a few things we found helpful:

Stay at least 3–4 days There’s more to see than you might expect, and the pace of the islands deserves time.
Rent a car Public transport is limited, and many of the best sites are spread out.
Book a tour See the sites with a local. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and listen to their stories. Share in their love for their island.
Book accommodations early Options are limited and fill quickly, especially in summer.
Be ready for changing weather Sun, wind, and rain can all appear in the same day.

Why Orkney Stayed With Us

Some destinations impress you with beauty. Others amaze you with history. Orkney does both — and adds a quiet atmosphere that makes you feel connected to the past and present at the same time.

Long after leaving, we still find ourselves thinking about those windswept cliffs, ancient stone circles, and peaceful coastal roads.

And we know we’ll be back.

Ring of Brodgar
Beach at Skara Brae
Farm Fields around Maeshowe
Maeshowe
The Italian Chapel
St. Magnus Cathedral
Standing Stones Stenness
Stromness, Orkney

The wind carried whispers across the heather as we stepped into the circle. Standing among the ancient stones of the Ring of Brodgar, we weren’t just in Orkney — we were in another time.

Getting There

The Ring of Brodgar sits proudly on Orkney’s Mainland, surrounded by lochs and rolling moorland. We reached it after a scenic drive around Orkney; and a visit to Orkney’s other Neolithic sites. We had spent the night in Kirkwall (Orkney’s largest city) after arriving by ferry from the mainland the day before. The site is well signposted, with a small parking area just a short walk from the stones. Best of all, it’s free to visit year-round, and accessible for most, though the path can be muddy after rain.

A Little History

Dating back around 5,000 years, the Ring of Brodgar is part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. It’s one of the largest stone circles in the UK, thought to have been a ceremonial or ritual site. While the exact purpose is still shrouded in mystery, it’s linked to other ancient sites nearby, like the Stones of Stenness and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae.

Our Experience

The first thing we noticed was the wind. Orkney seems to have a special talent for it — the kind that sweeps through your hair and makes you feel alive. As we wandered between the towering stones, their weathered surfaces told silent stories of thousands of seasons gone by.

One moment, clouds cast dramatic shadows over the circle; the next, a burst of sunlight lit up the entire landscape. We felt small here — not in a bad way, but in the best possible way, as if we were part of something timeless.

Tips for Visitors

Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening for softer light and fewer visitors.
Weather: Dress for all seasons — even in summer, the wind can be fierce.
Combine your visit: Pair it with trips to the Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae for a full Neolithic experience. An experience I found overwhelming in so many ways, but in a good way. It is hard to fathom 5000 years ago, and there is so much more that they are still uncovering to this day.
Photography: Wide-angle shots capture the full circle, but don’t forget to zoom in on the beautiful stone textures.

Why We’ll Never Forget It

The Ring of Brodgar isn’t just a place you see — it’s a place you feel. It’s history you can walk through, touch, and hear in the rustle of the grass and the rush of the wind. Long after we left, we could still picture the stones standing silently against the Orkney sky, as they have for millennia.

If you ever find yourself in northern Scotland, let Orkney call you. And when it does, go stand in that circle and see what whispers the wind will carry to you. You won’t be disappointed.

Why We Fell in Love with the Orkney Islands