13 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in Orkney
I'm still adding to this list, so keep checking back, please get in touch if you've got any hidden gems to recommend, or if you have a picture to replace any that I'm missing (ie the places that have words). As a thank you, I'll send a 20% money off voucher to spend in the shop for anything that gets used.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Although I'd love to be able to travel to every place on here, time and practicalities dictate that I've sourced a lot of information from 3rd parties so some information might be incorrect (Please let me know if you spot anything that is so that I can amend it).
Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
The largest Neolithic standing stone circle in Scotland, built in a circle almost 104 metres wide.
A packed museum telling the history of Orkney, from the neolithic, to the picts and the vikings, with activities for kids.
The site has been under excavation since 2004, revealing a massive complex of Neolithic buildings. Only open in summer months, check the website to view dates and times of the free tours.
A tidal island (take note not to get trapped when the tide comes in!). There's a sandy beach, rockpooling, a lighthouse to stand outside, and Pictish, Norse, and Medieval ruins, set in a stunning location with the backdrop of waves crashing from the Atlantic.
The UK's tallest sea stack. It originally had 2 pillars creating an arch at the bottom, but a severe storm washed away one of the legs. It's a moderate hike along some windy cliffs, fairly steep in parts.
Learn all about Orkney's involvement in the First and Second World Wars. Refurbished in 2022, packed with interesting artefacts.
A time capsule displaying bygone days, it's the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe, with a central hearth, peat fire, and a stone neuk bed. There's also an Edwardian parlour, and Victorian gardens.
A 20 hectare nature reserve with a mile of high cliffs. See what birds you can spot, as well as visiting the Kitchener Memorial (remembering the sinking of the HMS Hampshire). Dolphins have been spotted before from here.
An independent maritime museum, with a vintage lifeboat, as well as other interesting artefacts and poignant stories from history.
Midhowe Chambered Cairn - Rousay
One of the finest Chambered Cairns in Scotland, underneath a hanger to protect it. You can view the compartments from raised walkways. Next to it is a 2000 year old Broch, perfect for playing hide and seek.
A rare little wooded area in Orkney. Quiet and tranquil, there are trails to explore, and a stream running through it.
Built around 1560 for Gilbert Balfour, master of Mary, Queen of Scot's household. There are information plaques to tell you more history. Ruined, there are some rooms, tunnels and staircases to explore.
A rare oasis of woodland on mainland. A secluded and enchanting place with a waterfall, arches, and stone benches.
You know what the kids would love to be filling in as you're exploring new places? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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