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Welcome to Orkney
To really get away from it all, take a trip to the irresistible Orkney Islands. Located off the northern tip of Scotland where the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet.
Orkney is an archipelago of 70 or so islands and currently 17 of them are inhabited. Around 20,000 people live in Orkney, with most people living in the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness.
Orkney covers an area of 974 square kilometres, with more than half being taken up by the Mainland of Orkney. The islands are about 85 km from north to south and 37 km from east to west.
The islands are low-lying, gently sloping and richly fertile with the exception of the island of Hoy, which is high and rugged. The climate is temperate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, with the driest months being April, May and June.
The quiet sandy beaches, stunning scenery, abundance of wildlife, fresh quality cuisine and warm welcoming hospitality make these islands an ideal place for relaxing or an action-packed holiday.
When in Orkney you’ll feel touched by the power of the sea and by the power of the past. With 5,000 years of culture, there is history around every corner. Wherever you are, you can literally touch the past as you run your hand across rock hewn thousands of years ago.
Orkney also has a vibrant contemporary culture. Throughout the year there are festivals and events ranging from the magical midsummer St Magnus Festival to the annual agricultural shows and sporting events, including Orkney’s very own Ba’ and, of course, the islands’ varied craft industry continues through all seasons.
Whatever your pleasure, if you have visited Orkney before, we hope you’ll be back with us again soon, and if not – read on. Use the website to prepare for your stay in Orkney, find out information on getting here, where to stay, things to see and do, where to eat and much much more.
