Visit Scotland accommodation

Arrive at Orkney for wildlife, the shores and also the record, and we also reckon that you'll fall for the culture therefore the imagination too. This archipelago of around 70 islands lies north of mainland Scotland and ended up being voted one of many UK's top 10 countries when you look at the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which will be no mean feat!

Island life

With a unique tradition and history, Orkney has actually a very good identity of their own. The biggest area, plus the many populated, is known as the Mainland. In the East Mainland shore lies Kirkwall, the old capital of Orkney, using its Viking cathedral, fishing port and distillery. The archipelago's various other main interface and city, Stromness, is situated in the south of western Mainland. It really is a very imaginative destination with several crafty present stores and art galleries amongst its old, winding streets.

Go like an Egyptian

Did you know that the area of Rousay is called the 'Egypt of The North' as it's house to over 150 archaeological internet sites, including a 5, 000 yr old chambered tomb?

Actually, the ancient settlement of Skara Brae on the Mainland is older than the Pyramids, and, together with the remarkable Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, is a UNESCO World history website referred to as Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

And that is only one aspect of Orkney's fascinating record.

Back again to nature

Award-winning shores, fantastic wildlife, remarkable water piles and durable high cliffs - just what more can you desire? Let us simply take a closer appearance:

• Nice and beachy - if you see the white sands and turquoise waters of Orkney's beaches, you could mistakenly think you are in the Caribbean.
• Puffins, fulmars and uncommon birds - Orkney is using one of the busiest journey paths for migrating wild birds, with thousands of birds and hundreds of species spotted annually.
• All going swimmingly - porpoises, dolphins, whales alongside sealife is spotted on and around Orkney's shores, and underwater animals can be found in stone pools as well as on dives also.