Orkney
History lovers and photographers wanting aurora as a bonus over extraordinary Neolithic landscapes
About Orkney
Orkney is a remarkable archipelago of 70 islands off Scotland's northern tip at 59°N — one of the world's great concentrations of Neolithic monuments in a landscape of rolling farmland, wild coastline, and ancient dark skies. The Standing Stones of Stenness (3100 BC), the Ring of Brodgar (2500 BC), and the Skara Brae village (3180 BC) create a Neolithic landscape rivalling Stonehenge in significance and surpassing it in atmosphere. Northern lights are visible in Orkney — the archipelago sits on the southern fringe of the auroral zone, and during geomagnetically active periods (Kp 4+), displays are seen several times per year, particularly from dark clifftop viewpoints away from Kirkwall's modest light pollution. Cloud cover is the primary constraint. The coastal cliffs at Marwick Head, Yesnaby, and Hoy host seabird colonies including 100,000 puffins in summer. Orkney's dark skies in November and December create magical conditions for photography above the stone circles. A superb destination where aurora is a bonus alongside world-class archaeology and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | +4°C | 13h | Low |
| Feb★ Best | +4°C | 10h | Low |
| Mar★ Best | +5°C | 6h | Low |
| Apr | +7°C | 2h | Low |
| May | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +11°C | 3h | Low |
| Oct★ Best | +8°C | 8h | Low |
| Nov★ Best | +5°C | 11h | Low |
| Dec★ Best | +4°C | 13h | Low |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, or Inverness (45min–1.5h). Ferry from Scrabster/Thurso (90min) or Aberdeen (overnight). Loganair operates island-hopping flights within Orkney.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Farmhouse B&Bs
- ✓Boutique hotels
- ✓Self Catering cottages
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $110/day in Orkney. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Lillys Lodges Orkney
Redland, Finstown, Firth, Orkney KW17 2EU, UK
lodging
Lindisfarne Bed & Breakfast
Lindisfarne, Stromness KW16 3EX, UK
bed and breakfast
Karawa
Inganess Rd, St Ola, Kirkwall KW15 1SP, UK
bed and breakfast
Shorelands Orkney. Transfers-Accommodation-Meals-Tours
Shorelands, George St, Kirkwall KW15 1PP, UK
bed and breakfast
Merkister Hotel
Harray Loch, Harray, Orkney KW17 2LF, UK
hotelThe Sands Hotel, Orkney
Burray, Orkney KW17 2SS, UK
hotelBed and Breakfast in Orkney
Royal Oak House, Holm Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1PY, UK
bed and breakfastAyre Hotel & Apartments
Ayre Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1QX, UK
hotelKirkwall Hotel
Harbour St, Kirkwall KW15 1LE, UK
hotelThe Stromness Hotel
The Pierhead, 15 Victoria St, Stromness KW16 3AA, UK
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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The Foveran
A964, Kirkwall KW15 1SF, UK
british restaurant
Emily’s
Mill house, Lyness, Stromness KW16 3NU, UK
cafe
The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms
Bridge St, Wynd, Kirkwall KW15 1JD, UK
hotel
Twenty One
Albert St, Kirkwall KW15 1HQ, UK
restaurant
Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar
40 Victoria St, Kirkwall KW15 1DN, UK
barThe Skerries Restaurant
Harray Loch, Orkney KW17 2LF, UK
restaurantHelgi's
14 Harbour St, Kirkwall KW15 1LE, UK
restaurantLucano
31 Victoria St, Kirkwall KW15 1DN, UK
italian restaurantThe Orkney Hotel
40-41 Victoria St, Kirkwall KW15 1DN, UK
hotelBothy Bar
Mounthoolie Ln, Kirkwall KW15 1LA, UK
bar🎯Things to Do(10)
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Orkney Uncovered
Sunnybank Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1TP, UK
point of interest
GoOrkney - Private & Small Group Orkney Tours
Garson House, Stromness KW16 3JU, UK
tour agency
Tour Orkney with Ciaran - private tours of Orkney islands
Back Rd, Stromness KW16 3AJ, UK
point of interest
Lizzie's Orkney Tours
Sittadale Park, Berstane Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1SZ, UK
point of interest
My Orkney Tours
East Massater, South Ronaldsay, Kirkwall, Orkney KW17 2RN, UK
point of interestOrkney Travel (Guided Tours)
Dunkirk, Shore St, Kirkwall KW15 1LG, UK
tour agencyOdin Tours of Orkney
Evie, Orkney KW17 2PJ, UK
point of interestJP Orkney Tours
Birsay, Cleatfurrows KW17 2LX, UK
tour agencyGraham's Orkney Tours
Four Seasons, Carness Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1UE, UK
point of interestHighland Park Whisky Distillery
Holm Rd, Kirkwall KW15 1SU, UK
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