Skara Brae

This remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement dates back over 5,000 years, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. The stone-built houses with their original furniture offer an unprecedented glimpse into daily life in Neolithic Orkney.

Why visit?

  • See Europe’s most complete Neolithic village
  • Explore original stone furniture, beds, and dressers
  • Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ring of Brodgar - photo by Graham Campbell
Ring of Brodgar

Ring of Brodgar

This impressive stone circle consists of 27 standing stones (originally 60) and is one of the largest Neolithic henges in Britain. Set in a natural amphitheater, it’s part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

Why visit?

  • Walk among stones that have stood for over 4,000 years
  • Experience the astronomical alignment of the circle
  • Enjoy the spectacular landscape setting

Maeshowe

This extraordinary chambered cairn is considered one of Europe’s finest examples of Neolithic architecture. Its entrance passage is perfectly aligned to receive the setting sun during the winter solstice.

Why visit?

  • Marvel at the precision of Neolithic engineering
  • See Viking runic inscriptions inside the tomb
  • Experience the winter solstice alignment (if timing permits)
Orkney's standing stones
Standing Stones of Stenness

Standing Stones of Stenness

Among the oldest stone circles in Britain, these massive stones (up to 6m tall) date to around 3100 BCE. Though only four stones remain standing, their scale and setting remain impressive.

Why visit?

  • Experience one of the earliest stone circles in Britain
  • See the nearby Watchstone and Barnhouse Stone
  • Understand the ritual landscape connecting to nearby sites

Conclusion

Orkney’s Neolithic sites offer an unparalleled window into the lives, beliefs, and achievements of people who lived over 5,000 years ago. The remarkable preservation and concentration of these monuments make Orkney one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes.