Mainland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Walking on the cliffs and enjoying the #GreatOutdoors
The cliffs on the south coast of Mainland. #BeachTips #GreatOutdoors #TroveOnTuesday #Perspectives #Nature #Trovember
Earls palace
South coast of Mainland: the forces of nature at work. Within a few years the sea will have conquered a new small cove. #Nature
Standing Stones are always amazing, but a little Aurora Borealis is just the cherry on top! Standing Stones of Stenness, on the Main Island of Orkney.
The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

3 out of 5
Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland
The price is £72 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
£72
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (231 reviews)
Restaurant was excellent. Had dinner there 4 nights. Staff was helpful and courteous.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

The Ayre Hotel
The Stromness Hotel

The Stromness Hotel

2 out of 5
The Pierhead Stromness Scotland
Stay at this hotel in Stromness. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, housekeeping and a coffee shop/cafe. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (84 reviews)
The hotel closed all food and beverage service. There was a notice on their website but no notice on Expedia. The surrounding town was largely closed too, so being without food options was not acceptable. The hotel emailed to confirm my reservation. I complained and asked for a cancellation and refund. ...

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

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The Stromness Hotel
The Shore

The Shore

3 out of 5
Shore Street Kirkwall Scotland
The price is £115 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
£115
27 Mar - 28 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and Orkney Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (174 reviews)
Functional and practical

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

The Shore
See all 135 properties in Mainland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy, Central & Clean-The Ideal Two-Bedroom Apartment for Your Next Gataway

Cozy, Central & Clean-The Ideal Two-Bedroom Apartment for Your Next Gataway

Kirkwall Scotland
Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace are located nearby.
Cozy, Central & Clean-The Ideal Two-Bedroom Apartment for Your Next Gataway
Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall

Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall

Kirkwall Scotland
Stay at this holiday home in Kirkwall. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Orkney Museum ...
Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall
Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall

Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall

Kirkwall
Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace are located nearby.
Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall
See all properties in Mainland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Skara Brae showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

Skara Brae

Discover the secrets of Orkney’s earliest inhabitants and find out what life was like during prehistoric times at this beautifully preserved ancient village.

Skara Brae
St. Magnus Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a cemetery

St. Magnus Cathedral

Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral.

St. Magnus Cathedral
Earl\'s Palace showing a ruin, château or palace and heritage architecture

Earl's Palace

Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

Earl's Palace
Ring of Brogdar showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Ring of Brogdar

Delve into the mysteries of this prehistoric landmark, comprising a ring of standing stones set against the wild landscape of the Orkney Islands.

Ring of Brogdar
Maes Howe showing heritage elements and interior views

Maes Howe

Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, this fascinating chambered tomb predates the Egyptian pyramids.

Maes Howe
Bishop\'s Palace showing château or palace, a ruin and heritage architecture

Bishop's Palace

Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase.

Bishop's Palace

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