Shapinsay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fields above the east end of Veantro Bay, Shapinsay Photographer is near the northwest edge of the main road.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Fields above the east end of Veantro Bay, Shapinsay Photographer is near the northwest edge of the main road.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Mill Dam showing formation of southern outflow burn, Shapinsay This RSPB reserve provides feeding and resting habitat for a variety of birds, which are visible from the hide situated near the point of this photograph. This is arguably the most productive wetland on the island of Shapinsay. In the upper right one can see the formation of the outflow burn; moreover, in the extreme upper right is a small slice of the sea at Balfour Village, at which location the outlet burn from Mill Dam reaches the sea.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Sea stack at southern edge of Lingavi Geo, Shapinsay east coast. With seabirds on cliffs and shoreline rocks.
Bay of Linton, Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. The foreground is a marshy meadow. At the right centre is a portion of the ruined chapel illustrated on the OS map.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now
The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

3 out of 5
Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland
The price is £76 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
£76
19 Mar - 20 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 ...
The Ayre Hotel
Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel

3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane Kirkwall Scotland
The price is £113 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
£113
6 Mar - 7 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (266 reviews)
Clean room, welcoming staff and good food. Nice location in a beautiful part of Scotland.

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

Albert Hotel
The Stromness Hotel

The Stromness Hotel

2 out of 5
The Pierhead Stromness Scotland
The price is £89 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
£89
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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

The Stromness Hotel
See all 73 properties in Shapinsay
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.
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
Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .

Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .

St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Scotland
Stay at this cottage in South Ronaldsay. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Hoxa Tapestry Gallery and Sand of Wright are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Well equipped and very cosy Near to the Post office/shop and pub.Well situated for journeys out to all the interesting areas of Orkney. Highly recommended and beautifully situated.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .
Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall

Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall

2 out of 5
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
See all properties in Shapinsay
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

Balfour Castle

After visiting Balfour Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Shapinsay. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Balfour Castle

Orkney Brewery

Find out about the history of Shapinsay when you spend time at Orkney Brewery. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Orkney Brewery

Things to do

Cliffs of Yesnaby

Private Tour Discover Orkney with Pick-Up

£280
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Private Tour Discover Orkney with Pick-Up
Orkney Mainland Private Tour

Orkney Mainland Private Tour

£235
per adult
Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour by a native Islander

Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour by a native Islander

£525
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour by a native Islander
See all activities in Shapinsay

Cities near Shapinsay

St. Magnus Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a cemetery

Kirkwall

Explore a world of travel with Expedia