What to do in Stromness

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Stromness

Types of activities

Stromness travel guide

Stromness which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town

Stromness which includes boating and a lake or waterhole

Stromness showing a square or plaza and a hotel

Stromness showing tranquil scenes and rocky coastline

Stromness Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Stromness has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Stromness, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Stromness with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Stromness

Stromness is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Stromness, and make it a breeze to explore Stromness and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Stromness to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Stromness, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Stromness.

Stromness attractions

Stromness has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Stromness to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Stromness.

Looking for things to do in Stromness can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Stromness or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Stromness attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Skara Brae

Learn about prehistoric life at Skara Brae, a small settlement that, despite being thousands of years old, still retains its original shape and structure. The buildings here form one of the best preserved sites of its kind in the British Isles. The layout of the ancient village is still intact, with several of the houses even displaying their original furnishings.

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Skara Brae showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

2. Dunnet Head Lighthouse

The Dunnet Head Lighthouse is located on the northernmost point of the Scottish mainland, perched on dramatic cliffs that plummet 300 feet (90 meters) into the turbulent Pentland Firth below. Drive or make the rewarding coastal hike up to this scenic viewpoint and enjoy vistas stretching over the sea to Orkney.

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Dunnet Head Lighthouse which includes cuddly or friendly animals and bird life

3. Standing Stones of Stenness

Discover ancient history at the Standing Stones of Stenness. This collection of monoliths forms one of the oldest henge sites in the British Isles and is an ideal starting point to explore the prehistoric legacy of the Orkney Islands. The stunning landscape and diverse wildlife provide additional appeal to this iconic Orcadian landmark.

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Standing Stones of Stenness featuring a monument, general coastal views and heritage elements

4. Ring of Brogdar

The Ring of Brodgar is both an enigmatic historical attraction and an area of spectacular natural beauty. Here, 27 standing stones form a perfect circle with a diameter of about 340 feet (104 meters). Examine the UNESCO-listed site, which sits amid the rolling hills and tranquil lochs of the Orkney Mainland.

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Ring of Brogdar showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a small group of people

5. Maes Howe

Maes Howe is among Europe’s finest Neolithic burial chambers. Built around 3,000 B.C., this mysterious structure features remarkably sophisticated stonework. Take a tour of the tomb’s interior and admire its massive sandstones, as well as the intriguing runic graffiti that was added thousands of years after its construction.

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Maes Howe showing heritage elements and interior views

Recommended things to do in Stromness

Number of things to do	18
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Orkney West Mainland Tour: £99
Top 5 things to do	Orkney West Mainland Tour Orkney Day Trip Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour By a Native Islander Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour Scapa Tours
Half-day tours	East side Dander, an Evening tour of mainland Orkney
With kids	Orkney Day Trip Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour Scapa Tours Orkney Mainland Private Tour

What to do in Stromness

Popular places to visit

Skara Brae

4.5/5(22 reviews)

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

Ring of Brogdar

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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

Stromness showing a sandy beach, tranquil scenes and a bay or harbour

Bay of Skaill

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bay of Skaill during your travels in Stromness. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Maes Howe

5/5(5 reviews)

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

Stromness Ferry Terminal

4/5(16 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Stromness with a trip to Stromness Ferry Terminal. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.

Stromness Museum

4.5/5(7 reviews)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Stromness Museum during your trip to Stromness. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Piers Art Centre

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Piers Art Centre in Stromness. Stroll along the marina or discover the area's hot springs.

Barony Mill

Find out about the history of Stromness when you spend time at Barony Mill. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

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