The Orkney islands are and archipelago of some 70 islands located off the north of Scotland of which only 21 are inhabited.
Kirkwall is the city located on the largest of these islands known as "Mainland". The south islands of Lamb Holm, Burray, Glimps Holm and South Ronaldsay have direct road links via the Churchill Barriers.
The outer islands are worth visiting with each having their own distinct characters. To the south of Mainland there is Hoy, Graemsey and Flotta, to the north, Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Westray, Eday, Stronsay, Papa Westray, and North Ronaldsay. All of these isles are served by the local ferry service provided by Orkney Ferries, most also have air links via Kirkwall airport (see our Directions page).
There is much to see and do in Orkney.
With quiet sandy beaches and stunning scenery Orkney is ideal for those looking to slow down a bit from their normal busy lifestyles.
But don't think that there is nothing for those looking for a bit more to do. Kirkwall provides much in the way of evening entertainment with several good restaurants, and the Fusion night club.
If history is your thing you'll want to visit the Italian Chapel at Lamb Holm (directions on our Directions page). This chapel was built by Italian prisoners of war during the second world war.
You might also be interested in the remains of the German Naval Fleet scuttled in the Scapa Flow at the end of world war one.
If you want to go back a bit further, say a couple of thousand years to the iron age, you'll want to visit Minehowe in Tankerness. Further still? You could visit the Ring of Brodgar or Skara Brae (see Directions page) both dating back to the some 3200BC.