Introduction
Let’s continue with part 2 of our journey through Orkney’s historical sites. If you haven’t read part 1 yet I would advise starting there, Orkney’s Top 10 Historical Sites (Part 1). Some of these sites are not as well known but are still worth a visit. They give a real insight into the unique history we have at our fingertips.
Let’s dive into the last of Orkney’s historical sites.
1. Broch of Gurness
Brief History
Overlooking the island of Rousay, the Broch of Gurness is one of the best-preserved Iron Age settlements in Scotland. The village began between 500 BC to 200 BC, with the site centered on a large circular stone tower, the broch, surrounded by smaller houses and workshops. Surrounding the settlement was a large ditch, which defined an area of about 45m in diameter.
The layout suggests the broch served as both a home and a defensive stronghold, offering shelter and protection to its community. Excavations have uncovered pottery, tools, and even Roman artefacts, showing that the people here traded or had contact far beyond Orkney. Archaeologists also found the remains of a Viking woman buried with her belongings.
After people abandoned the site, the Picts and later the Norse settlers reused it. This makes it one of Orkney’s most archaeologically layered sites.
With onsite parking it is easily accessible but allow 45 minutes to an hour to walk around and visit the small on-site museum displaying artefacts found.
Although Google Maps may list it as ‘temporarily closed,’ you can still access the site through the open gates, but the museum remains closed.
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/broch-of-gurness/overview/
Location: Aikerness, Evie, Orkney KW17 2NH, United Kingdom
Price List (as of November 2025)
2. Kitchener Memorial
Brief History
On 5 June 1916, HMS Hampshire left the Royal Navy’s anchorage at Scapa Flow, Orkney, bound for Russia. The Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, was on board as part of a diplomatic and military mission aimed at boosting Russia’s efforts on the Eastern Front.
At about 9:45pm, in stormy conditions and within two miles of Orkney’s northwest shore, she struck a mine laid by German submarine U-75. Only twelve survived.
In 1926, the people of Orkney erected the Kitchener Memorial at Marwick Head, overlooking the site of the tragedy. The final death toll was 737, including Kitchener, who died when HMS Hampshire was lost. There were only 12 survivors.
As well as the memorial, there is plenty of wildlife to look out for and the scenic views are breathtaking. What makes this place even more special is you are looking down on the area where these events took place.
To access this site, park in the carpark at the base of the hill and walk 1km to the memorial. To remember the people who lost their lives in the tragedy they carved their names on the memorial itself.
Alternatively you can park at markwick beach and walk along the cliffs to the memorial. I would allow yourself 1-2 hours to enjoy this walk. Doing this route you will see some of the shipwreck and seals in the bay and a variety of sea birds breeding and living on the cliff faces.
If you are interested to know more about the history, visit the website below where a book has been written about the events that took place. Donations are also welcomed to help maintain this site, to get in touch email, kitchener.memorial@gmail.com.
Website: http://hmshampshire.org/ or https://kitchenerhampshire.wordpress.com/
Location: B9056, Orkney KW17 2ND, United Kingdom
Price: FREE
3. Maeshowe
Brief History
Maeshowe is the best-preserved Neolithic chambered tomb in north-west Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago using huge sandstone slabs weighing up to three tonnes. From the outside it looks like a grassy mound, but inside is a carefully engineered stone chamber reached by a 10-metre passage made from single massive blocks. Each corner of the main chamber is marked by an upright stone, with three smaller side cells leading off it.
The tomb sits within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, alongside the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, and Skara Brae. Its passage is aligned with the setting sun at midwinter. It shines directly into the chamber for a few weeks around the solstice, showing the builders’ precise understanding of the seasons.
Centuries later, Norsemen broke into the tomb and carved runes on the walls. These inscriptions form the largest collection of runic writing outside Scandinavia, adding another layer of history to the site. A powerful reminder that Orkney was under Norwegian rule until 1469.
This site is only available to visit with a tour, you will not be permitted to enter without one. Parking is available at the tourist centre where a coach will transport you to the site. Due to accidents on the fast main road, parking near the main site is no longer permitted.
Maeshowe is a busy site, if you don’t want to be disappointed I would recommend booking online to ensure you get to see this masterpiece. Psst, it’s also cheaper to book online!
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/maeshowe-chambered-cairn/
Location: Maeshowe Visitor Centre, Ireland Rd, Stenness KW16 3LB, United Kingdom
Price List (as of November 2025):
4. Wideford Hill Cairn
Brief History
This Neolithic chambered tomb is located just outside Kirkwall, dating back around 5,000 years. Built into the hillside, the cairn has a large circular mound with a stone passage leading to a central chamber and three smaller side cells. It’s similar in design to Maeshowe but smaller and less formal in structure.
The tomb was first discovered in 1849 when part of the roof collapsed, revealing the inner chambers. Excavations showed that it was built with carefully layered stonework and originally had a low, narrow entrance which visitors today reach through a short metal ladder and hatch in the roof.
From the site, there are wide views over the Wide Firth and other Orkney Islands. The cairn’s location high on the hillside suggests it was built to be seen from a distance, likely serving both as a burial place and a marker within the Neolithic landscape. The nearby Cuween Hill chambered cairn is also visible.
Allow about 30–45 minutes to visit, including the short uphill walk from the small parking area near the track. The site is open all year round, but take care inside as it can be dark and uneven underfoot. You will be walking along the side of a large heathery hill which can be boggy and have hidden holes. If you are going after a period of rain I would advise taking waterproof boots to ensure you don’t get soggy feet.
Take your camera and enjoy the walk and the scenery. If you continue to the top of Wideford hill you can get a full 360 panoramic view of the Orkney Mainland and the surrounding islands. Near the buildings you will also find a wayfinder which has points of interest, check it out and let me know the furthest away island you could see.
Please be careful if you drive to the parking area as you will be passing through an active farm The road isn’t in great condition and can sometimes be muddy.
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/wideford-hill-chambered-cairn/
Location: Wideford Hill, Unnamed Road, Kirkwall KW15 1TR, United Kingdom
Price: FREE
5. St Magnus Cathedral
Brief History
I have saved you the best for last.
Located in the centre of Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral is one of Orkney’s most recognisable landmarks and the most northerly cathedral in the British Isles. It is also the most complete medieval cathedral in Scotland
It is dedicated to St Magnus, Earl of Orkney in the 12th century, at a time when Orkney was part of the Kingdom of Norway. He was killed on the orders of his cousin and rival Hakon, and many miracles were reported after this death. Construction began in 1137, ordered by Earl Rognvald in honour of his uncle St Magnus.
The cathedral was built from red and yellow sandstone, giving it a distinctive two-tone appearance. It took more than 300 years to complete, and its design combines Romanesque and early Gothic styles. The building has survived Viking rule, Scottish annexation, and World War II, remaining the heart of Kirkwall for almost 900 years.
Inside, visitors can see memorials, detailed stonework, and the resting place of explorer John Rae. The cathedral houses a small collection of relics linked to St Magnus himself and more can be seen across the road at the Orkney Museum (also worth a visit).
Take in the breathtaking stained glass windows and follow the stone carved graffiti. There is so much history in this cathedral I have barely scaped the top. There are a handful of different tours you can partake in to get a deeper understanding of this marvel.
If you are lucky enough you may stumble upon a community event taking place here, a wedding, concert or people in for worship. This building truly is special and you feel this the second you step foot in the door.
Along with the cathedral, it is also surrounded by a large graveyard and the Bishop & Earl’s Palace across the road.
Donations are welcomed for the upkeep of this special piece of history.
Website: https://orkneymuseums.co.uk/our-museums/st-magnus-cathedral/
Location: Broad St, Kirkwall KW15 1DH, United Kingdom
Price: FREE
Guided Tours
If you would like to know more about the different sites or want to discover the lesser well known spots, get in touch with Calum from Historic Orkney. He offers personalised tours and has a wealth of knowledge, having grown up living and breathing the history of Orkney there is very little he doesn’t know.
https://www.historicorkney.com
Unable to See it for Yourself?
Don’t worry, I have you covered. I understand some people are unable to see some of these beautiful places due to various reasons and I don’t want you to miss out on these beauties. Luckily for you I have created a YouTube video which shows some of these sites from drone view, so you can see the full picture and see the magnitude of these sites and beautiful landscapes which surround them.
You can check out the video here:
Final Thoughts
This is only the start of your historic journey within Orkney. There are many other sites dotted around the many islands, this post has only focused on the mainland of Orkney.
In addition to these places I would recommend visiting the Stromness Museum and the Orkney Museum to expand on your growing knowledge of the history in Orkney.
I hope I have inspired you to visit them for yourself and take a more active role in learning your own local history.
Would you like me to do another post but on the sites from the outer islands? Let me know in the comments.