Weekend Break in the Orkney Islands, Scotland

Why Orkney?

Some places stay with you long after you've returned home.

Orkney is one of them.

Scattered across the waters north of mainland Scotland, this remarkable archipelago of more than 70 islands feels unlike anywhere else in the UK.

Ancient stone circles stand against wide northern skies. Clifftop paths lead to dramatic sea views. And traces of Viking and Neolithic history can be found almost everywhere you look.

For many visitors, Orkney's appeal begins with its world-famous archaeological sites. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — includes extraordinary landmarks such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the Stones of Stenness, offering a fascinating glimpse into life thousands of years ago.

But Orkney is far more than a collection of historic monuments.

Visitors come for the island atmosphere, the wildlife, the spectacular coastline and the sense of space. They come to wander around Kirkwall's independent shops, cafés and harbour, to visit local whisky distilleries, to sample fresh seafood and local produce, and to experience a pace of life that feels refreshingly different from the mainland.

Whether you're planning a short break in Orkney, a longer Scottish island getaway or incorporating the islands into a wider Highlands adventure, you'll quickly discover that Orkney rewards curiosity and slower travel.

In this guide, we'll cover:

• How to get to Orkney from mainland Scotland, including ferry and flight options.

• A suggested 2–3 day Orkney itinerary.

• Practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.

• Where to stay.

Planning your Orkney weekend break

One of the most common mistakes visitors make is underestimating just how much there is to see.

While it's technically possible to visit Orkney as a day trip, most travellers quickly realise that a weekend offers a far richer experience.

Two or three days gives you enough time to explore some of the islands' most famous sites, discover Kirkwall and Stromness, and enjoy the local food scene.

The good news is that reaching Orkney is surprisingly straightforward.

Your Guide to Getting to Orkney from Mainland Scotland

One of the reasons Orkney makes such an appealing short break is that it's surprisingly easy to reach.

Despite feeling wonderfully remote once you arrive, the islands are well connected to mainland Scotland, with regular ferry services and flights to Kirkwall Airport operate throughout the year.

For many visitors travelling from the Highlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow or further afield, the journey to Orkney becomes an enjoyable part of the adventure itself.

Scrabster to Stromness ferry

The most popular route to Orkney is the ferry from Scrabster Harbour, near Thurso, to Stromness on Orkney's West Mainland.

Operated by NorthLink Ferries, the crossing takes around 90 minutes and offers spectacular views across the Pentland Firth. On clear days, you may spot wildlife along the way, while the dramatic coastline of Orkney gradually emerges on the horizon. Depending on your route and the conditions, you may even catch sight of the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack — one of Orkney's most iconic landmarks.

The service runs throughout the year, although sailing times can vary depending on the season, so it's always worth checking schedules in advance and booking early during busier periods.

Taking your car to Orkney

While it's perfectly possible to explore Orkney as a foot passenger, most visitors choose to take their car across on the ferry.

Having your own vehicle allows you to travel at your own pace and easily reach some of Orkney's most famous sites, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the dramatic coastal scenery beyond Kirkwall and Stromness.

The roads are generally quiet and easy to navigate, making Orkney particularly enjoyable for leisurely touring.

If you're planning a weekend break, taking a car often allows you to discover Orkney islands without feeling rushed.

2–3 Day Orkney Islands Itinerary

While you could spend far longer exploring Orkney, two or three days is a good amount of time to experience many of the islands' highlights, and still allow free time.

This suggested itinerary combines some of Orkney's most famous sites with opportunities to enjoy the slower pace that makes the islands so special.

Day One – Ancient Orkney

Begin your Orkney adventure by exploring the extraordinary sites that have earned the islands international recognition.

Start at Skara Brae, one of Europe's best-preserved Neolithic settlements. Hidden beneath the sand for thousands of years, the remarkably complete stone-built homes offer a fascinating glimpse into life more than 5,000 years ago.

From here, continue to the Ring of Brodgar, one of Scotland's most impressive stone circles. Standing amidst the surrounding landscape, it's easy to understand why this remarkable monument forms part of the UNESCO-designated Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Nearby, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe complete what is widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological landscapes in Europe.

It's a day that leaves many visitors wondering just how much history can be contained within a single island.

Day Two – Kirkwall and Coastal Discoveries

After a day spent exploring Orkney's ancient past, dedicate time to its vibrant present.

Kirkwall, the islands' capital, is compact, has a vibrant local community and is full of charm. Spend the morning wandering its streets, browsing independent shops and stopping in local cafés.

No visit is complete without exploring the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, which has dominated the town since the 12th century. Built from distinctive red sandstone, it remains one of Scotland's most remarkable historic buildings.

From here, take time to explore the harbour and waterfront before venturing beyond the town to discover some of Orkney's quieter coastal scenery.

The beauty of Orkney often lies in these unplanned moments — finding a quiet viewpoint, a hidden beach or local pub with live music that wasn't on the itinerary at all!

Day Three – Slower Island Experiences

If your schedule allows a third day, resist the temptation to fill every hour.

Instead, embrace the slower pace that makes Orkney so memorable.

Explore some of the outer islands - you'll find beautiful beaches, where vast stretches of sand often feel almost deserted. Walk along dramatic cliffs and coastal paths, keeping an eye out for seabirds, seals and other wildlife that thrive in these northern waters.

For those interested in maritime history, Scapa Flow offers fascinating insights into Orkney's wartime past, while visitors seeking a more relaxed day may enjoy lingering over lunch, perhaps visiting the famous Highland Park distillery or simply taking time to appreciate the landscape.

Why Orkney Feels Different

Many islands leave an impression. Orkney leaves a feeling.

Perhaps it's the combination of vast skies, dramatic coastline and a history that stretches back thousands of years. Perhaps it's the Norse heritage that still shapes the islands today, or the way ancient monuments sit so naturally within the landscape.

Orkney doesn't feel like a destination built around tourism.

It feels like a place with its own identity, rhythm and sense of community.

Life moves a little differently here. Conversations last longer. Journeys feel less hurried. And the Orcadian landscapes encourage you to slow down and pay attention to the details — whether that's a quiet harbour, a windswept beach or a glimpse of wildlife along the cliffs.

It's this combination of history, scenery and atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

Where to Stay Before, During and After Your Orkney Trip

A little planning can make an Orkney weekend break feel far more relaxed.

Many visitors focus on where they'll stay on the islands themselves, but thinking about the journey either side of the ferry crossing can make a huge difference to the overall experience.

Before and After the Ferry

For travellers sailing from Scrabster, staying nearby before or after the crossing can remove much of the stress from the journey.

Instead of rushing to catch a sailing or facing a long drive immediately after returning to the mainland, many visitors choose to build an overnight stay into their itinerary. It allows more flexibility around ferry timings, creates a gentler start and finish to the trip, and offers an opportunity to explore more of the far north of Scotland.

Set within 20 acres of woodland and riverside grounds near Thurso, Forss House Hotel is ideally placed for visitors travelling to and from Orkney.

Close enough to Scrabster Harbour for convenient access, yet wonderfully removed from the practicalities of travel, it offers comfortable accommodation, excellent dining and a peaceful setting in which to begin or end your island adventure.

Where to stay in Orkney

If you're planning to stay on the islands themselves, Kirkwall makes an excellent base.

Located in the heart of Orkney's capital, Kirkwall Hotel sits beside the harbour and within easy walking distance of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions including St Magnus Cathedral.

It's ideally positioned for exploring the wider islands while remaining close to the town's atmosphere and amenities.

Many visitors choose to combine a stay at Forss House Hotel with a few nights in Kirkwall, creating a seamless journey that allows them to enjoy both the dramatic landscapes of the far north mainland and the unique character of the Orkney Islands themselves.

Travel Tips for Visiting Orkney

A little planning goes a long way when visiting Orkney. Here are a few simple tips to help your trip run smoothly.

Plan Your Highlands Escape

The Scottish Highlands are impossible to experience all at once.

And perhaps that’s the point.

Some journeys are shaped by famous landmarks and carefully planned itineraries. Others are remembered for quieter moments — long coastal drives, wildlife spotted unexpectedly along the shoreline, evenings beside the fire and places that make you want to stay a little longer than planned.

Set beside the river in the far north of Scotland, Forss House Hotel offers a different kind of Highlands stay.

Part boutique country house hotel, part peaceful retreat, it combines modern luxury, thoughtful hospitality and dining experiences designed for slower evenings after days spent exploring the coastline, castles and landscapes of the north.

Whether you’re travelling the NC500, planning a romantic Highlands getaway or simply looking to experience a quieter side of Scotland, Forss House provides the perfect base for discovering the far north at your own pace.

And while many guests arrive planning a short stay, it’s often the place they wish they had allowed more time for.