What Lies Beyond Orkney’s Famous Landmarks? Discover the Islands’ Hidden Corners

When people begin planning a trip to Orkney, a few places usually appear at the top of their list. Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, St Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel are all remarkable attractions, and for good reason.

But what if some of your most memorable experiences in Orkney were waiting just beyond the places everyone talks about?

One of the greatest pleasures of exploring these islands is discovering the quieter corners, the unexpected viewpoints and the stories that reveal what makes Orkney such a special place.

From rugged coastlines and historic settlements to peaceful stretches of countryside, there is so much more to discover when you venture beyond the familiar landmarks.

At Orkney Odyssey, we believe that exploring Orkney should be about more than ticking attractions off a list. It should be about experiencing the character of the islands, understanding their history and finding those moments that stay with you long after you return home.

Yesnaby: Where the Atlantic meets the Orkney coastline

If you love dramatic scenery, Yesnaby on the west coast of Orkney Mainland deserves a place on your itinerary.

It’s a place I always take my guests, except on the wettest and windiest days. The words I hear them use the most are “wow, just wow”!

Iain Rollitt-James, Orkney Odyssey

Here, the Atlantic Ocean meets a rugged coastline of sandstone cliffs, natural rock formations and sweeping sea views. On a calm day, the water can appear almost impossibly blue. When the weather changes, the waves and wind reveal a much wilder side of the islands.

The landscape is a reminder that Orkney’s scenery has been shaped over countless millennia by the forces of nature.

Walking along the coastal paths, you can appreciate the scale of the cliffs and the constantly changing colours of sea and sky. Depending on the season, you may also spot seabirds or enjoy the sight of wildflowers growing among the coastal grasses.

Yesnaby is not simply a place to take photographs. It is somewhere to slow down, breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the remarkable openness of the Orkney landscape.

As with all coastal locations, care is essential near cliff edges, particularly in windy or wet conditions.

Birsay: Where history meets the sea

At the north-western end of Orkney Mainland lies the area of Birsay, a place that brings together archaeology, coastal scenery and stories of Orkney’s Norse past.

The Brough of Birsay is a small tidal island with the remains of a Norse settlement and earlier Pictish occupation. Reached by a causeway at suitable low tides, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who inhabited this part of Orkney many centuries ago.

Walking among the archaeological remains, it is easy to imagine how important the surrounding sea would have been for travel, trade and everyday survival.

The experience also highlights the importance of understanding the landscape when visiting Orkney. Access to the Brough depends on the tides, so visitors should check local tide information and allow plenty of time to return safely before the causeway is covered.

Birsay is a wonderful example of how Orkney’s history is woven into its natural environment. Here, the past is not confined to a museum; it is part of the coastline itself.

I bring my guests here to see puffins on the cliffs during the months of May, June and July. When the wind blows hard, as it frequently does here in Orkney, I bring my guests here so that they can experience the elements in full flow. The wild Atlantic and the rugged coastal scenery combine to create something truly spectacular.

Iain Rollitt-James, Orkney Odyssey

Discovering the quieter side of island life

Orkney is made up of many islands, each with its own character and attractions. While Orkney Mainland contains many of the best-known historical sites, travelling further afield can reveal a different pace of life.

Smaller communities, working harbours, traditional buildings and open countryside offer opportunities to appreciate the everyday realities of island life.

The scenery changes as you travel, but the connection between people, land and sea remains a recurring theme.

You might find yourself looking across a sheltered bay, watching fishing boats return to harbour or passing fields shaped by generations of farming. These simple experiences can offer a different perspective from visiting a major attraction.

Of course, the best discoveries are not always secret places. Sometimes they are familiar locations experienced at a quieter time of day, or a view that catches your attention when you least expect it.

That is part of the magic of exploring Orkney. “Less is definitely more.”

The joy of taking your time

One of the challenges of planning an Orkney holiday is deciding how much to fit into your itinerary.

There is an extraordinary amount to see, particularly if you are interested in archaeology, wartime history, wildlife and spectacular scenery. It can be tempting to squeeze as many places as possible into a single day.

However, travelling too quickly can mean missing the very things that make Orkney memorable.

I always want my guests to “feel” Orkney as well as visit it.

Iain Rollitt-James, Orkney Odyssey

Allowing time to enjoy a coastal viewpoint, explore a historic site or simply appreciate the changing light can make a real difference to your experience.

It is also worth remembering that Orkney’s weather is part of its character. A change in the conditions can transform the appearance of a familiar landscape, while a bright spell can reveal colours and details that were hidden beneath the clouds.

A flexible itinerary allows you to make the most of the day rather than rushing from one scheduled stop to the next.

Why explore with a local guide?

Finding the right balance between famous attractions and lesser-known places can be difficult, particularly if you are visiting Orkney for the first time.

Where should you go if you love history? Which coastal locations are worth including? How can you make the most of your time without spending the day constantly checking maps and driving between destinations?

A knowledgeable local guide can help bring these decisions together.

With Orkney Odyssey, the opportunity is to experience the islands through their stories, landscapes and local character. Rather than simply following a checklist, you can explore places that reflect your interests and discover connections that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Whether you are fascinated by ancient history, drawn to the coastline or simply want to experience the quieter side of Orkney, a well-planned tour can help you make more of your visit.

Make your own discoveries in Orkney

Orkney’s famous landmarks are unforgettable, but they are only part of the story.

From the dramatic cliffs of Yesnaby to the archaeological remains at Birsay and the peaceful communities scattered across the islands, there are countless opportunities to discover something unexpected.

Perhaps you will find a favourite stretch of coastline, learn a story that changes the way you see a familiar place, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet with nothing but the sound of the sea around you.

These are the experiences that turn a holiday into something special.

Planning your Orkney adventure?

Let Orkney Odyssey help you discover the places, stories and landscapes that make these islands so extraordinary.

Explore our tours and get in touch to discuss your visit.

We would love to help you discover your own favourite corners of Orkney.