What to do in Stenness

Activities, attractions and tours

Stenness Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Stenness has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, 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 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.

Activities and Tours

Stenness is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore 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 Stenness to make sure that you enjoy your experience 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, 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.

Stenness Attractions

Expedia 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 to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Stenness.

Looking for things to do 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 or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Stenness attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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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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2. 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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3. St. Magnus Cathedral

St. Magnus Cathedral is among Orkney’s most recognizable and striking landmarks. Known as the “Light in the North,” this medieval cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall. Inside are memorials to a number of prominent Orcadians. Take a guided tour of the building’s upper levels for wonderful views over the cathedral itself and the surrounding landscape.
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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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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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What to do in Stenness

Discover the most popular places to visit in Stenness

Skara Brae

Skara Brae

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

Skara Brae
Ring of Brogdar

Ring of Brogdar

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

Ring of Brogdar
Maes Howe

Maes Howe

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

Maes Howe
Bay of Skaill

Bay of Skaill

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.

Bay of Skaill

Piers Art Centre

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

Piers Art Centre

Stromness Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Stromness Museum during your trip to Stromness. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Stromness Museum

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.

Barony Mill

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Stenness

Stromness

Stromness

Frequently asked questions

Is Stenness worth visiting?
Known for its history and coastal beaches, finding fun things to do in Stenness is a breeze. Be sure to add Stromness Museum to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Stenness?
Start your adventures with a visit to Stromness Museum and Skara Brae. Then, explore other parts of Stenness for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Stenness?
You can't go home without checking out Stromness Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Stenness.
Is three days enough to stay in Stenness?
You can easily tick off popular sights like Stromness Museum, Ring of Brogdar and Maes Howe with a three-day stay in Stenness. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Thurso.
What are some activities to do in Stenness with kids?
Planning what to do in Stenness with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Stenness for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Stenness, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Barony Mill.
Are there free things to do in Stenness?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Stenness. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Stromness Museum is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.