What to do in Stromness

Activities, attractions and tours

Stromness
Stromness
Stromness
Stromness
Stromness

Stromness Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Stromness 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

Stromness 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 Stromness 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.

Stromness 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 Stromness.

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 Stromness attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. Dunnet Head Lighthouse

The Dunnet Head Lighthouse is located on the northernmost point of the Scottish mainland, perched on dramatic cliffs that plummet 300 feet (90 meters) into the turbulent Pentland Firth below. Drive or make the rewarding coastal hike up to this scenic viewpoint and enjoy vistas stretching over the sea to Orkney.
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2. 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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3. 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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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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Recommended things to do in Stromness

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Stromness

Discover the most popular places to visit in Stromness

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
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
Maes Howe

Maes Howe

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

Maes Howe

Stromness Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Stromness with a trip to Stromness Ferry Terminal. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.

Stromness Ferry Terminal

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 Stromness

Kirkwall

Kirkwall

Hoy Island

Hoy Island

Dounby
Photo by Ian Balcombe (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Dounby

Quoyloo
Photo by Douglas Law (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Quoyloo

Frequently asked questions

Is Stromness worth visiting?
Stromness offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional food, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Stromness?
Start your day with a visit to Stromness Museum and Longhope Lifeboat Museum. Then, check out different parts of Stromness for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Stromness?
The top tourist attraction in Stromness is Stromness Museum, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Stromness?
Three days is enough for a short getaway in Stromness — you'll tick off the main spots and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, stay for at least seven to ten days to explore some nearby hotspots too.
What are some activities to do in Stromness with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Stromness with kids.
What to do in Stromness for adults?
Lyness Naval Cemetery and Maes Howe are just a couple of the things to do in Stromness. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Stromness?
In Stromness, Stromness Museum is a popular spot for anyone planning to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a top way to explore the best free things to do in Stromness.