A Local Guide’s Travel Tips for Visiting Orkney

Book Ahead in Summer

June through August is peak season. If you want to visit sites like Skara Brae or Maeshowe, book early. I can also book tickets for you, saving you time and hassle.

Pack for All Weather

We say here: if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. Bring a waterproof jacket, layers, and good walking shoes. Even in summer, the wind can surprise you.

Go Beyond the Big Sites

Skara Brae and St Magnus Cathedral are must-sees, but some of Orkney’s best experiences are quieter spots like the Broch of Gurness, Birsay tidal island, or even sea-glass hunting on remote beaches.

Respect the Land

Orkney’s history is fragile. Stones, tombs, and ruins have lasted thousands of years — help them last thousands more by leaving them as you found them.

Travel at Your Pace

I only run one tour per day, so you never feel rushed. The magic of Orkney is in taking your time — watching light shift over the Ring of Brodgar or spotting seals on a quiet bay.

If you’re planning your first Orkney trip, the best advice I can give is this: make it personal. Don’t just follow the crowds. Find a guide who grew up here, who knows the history and the hidden gems. That’s what I offer with my private Orkney tours.