Orkney is one of Scotland’s most rewarding island destinations, known for world-class archaeology, dramatic coastlines, wildlife and a gentle, unhurried pace. With McKinlay Kidd, you can enjoy a tailor-made Orkney holiday or combine Orkney and Shetland in one seamless island-hopping journey.
Why Visit Orkney?
Orkney blends thousands of years of human history with a landscape shaped by wind, sea and northern light. The islands are ideal for travellers who enjoy space, clarity and thoughtful exploration.
- Remarkable Neolithic sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ness of Brodgar
- Standing stones and ceremonial landscapes including the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness
- Wild coastlines and sea cliffs home to puffins, fulmars, seals and dramatic rock formations
- Distinct Norse heritage visible in place names, folklore and local culture
- A gentle, unhurried pace perfect for travellers seeking time to breathe and explore
Highlights of an Orkney Holiday
- The main island (Mainland) hosts a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE which includes the breath-taking Standing Stones of Stenness, some up to six metres high. Remaining remarkably intact, the 5,000 year old houses at Skara Brae offer a real insight into pre-historic village life. For more local insights take a look at the Viking runes at Maeshowe which prove that graffiti isn’t a 20th-century invention!
- The Orkney Craft Trail – pick up a holiday souvenir: textiles, silver jewellery or artwork are good buys.
- Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Stenness, the nearby Neolithic Ring of Brodgar is particularly magical in the evening light (and gained contemporary notoriety when Billy Connolly danced naked through the stones on his “World Tour of Scotland”!) Evocative Scapa Flow contains the melancholy relics and wrecks of two world wars. On its banks the beautifully ornate Italian Chapel, constructed by Italian Prisoners of War over 50 years ago, is well worth a visit.
- Wildlife flourishes here. Birdwatching is popular and there are plenty of fabulous seal-watching spots. If you are lucky Minke whales, dolphins, porpoise and occasionally the odd Orca whale are seen playing in the island waters.
- Highland Park Distillery – take a tour of the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world. It tastes pretty good, too!
- The islands were under Norse rule for centuries and have a distinctive history and culture, fiddle music rather than bagpipes, knitwear rather than tartan. The local Orcadian people are justly proud of the 70-or-so islands in their archipelago, which are home to some of the most fascinating archaeological remains in Europe.
- Take the world’s shortest scheduled flight – under two minutes – between Westray and Papa Westray.
How to Experience Orkney with McKinlay Kidd
Most guests explore Orkney as part of a tailor-made holiday shaped around how they like to travel.
- Self-drive holidays via the Highlands and ferry crossings
- Rail-plus-ferry combinations for those who prefer not to drive
- Small group guided island and rail tours offering expert insight and sociable travel
- Short breaks or longer itineraries depending on your pace and interests Explore Scotland holidays:
Our team knows the routes, ferries, timings and hidden gems that make a trip feel effortless — whether you want a focused Orkney escape or a multi-island journey.
When is the best time to visit Orkney?
Each season offers something different:
- Spring – returning birdlife, fresh colours and quieter sites
- Summer – long days, lively events and excellent wildlife watching
- Autumn – warm light, dramatic seas and peaceful landscapes
We help match your preferred travel style – wildlife, tranquillity, long evenings or culture – to the right time of year.
Thinking of Combining Orkney and Shetland?
A combined Orkney and Shetland holiday offers a wonderfully varied and immersive island experience.
- Contrasting landscapes — Orkney’s gentle curves Shetland’s rugged drama
- Distinct wildlife encounters across both island groups
- A deeper sense of island culture shaped by Norse heritage
If you’re drawn to both, the Orkney and Shetland Self-drive holiday is the natural next step — a seamless itinerary with ferries, stays and route planning taken care of.
Orkney & Shetland Holidays
