A small snapshot of what to see & do
update;
advice to our holiday visitors, please do take the time to book your visits to Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Italian chapel well before your visit to avoid dissapointment. These sites do book up well in advance!!
The Broch of Gurness
Explore an icon of Orkney’s rich archaeological heritage. This impressive Iron Age complex is one of the most outstanding examples of a later prehistoric settlement to survive in Scotland, less than 2 miles from the Village of Evie.
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Marvel at the completeness of Scotland’s best-preserved broch village
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View Iron Age artefacts on display in the visitor centre on site
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Explore nearby – Gurness is one of at least 10 brochs that line either shore of Eynhallow Sound
No need to book, this site is always open
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Ring of Brodgar
The ancient Ring of Brodgar is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which focuses on various neolithic sites on the Mainland of Orkney.
It was built between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, making it the last of the neolithic monuments to have been built in the area.
The Ring of Brodgar stands on a small isthmus with Loch Stenness on one side and Loch Harray on the other.
Just over 13 miles from Evie Village.
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For further information please visit
The Brough of Birsay
Reach this very special tidal island by causeway to explore Pictish, Norse and medieval remains.
Enjoy the scenic location – a challenge to get to, a joy to explore
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Get a unique insight into the peaceful life of the Norse settlers by exploring the remains of their village
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Marvel at the church of St Peter, a sophisticated building that had a square tower and glazed windows
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View some important early sculptures and interesting Norse artefacts in the small visitor centre on the island
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Take a short stroll to the small lighthouse at the crest of the island, above dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean
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Count the many types of wildflower that grow in the machair (coastal grassland) and see puffins nest on cliffs in the spring.
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Just over 9 miles from Evie Village, dont forget to check the tidal times before visiting. No need to book as this site is always open.
Skara Brae
Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.
Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
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Walk around an extraordinary village – the best-preserved group of prehistoric houses in all of Western Europe
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Explore the nine surviving Neolithic houses, all but one of which can be viewed from the path
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View original ‘fitted’ furniture made 5,000 years ago
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Step inside a complete replica house, to get a fuller picture of village life
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Visit Skaill House, an impressive 17th century mansion, adjacent to Skara Brae (joint ticket April to October) www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae
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The Italian Chapel
The Italian Chapel consists of two Nissen huts transformed into a beautiful chapel by Domenico Chiocchetti and his colleagues, Italian prisoners of war captured in North Africa and transported to the Island of Lamb Holm in Orkney.
Maeshowe
Maeshowe, a monumental chambered tomb, is the finest Neolithic building to survive in north-west Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago, it is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction – not least because of its use of massive stones.
Access to Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is by guided tour only. Starting and finishing at the Visitor Centre at Stenness.
Due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to reserve your tour online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.