Camping in Orkney Islands is great because of its stunning natural landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
Additionally, there are a variety of campsites to choose from, ranging from basic sites for wild camping to well-equipped sites with amenities like showers and electricity. Camping in Orkney on your Scotland family vacation allows visitors to truly connect with nature and enjoy a sense of tranquility and adventure that is unique to this beautiful island group.
Here are some tips to make the most of your camping trip:
- Choose a campsite: There are several campsites throughout the Orkney Islands that offer facilities such as toilets, showers, and waste disposal. Some popular campsites include The Orkney Caravan Park, The Ayre Campsite, and The Ness of Brodgar Campsite.
- Pack appropriate gear: The weather in the Orkney Islands can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack clothing and gear that can handle rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. Warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, and a good quality tent are essential.
- Plan your activities: The Orkney Islands offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Take some time to research the local attractions and plan your activities ahead of time.
- Respect the environment: The Orkney Islands are a fragile ecosystem, so it’s important to leave no trace when camping. Respect the local wildlife and vegetation, and dispose of your waste properly.
- Check for local regulations: Some areas of the Orkney Islands may have specific regulations for camping or fires. Be sure to check with local authorities before setting up camp.
Where to Go Camping on the Orkney Islands
Here are some of the best places to go camping in the Orkney Islands:
- The Pickaquoy Caravan And Camping Site is Orkney’s largest camping park, with over 80 pitches to choose from. It’s located just a short walk from Kirkwall town center, making it a great base for exploring the island.
- The Eviedale Cottages and Campsite is a small, family-run campsite with stunning views of Eynhallow Sound. It’s located on the island of Evie, which is known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.
- The Rackwick Bothy is a remote bothy (a simple shelter) located on the Isle of Hoy. It’s a great place to go for wild camping, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean.
- The Sandwick Bay Campsite is a small, secluded campsite located on the island of Sanday. It’s a great place to go for peace and quiet, and it’s close to some of the best beaches in the Orkney Islands.
- The Stromness Camping and Caravan Park is a large, modern campsite located in the town of Stromness. It’s a great base for exploring the northern part of the Orkney Islands, and it’s close to a number of historical sites, including the Earl’s Palace and the Museum of Orkney.
Things to Do in the Orkney Islands With Kids
Camping in Orkney Islands is just one thing you can do. There are many other things to see and do, from exploring ancient ruins to playing on the beach. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit the Ring of Brodgar: This prehistoric stone circle is one of Orkney’s most popular tourist attractions. Kids will love exploring the stones and learning about their history.
- Take a boat trip to the Orkney Mainland: This is a great way to see the islands from a different perspective and spot some local wildlife.
- Visit the Museum of Orkney: This museum has a variety of exhibits on the history and culture of the Orkney Islands. Kids will love learning about the Vikings and other early settlers.
- Go for a walk on one of the many beaches: The Orkney Islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. Kids will love playing in the sand and swimming in the sea.
- Visit the Orkney Earth Centre: This educational center is a great place to learn about the geology and natural history of the Orkney Islands. Kids will love exploring the exhibits and learning about the different types of rocks and fossils.
Where to Go in the Orkney Islands With Kids
Here are a few ideas for places to go:
- Kirkwall: The capital of Orkney, Kirkwall is a charming town with a lot to offer families. There are several museums, including the Museum of Orkney, which has exhibits on the islands’ history and culture. There are also a number of parks and playgrounds, as well as a castle and cathedral.
- Stromness: This historic town is located on the Orkney Mainland, just a short ferry ride from Kirkwall. Stromness is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Earl’s Palace and the Old Kirk. There are also a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a museum and a library.
- The Ring of Brodgar: This prehistoric stone circle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Orkney. Kids will love exploring the stones and learning about their history.
- The Standing Stones of Stenness: These ancient stones are located just a short walk from the Ring of Brodgar. They are a smaller circle of stones, but they are still impressive.
- The Ness of Brodgar: This archaeological site is located near the Ring of Brodgar. It is home to the remains of a Neolithic settlement, including houses, workshops, and a temple.
- The Orkney Earth Centre: This educational center is a great place to learn about the geology and natural history of the Orkney Islands. Kids will love exploring the exhibits and learning about the different types of rocks and fossils.
- The Orkney Museum of Flight: This museum is home to a collection of aircraft, including a Spitfire and a Hurricane. Kids will love learning about the history of aviation.
- The Orkney Seabird Centre: This center is located on the island of Rousay and is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and gannets. Kids will love watching the birds and learning about their habits.
- The Orkney Seal Centre: This center is located on the island of Flotta and is home to a variety of seals, including gray seals and harbor seals. Kids will love watching the seals and learning about their habits.
Where to Eat in the Orkney Islands With Kids
There are many family-friendly restaurants to choose from, serving a variety of cuisines. Here are a few ideas:
- The Ferry Inn: This pub in Stromness is a great place to grab a bite to eat with kids. They have a kids’ menu with all the classics, like fish and chips and burgers.
- The Orkney Cafe: This cafe in Kirkwall is a great place for breakfast or lunch. They have a variety of options to choose from, including pancakes, waffles, and sandwiches.
- The Italian Kitchen: This restaurant in Kirkwall serves up delicious Italian food. They have a kids’ menu with pasta, pizza, and risotto.
- The Thai Kitchen: This restaurant in Kirkwall serves up authentic Thai food. They have a kids’ menu with pad thai, curry, and stir-fry.
- The Fishmarket Cafe: This cafe in Kirkwall is a great place to get fresh seafood. They have a kids’ menu with fish and chips, calamari, and shrimp.
When to Go to the Orkney Islands
The best time to visit the Orkney Islands depends on your interests and what you want to experience. The summer months from June to August offer long daylight hours, mild weather, and a variety of events and festivals, making it a popular time to visit. However, it can also be crowded and more expensive.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, although visitors should be prepared for some rain and cooler temperatures.
Winter (December to February) is the quietest time to visit, with fewer tourists and a chance to see the Northern Lights, but it can also be quite cold and dark. Ultimately, the best time to visit the Orkney Islands depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip.
How Long to Stay in the Orkney Islands
The amount of time to spend in the Orkney Islands depends on your interests and how much you want to see and do. If you want to visit the main attractions, such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Italian Chapel, and enjoy some outdoor activities, a minimum of 3-4 days is recommended.
However, if you want to explore more of the islands, including some of the lesser-known sites, hike some of the scenic coastal walks, or take a day trip to one of the outer islands, you may want to stay for a week or more. Additionally, if you plan to camp and take advantage of the islands’ outdoor activities, you’ll need to factor in additional time. Ultimately, the length of your stay in the Orkney Islands depends on your interests and how much time you have available.
Orkney Islands Itinerary With Family
Here is a possible itinerary for a 3-day trip to the Orkney Islands with a family:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Kirkwall and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Museum of Orkney to learn about the islands’ history and culture.
- Take a walk around the town and visit the cathedral and castle.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2:
- Take a ferry to the island of Hoy and visit the Old Man of Hoy, a towering sea stack.
- Hike to the top of Ward Hill for stunning views of the island.
- Visit the Rackwick bothy, a remote shelter that offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant in Stromness.
Day 3:
- Visit the Ring of Brodgar, a prehistoric stone circle.
- Visit the Standing Stones of Stenness, another prehistoric stone circle.
- Visit the Ness of Brodgar, an archaeological site that is home to the remains of a Neolithic settlement.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant in Kirkwall.
How to Get to Orkney Islands
There are a few different ways to get to the Orkney Islands.
- By plane: There are flights to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Sumburgh.
- By ferry: There are ferries to Kirkwall from Aberdeen and Scrabster.
- By boat: There are a number of boat tours that depart from Aberdeen, Scrabster, and Stromness.
- By car: The Orkney Islands are connected to the Scottish mainland by a causeway.
How to Get Around Orkney Islands
There are a few different ways to get around the Orkney Islands. The most popular way is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to explore the islands at your own pace and on your own schedule. There are also a number of bus services available, which can be a more affordable option. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also get around by bike or on foot. The Orkney Islands are relatively small, so it’s easy to get around without a car.
Here are some more details about each option:
- Rental car: There are a number of car rental companies located in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Rental cars can be expensive, but they offer the most flexibility and freedom.
- Bus: There are a number of bus services available in the Orkney Islands. The buses are operated by Orkney Islands Council and they connect the main towns and villages on the islands. Buses are a more affordable option than renting a car, but they can be less flexible.
- Bike: Biking is a great way to explore the Orkney Islands. The roads are relatively quiet and there are a number of scenic routes to choose from. Biking is a great way to get some exercise and see the islands at your own pace.
- Foot: If you’re on a tight budget, you can also get around the Orkney Islands on foot. The islands are relatively small, so it’s easy to get around without a car. Walking is a great way to get some exercise and see the islands at your own pace.
