West Mainland Tour
Every Day - 10.00am Start at Kirkwall Travel Centre
The West Mainland Tour is a group tour (maximum 14 passengers) that takes you to some of the most fabulous spots on the West Mainland of Orkney. The tour starts at Kirkwall Travel Centre in the centre of Kirkwall and takes a scenic drive looking at the magnificent Scapa Flow, which was the main British naval base during both World Wars. Your guide will tell you about some of the major events that happened in the waters of Scapa Flow.
The first stop is the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the oldest stone circles in the UK, where you can get right up to the stones and experience the magic of the stones.
The tour then goes on to the Ring of Brodgar. A spectacular henge monument dating back 4500 years. This stone circle has been part of the Orkney landscape for thousands of years.
The next stop is a photo stop at the Cliffs of Yesnaby, some of the most stunning coastal scenery on the Orkney Islands.
Next on the agenda is a guided tour of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850, it is considered the best-preserved Neolithic Village in Northern Europe. Your guide will tell you all about this magnificent 5000-year-old village. After the guided tour, you will get free time to have a look at the 400-year-old Skaill House or have a look around the Skara Brae visitor centre.
The tour then visits the village of Palace in Birsay, a beautiful little village in the Northwest of the Orkney Mainland. Here you can visit the ruins of the Earl's Palace, a 16th century residence of Earl Robert Stewart, or explore the local village shop.
The final stop is Kirbuster Farm Museum, a traditional Orkney farm stead dating back to the late 16th century, giving you a gimpse into historic Orkney life.
All this for only £99 per person
Our Itinerary
- Scapa Flow - Stunning scenic views across this famous stretch of water used by the Royal Navy during both World Wars.
- Cliffs of Yesnaby - dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery.
- Skara Brae- 5000 year old stone-age village, discovered in 1850 when a great storm blew away a sand dune to reveal the village beneath. (optional visit of Skaill House, one of Orkney's finest manor houses)
- Ring of Brodgar - Stone circle and henge monument estimated to be around 4500 years old. Originally made up of 60 standing stones 27 remain standing today.
- Standing Stones of Stenness - The smaller of two stone circles we will visit today, a beautiful monument built around 3100BC.
- Earl's Palace, Birsay - A dramatic 16th-century ruin built by the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart, showcasing grand Renaissance architecture and giving a glimpse into the power and ambition of Orkney’s former rulers.
- Kirbuster Farm Museum - One of Orkney’s best-preserved traditional farmhouses, offering an authentic look at rural life with its original flagstone floors, box beds, and historic farming equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the West Mainland Tour run?
We run the West Mainland Tour everyday from the start of April until the end of September. If you are looking for a tour outwith of these times or out of season, this may be possible subject to availability. We normally require at least 2 people to run an extra tour outwith of normal time.
Where do you depart from?
We depart from and return to the Kirkwall Travel Centre (normally Stand 5).
If you are docking with a cruise ship from Hatston Pier, there are free shuttle buses that run from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre.
Here is a pin for google maps. https://maps.app.goo.gl/E3fw7vMsCB8HM3QB7
What time does the West Mainland Tour depart and how long does it take?
The West Mainland tour departs Kirkwall Travel Centre at 10.00am and lasts for approximately 6 hours. Please arrive 10 minutes early however so we can depart on time.
We aim to return to Kirkwall Travel Centre at 4pm. If you are in Kirkwall on a cruise ship then the driver may be able to drop you off at the cruise port.
Are you able to pick up from the cruise port?
We are unable to offer pick ups from the cruise port.
Tour Information
Meeting Point: Kirkwall Travel Centre
When: Everyday
Start Time: 10.00am
Duration: 6 hours
There is a café at Skara Brae where you may be able to buy lunch, or you can buy food from the village shop in Birsay. We do recommend that you take a packed lunch to make the most of your time.
Transportation
Ford Transit - 16-seat minibus
OR
Ford Tourneo Custom - 8 passenger seat minibus
Please note: The seats in our vehicles are between 48cm and 51cm wide. While there is generous legroom, the seat width may feel restrictive for some guests. If you think this may affect your comfort, you're welcome to purchase an additional seat. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns – we're happy to help.
What's Included
- Driver Commentary
- Guided Tour of Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar
- Admission Tickets
- Complimentary Water
