List of places in Orkney Facts for Kids

Orkney is a group of islands, also known as an archipelago, found in the Northern Isles of Scotland. People have lived here for almost 8,500 years! Because of this long history, Orkney has many interesting towns, small villages called hamlets, and other settlements. This article will help you discover some of the cool places you can find in Orkney.

Exploring Orkney's Places
List of Settlements
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Exploring Orkney's Places

Orkney is made up of about 70 islands, but only about 20 of them are inhabited. Each island and settlement has its own unique story and features. From ancient historical sites to busy modern towns, there's a lot to see and learn.

Main Islands and Towns

The two largest islands in Orkney are called Mainland. The biggest town and capital of Orkney is Kirkwall. It's a lively place with shops, restaurants, and a beautiful cathedral.

Kirkwall: This is the largest town in Orkney. It's home to the amazing St Magnus Cathedral, which is a very old and impressive building. Kirkwall also has a busy harbour and lots of history.
Stromness: Located on the west side of Mainland, Stromness is Orkney's second-largest town. It's famous for its winding streets and traditional stone houses. Many ferries arrive here, connecting Orkney to mainland Scotland.
Hoy: This is the second-largest island in Orkney. It's known for its dramatic cliffs and hills, including the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack. You can also find the Longhope Lifeboat station here.
Rousay: Often called the "Egypt of the North," Rousay is packed with ancient archaeological sites. It's a great place for history buffs.
Sanday: This island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. It's a peaceful place with a lot of wildlife.
Westray: A northern island with stunning coastal scenery and a strong fishing community. It's also home to the smallest commercial airport in the world!
South Ronaldsay: Connected to Mainland by the Churchill Barriers, this island has a rich wartime history. The charming village of St Margaret's Hope is located here.
Shapinsay: Just a short ferry ride from Kirkwall, Shapinsay is a green and fertile island. It has a beautiful castle and a lighthouse.

Ancient History Spots

Orkney is famous for its incredible ancient sites, some of which are thousands of years old. These places give us clues about how people lived long, long ago.

Skara Brae: This is a Stone Age village that is older than the Egyptian pyramids! It was covered by sand for centuries and is now one of the best-preserved ancient settlements in Europe. You can see houses, beds, and even dressers from thousands of years ago.
Maeshowe: A huge, ancient burial mound built around 2800 BC. It's famous for its Viking carvings, called runes, left by Norse explorers.
Ring of Brodgar: A large stone circle, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a mysterious and impressive place, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Stenness: Near the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness are another ancient stone circle. These tall, thin stones are very striking.
Brough of Birsay: This is a small tidal island that you can walk to at low tide. It has ruins of a Pictish and Viking settlement, showing how different cultures lived here over time.

Other Interesting Places

Beyond the main towns and ancient sites, Orkney has many other unique spots.

Lamb Holm: This small island is home to the famous Italian Chapel. It was built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II using simple materials, and it's a beautiful symbol of hope and creativity.
Scapa Flow: A large natural harbour that played a very important role in both World War I and World War II as a naval base. You can visit the Scapa Flow Museum to learn more about its history.
Cantick Head: Located on Hoy, this is where you'll find the impressive Cantick Head Lighthouse, guiding ships safely.
Deerness: A parish on Mainland known for its rugged coastline and the Brough of Deerness, an ancient monastic site.
Gills Bay: While not in Orkney itself, Gills Bay is on the Scottish mainland and is a common ferry departure point for Orkney.
Orphir: This area on Mainland has the remains of a Viking-era round church, which is very rare.

List of Settlements

Orkney is dotted with many smaller settlements, hamlets, and farmsteads. Here is a list of some of these places, showing how many communities make up the Orkney Islands.