2025 Stromness Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#ancienttown #100waysoftravel #scotland #Orkney#Neolithic #Skarabrae #unitedkingdom Our visit to Skara Brae, located on the windswept Orkney Islands of Scotland, was an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s most remarkable ancient sites. This Neolithic village, dating back over 5,000 years, is considered one of Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric settlements. On a cold, windy winter day, the harsh weather amplified the rugged beauty and historical significance of the place. Discovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae had been buried under sand dunes for centuries, preserving the stone houses and their contents almost perfectly. As we explored the interconnected dwellings, we marveled at the ingenuity of its inhabitants, who built furniture, beds, and even stone cupboards using the local stone. The settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who lived here, with their advanced sense of community and resourcefulness. Despite the chill, we were captivated by the intricate layout of the village, with its central hearths, storage spaces, and drainage systems, all of which speak to the sophistication of Neolithic society. Imagining how these ancient settlers survived the long, harsh winters in this remote location was awe-inspiring. Standing amidst the ruins with the cold wind whipping around us, we felt a powerful connection to the past and an appreciation for the resilience of these early people. Skara Brae is not just a window into Scotland’s ancient history but also a reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of nature’s challenges.

#Must-visit spots in the UK The Orkney Islands are a small island located in the north of Scotland, consisting of more than 70 islands. It not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also the "Skara Brae Neolithic Ruins" listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, and the "Ring of Brogan" from the same period as the Stone Circle. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, with the same status as Stonehenge. There were originally 60 stones when they were discovered, but now only 27 remain.

#timetotravel Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, nestled on the windswept Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom, is a remarkable window into the past. Visiting this 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement is like stepping into a time machine. Walking among the remarkably well-preserved stone houses, I was struck by the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors. The snug, stone-built dwellings with their stone furniture and ingenious drainage systems are a testament to the resourcefulness of the people who lived here. The location itself, right on the edge of the rugged Orkney coastline, adds to the mystique. The dramatic sea views and the sound of waves crashing against the shore provide a haunting backdrop to this ancient site. Skara Brae is a UNESCO World Heritage site and rightly so. It offers a profound glimpse into the lives of those who lived here millennia ago, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about humanity's ancient past.

Gorgeous views from apartment window!

The best preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe and part of the UNESCO Heart of Neilithic Orkney World Heritage. A 12 kilometers 13 minutes drive from Stromness. Skara Brae dates back to Neolithic times, over 5000 years ago. Skara Brae are a group of houses that are used for their daily activities, every house has a heart in the middle, stones bed on opposite walls, a tank on the floor is likely used for storing. Exposed by great storms in 1850, four buildings were excavated during 1860s by Willam Watt.

On the west coast of Orkney mainland offering stunning seaview. 10 kilometers 12 minutes drive from Ring of Brodgar. Huge waves crashing on the cliffs and plenty of seabirds to be spotted. If you have time, you must walk 1.6 kilometers 25 minutes to see the Yesnaby Castle sea stack, standing with two legs. Yesnaby is also one of the very few places where Primula Scotica grows.

Ring of Brodgar is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site, a series of important monuments built 5000 years ago. An 18 kilometers 20 minutes drive from kirkwall will reach the beautiful place. A foot path will built around the circle of stones to let people walk around it and prevent people from going in to touch the stones. This massive site originally consist of 60 stones, now only 36 survive, so we must do our part not to climb or touch it.

Standing Stones of Stenness is 17 kilometers 20 minutes drive from Kirkwall, you also can take bus X1 to here take about 35 minutes. Step back in time over 5000 years at what may be the earliest henge monument in the British Isle. Today the stones consist of four upright stones up to 6 metres in a circle originally held 12 stones act as a ceremonial site. The opening hours are 24 hours all year round with free admissions. Sheeps are also there around the site.