If you want to escape modern life entirely then the 70 odd Orkney Islands are the kind of magical portals into peace and beauty you might be looking for. They’re just a few miles across from Scotland's mainland, but these green, and mostly flat, islands are rich in Viking lore; dotted with prehistoric structures and whisky distilleries; run around with beautiful, sandy beaches; and places where people are still more beholden to the sea than they are their smartphones. Our pick of the best places to stay in Orkney offer a warm welcome and a personal introduction to some of the highlights of these islands. Many also boast a wonderful view, great food and a good collection of whisky.

Of the 70 islands in the Orkney archipelago, around 20 are inhabited, but not all of those have guest accommodation, and the hotels and B&Bs in Orkney are mostly to be found on the larger islands of Mainland, Hoy, Westray, Eday, Sanday and Stronsay. Skara Brae is probably Orkney’s most famous sight, a prehistoric community predating Stonehenge and the pyramids. The houses of this community have beds, boxes and cupboards — all made of stone — that have survived 5000 years underneath the sand and grass of the beautiful, sandy bay. Mainland also has Maeshowe, a Neolithic chamber and cairn tomb built from huge sandstone blocks, some weighing many tons. And within sight of Maeshowe are the strange circle of 12, the Standing Stones of Stenness. Also on Mainland is the brilliant Stromness Museum.

The island of Hoy is well known for the Old Man of Hoy, an incredible rock stack balancing precariously on the top of an eroding headland. Only really confident climbers should attempt it, but the rest of us can certainly enjoy the approach, especially if you come through peaceful Randwick Glen, through the RSPB Nature Reserve — where you may see puffins! Hoy is a good base for walkers and birdwatchers. Its Scapa Flow Museum is ideal for days when the weather is a bit on the wild side. Westray is probably the best place to stay in Orkney for puffin watching, and if you’re here for the beaches, then Sanday is the island to visit.

However due to the limited options, the best places to stay in Orkney can get very busy during the peak summer season. So do your research and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Orkney

For Harbour Views

• The Kirkwall Hotel is a fine, Victorian building, right on the waterfront of Kirkwall, overlooking the boats and the harbour. Inside, its 37 rooms and suites have been carefully decorated to feel stylish, but also cosy, with plush headboards, tartan rugs and pillows, and old black and white photos of Kirkwall. The friendly Skippers Bar is a meeting place for locals, as well as visitors, or you can try the Highland Park Bar, which stocks more than one hundred malt whiskies from the island’s distilleries, or its Harbour View Restaurant which offers up local produce.

For Foodies

• The Storehouse, in Kirkwall, is a traditional barn newly renovated into a restaurant with hotel rooms. Lots of the building's original features have been retained in the conversion, but the eight rooms and suites have contemporary decor, against the low-beamed ceilings and wooden floors. Some of the rooms can also accommodate children. The restaurant is innovative and popular, with great knowledge of local produce, and this is a great base for exploring the islands.

For Romance

• Graemeshall House was built by the Bishop of Orkney in 1626. It was lately a museum, and is now a two room guesthouse. There’s a simplicity to the collection of dark-wood antiques in the house, but elegance too, when combined with the crystal chandeliers and new bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the original dining room. Perfect for walkers, or anyone seeking out some peace and quiet?

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• One of the great appeals of the Orkney Islands is how remote they are, so they’re not the easiest places to get to. Inverness Airport is the closest major airport to the Orkney Islands, from where you can catch a Loganair flight to Kirkwall. You can also fly to Kirkwall from Aberdeen International Airport, Glasgow Airport, or Edinburgh International Airport. All of these flights are just short of an hour. If you want to bring your car you can take it on the NorthLink Ferries route between Aberdeen and Kirkwall. There are foot ferries available too, leaving from Scrabster, Lerwick, Gills Bay and John O’Groats.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s always a chance of rain in this part of the world, so whatever time of year you choose to visit be prepared for any possible weather combinations. This far north it’s probably the light that makes the most difference to your visit. Closer to mid-summer the days are a lot longer, so we recommend May through September. Unless you like it brisk and a bit wild! 

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Caithness
• browse some of our Gurus recommendations for Scotland’s Highlands and the Islands
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.