Things to do whilst visiting Orkney for the Island Games

From 12 to 18 July 2025, Orkney will proudly host the 20th International Island Games welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world for a week of sports, celebration and island spirit.

With most Island Games events scheduled during the day, we recommend visiting the Ring of Brodgar at sunset. Wandering these standing stones as golden light spills across the landscape makes this already atmospheric place even more magical.

With 12 events unfolding across the mainland, there’ll be no shortage of energy and excitement. But beyond the event lies a landscape bursting with history, character, and quiet beauty. Whether you’re visiting to compete or support a team in the games, we’ve rounded up ten things for you to do to make the most of your time in Orkney.

1. See the Old Man of Hoy from the MV Hamnavoe

As you cross the Pentland Firth on the MV Hamnavoe sailing to the charming waterfront town of Stromness, keep an eye out for one of Orkney’s most iconic natural landmarks before you even step foot on land.

The Old Man of Hoy is a 449-foot-tall sea stack located off the northwest coast of Hoy – the second largest island in Orkney. Made from striking red sandstone and carved from the fierce waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this narrow sea stack is an impressive sight to behold especially against the backdrop of St John’s Head – the highest vertical sea cliff in the UK.

The MV Hamnavoe crossing provides the most accessible vantage point to admire the Old Man of Hoy, although it can also be reached by hiking across the clifftop from Rackwick Valley. Be sure to have your camera at the ready when sailing past!

2. Visit the Ring of Brodgar at sunset

With most Island Games events scheduled during the day, the evenings offer a perfect opportunity to explore Orkney’s remarkable historic sites—many of which are free to visit, including the Ring of Brodgar.

The Ring of Brodgar is a 5,000-year-old Neolithic stone circle, making it older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt. This Neolithic stone circle once comprised sixty standing stones; today, twenty-seven remain, forming the third-largest stone circle in Britain.

Wandering these stones whilst the sun sets makes this already atmospheric place even more magical, as golden light spills across the landscape. Sunsets tend to be a quieter time to visit, offering a peaceful moment to reflect on the significance of this site for the ancient communities who once gathered here for religious and ceremonial occasions.

3. Go looking for puffins and seals along the shore

Orkney’s coastline offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for visitors interested in spotting puffins or seals.

From April to early August, puffins (known in Orkney as Tammie Norries) return from months at sea to nest along cliffside burrows. Some of the best spots in Orkney to view these playful birds include Marwick Head, the Castle of Burrian sea stack on Westray and the Brough of Birsay. The best time of day to see them is in the early mornings or evenings when they are most active and feeding their chicks.

Seals are equally abundant across Orkney’s shores, and with approximately 25,000 grey and 7,000 common seals in its waters, sightings are almost a certainty. You’ll often find them lounging along the coastline or swimming in quiet harbours. The best time of year to see seals is when they have their pups, which is between June and July for common seals and October to November for grey seals. 

Binoculars are recommended, however – more often than not – Orkney’s wildlife appears close enough for some unforgettable encounters.

Top tip: Seals are curious creatures – if you whistle while walking by the shore, they may come closer and swim alongside you!

4. Cool off with some Orkney Ice Cream

After a long day either competing in or watching the events at the Island Games, few treats feel as well-earned as a scoop (or two!) of Orkney Ice Cream. Locally made, this indulgent dessert highlights the best of Orkney’s dairy, and it is served in a growing number of shops and eateries across the islands.

With so many flavours to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Look out for classic favourites like original, strawberry or chocolate, or perhaps try something distinctly Orcadian such as Toffee and Orkney Fudge or Rum and Raisin made with Orkney’s own J Gow rum.

5. Step inside the replica house at Skara Brae for a glimpse into life 5,000 years ago

If it is your first time visiting Orkney to attend the Island Games, we highly recommend visiting some of its must-see attractions. This includes Skara Brae – one of Europe’s most remarkable Neolithic sites. Built over 5,000 years ago and discovered beneath sand dunes after a storm in 1850, this stone-built village offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of Orkney’s earliest farmers.

Skara Brae consists of nine remarkably well-preserved subterranean houses, constructed entirely from stacked flat stone slabs and linked by covered passageways. Despite lying abandoned for thousands of years, the site retains compelling evidence showing how our ancestors used to live, including box-beds, stone ‘dressers’, and artefacts such as jewellery, pottery, and tools.

Be sure to take a look inside the replica house located beside the visitor centre. Thoughtfully reconstructed, it provides visitors with a tangible insight into the daily lives for the community that lived here between 3200 and 2500 BC.

6. Explore the lanes and closes of Stromness

In between watching or participating in the Island Games events such as football, golf, gymnastics and the triathlon – all of which are hosted fully or partially in Stromness – make time to explore this historic port town on foot.

The winding flagstone streets of Stromness run parallel to the waterfront, with many peedie lanes and narrow closes branching off from between its sandstone buildings. Have a browse around local shops, grab a drink in a pub or café, or visit the five-star Pier Arts Centre and the Stromness Museum – one of the oldest independent museums in the UK!

As you wander through the town, look out for the statue of Sir John Rae – the celebrated Arctic explorer – sculpted by local artist Ian Scott. For a stunning view, make the climb to the top of Brinkie’s Brae (the granite hill that looks over Stromness) for sweeping views over the town, the sea, and the hills of Hoy beyond.

7. Visit the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay (without getting stranded!)

For a peaceful escape in between the buzz of the Island Games, set your sights to the northwest coast of Orkney where the sea briefly unveils a path to one of Orkney’s most intriguing places – the Brough of Birsay. This small isle is only accessible for a few hours each day via a stone causeway exposed at low tide.

Once across, you’ll see the weathered ruins of a Norse settlement stood beside traces of an earlier Pictish community. These remains provide a glimpse into the lives that lived here as far back as the eighth century. A small church and monastery were later built here in the twelfth century.

A circular walk around the island guides you beside the cliffs, where seabirds (including puffins!) nest among burrows and ledges carved into the rugged terrain. The path ascends gently to a solitary white lighthouse, built in 1925, offering spectacular sweeping views across the coast. Just be sure to keep an eye on the tide as it comes in quick!

8. Find your perfect island souvenir

Before the Island Games and your time in Orkney comes to an end, be sure to search for the perfect keepsake to take home with you! The Orkney Islands are a hub for creativity with many talented artisans and craftspeople making jewellery, textiles, artwork and spirits inspired by the local landscape and island heritage.

Wrap up in a hand-knitted jumper spun from Orkney wool, pick up a bottle of gin or whisky from a local distillery (perfect for those post-event celebrations!), or browse jewellery and artwork shaped by local stories and materials.

For more inspiration, we recommend following the Orkney Creative Trail to visit the workshops where these traditional and distinctive pieces are created.

9. Enjoy a picnic on one of Orkney’s beaches

If you’re looking for a slower moment to recharge during all the Island Games excitement, a picnic by the sea on one of Orkney’s beaches is hard to beat – especially when the weather is fine!

Dingieshowe Beach, nestled on the southern edge of a narrow peninsula linking Deerness to Mainland Orkney, is a quiet stretch of sand ideal for paddling, dog walking or relaxing with a good book. Distant views of Copinsay emerging from the sea add to its charm, while convenient toilet facilities at the car park make it easy to stay a little longer.

Just a stone’s throw from Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall, Scapa Beach offers a peaceful escape that’s popular with both locals and visitors. Pack some local treats such as mature Orkney cheddar, crunchy oatcakes or traditional Orkney Fudge, and enjoy a moment of peace while watching the tide roll in.

10. Discover a shipwreck at the Churchill Barriers

While making your way between Island Games venues, take a scenic detour across the Churchill Barriers – a series of four causeways linking Orkney’s southern isles to its Mainland. Built during World War II to defend Scapa Flow (then the main base for the Royal Navy), the barriers were constructed using labour from Italian prisoners of war.

As you cross the barriers, look out for the rusting silhouettes of blockships which were deliberately sunk to prevent enemy access into Scapa Flow. For a closer look, stop at the layby before Barrier No.3 where a lovely golden beach offers the best view of the SS Reginald blockship, which was sunk in 1915.

If you are an experienced diver, and time allows you, several local dive operators offer guided excursions to selected ships deep in the waters of Scapa Flow, providing a unique opportunity to experience these historic wrecks up close.

Top tip: The prisoners of war that constructed the barriers also built the beautifully hand-painted Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, which is well worth a visit!

By Amy Leith
Born and raised in Aberdeen with an admiration for Orkney and Shetland, loves to travel and visit new places, enjoys cooking, always listening to music, spends a little too much time on TikTok.

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