The Quiet Romance Of Orkney

Some places just feel like they belong to another world, windswept, timeless, and breathtakingly beautiful. Orkney is one of those places. Tucked away off Scotland’s northern coast, these islands are made for couples who crave wild landscapes, ancient mysteries, and quiet moments away from it all.

Imagine standing together inside a 5,000-year-old stone circle, the huge stones casting long shadows as the sun sinks low.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape that’s a little different, here’s where to find the magic in Orkney:

Tidal Island intrigue in Birsay

At low tide, you can walk hand in hand across an exposed causeway to a tiny island full of Viking history and dramatic cliffs.

From May to July, the cliffs come alive with puffins, charming little birds known for their deep devotion. These loyal lovers return each year to the same nesting spot, reuniting with their lifelong mate. It’s no wonder they’re seen as symbols of enduring love in a wild and rugged place.

Go in search of seashells along the beach, Groatie Buckies are small shells, sought after by locals said to bring fortune to those who find them. Slip one into your pocket or purse and the old Orcadian belief promises you’ll never want for wealth.

• Tip: Always check the tide times to safely cross and return.

Whispers of the Past at the Ring of Brodgar

Imagine standing together inside a 5,000-year-old stone circle, the huge stones casting long shadows as the sun sinks low. The Ring of Brodgar isn’t just a monument — it’s a site of ritual and ceremony, with some people choosing to get married there. Bring a flask of hot coffee, visit at golden hour, and watch the light bathe the hills and lochs all around you. It’s one of those moments you’ll both never forget.

The Stones of Stenness lie to the southeast of the Ring of Brodgar, about a mile away, on the same peninsula. The Odin Stone, once an outlier of this circle, stood in the field between the stone circle and Odin Cottage, the house with the red roof.

Although it was destroyed in 1814, the Odin Stone stood out among the individual standing stones for its charm and cultural significance. A hole pierced through the stone, and it played a central role in traditional marriage ceremonies. Lovers would clasp hands through the hole and pledge their vows to one another, calling upon the god Odin as their witness.

• Tip: Visit in the evening as the sun it setting, when the light is low, and you may find yourselves alone together.

Love and Hope in the Italian Chapel

On a small island called Lamb Holm a group of Italian prisoners of war built a little miracle: the Italian Chapel. They used scraps and whatever materials they could find, but inside, it’s breathtaking — delicate paintings, tiny details, and a spirit of hope that lingers in the air.

Giuseppe Palumbi, an Italian blacksmith, played a quiet yet lasting role in the adornment of the Italian Chapel. During its creation, he was granted permission to travel to Mainland Orkney in search of materials. It was there he met Barbara, a young Orcadian woman. In the midst of war and exile, love unexpectedly blossomed. But Giuseppe carried a secret: he was already married.

When peace returned and repatriation loomed, he chose duty over desire, and with a heavy heart, returned to Italy and the life he had left behind. All he took from Orkney was a single photograph of the girl who had captured his heart. Yet he left something behind, not just memories, but a token wrought from his craft: a small, delicate iron heart embedded in the Chapel’s floor, where the gates of the sanctuary screens gently meet. It remains there still, a quiet echo of love and longing.

• Tip: Visit late in the afternoon when the light is soft, and you’ll often have it nearly to yourselves.

Walking the Wild Edge at Yesnaby Cliffs

For couples who love a bit of adventure, nothing beats the Yesnaby Cliffs. Towering sea cliffs, crashing waves, and endless ocean views, it’s wild, dramatic, and guaranteed to take your breath away. Walk the path to the left to find Yesnaby Castle, a natural stone tower carved by the sea. It’s rugged and windswept and it’s the kind of place that you can sit together and watch the waves crashing in for hours.

Close to the Yesnaby cliffs, about 100m back along the road from the Yesnaby car park, on the south side, between the months of May and July a tiny treasure can be found. Exclusive to Orkney, North Sutherland, and Caithness, the rare Primula Scotica, with pale lilac flowers grows. This is not a flower you can pick to gift to a loved one but it’s worth seeking out just to marvel at its remarkable resilience and delicate beauty.

Tip: Time your visit for sunset on a clear evening, the golden light over the Atlantic is unforgettable.

Under the Stars at Rackwick Bay

On the island of Hoy, past winding roads and steep hills, lies Rackwick Bay. Huge cliffs loom over a beach covered with beautifully sea smoothed pink boulders.

At night, undimmed by city lights, the skies fill with stars and if you are lucky the Northern Lights, the perfect setting for stargazing and listening to the sound of the waves whilst wrapped in a blanket together.

• Tip: As sunset approaches, find a spot on the grassy hillside overlooking the bay, just beneath the shadow of the red sandstone cliffs, and soak in the spectacular view.

Go on an Island Adventure

Why not go on an adventure to one of Orkney’s smaller islands, where a gentle hike leads you through wild beauty and quiet moments made just for two? Each island invites a different kind of intimacy, whether adventurous, reflective, or simply peaceful.

Whether it’s the moorland paths and rugged cliffs of Hoy, the sweeping sands and endless skies of Sanday or exploring the archaeological treasures of Rousay – there are so many islands to explore.

You may catch sight of a selkie, slipping through the waves or lounging dreamily on the rocks. But beware, Orkney’s old tales speak of selkies who shed their sealskins beneath the moonlight, taking human form to steal the hearts of those who wander too close to shore. So keep your eyes open… your seal-spotting might just turn into an unexpected love story.

• Tip: Plan ahead, but travel slowly. Ferry schedules can be limited and weather-dependent, so check timetables in advance.

The Quiet Romance of Orkney

Orkney is a place for lovers who crave authentic beauty, quiet moments, and shared adventures. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient ruins, enjoy the thrill of discovering secret beaches, or simply enjoy soaking up the peace of the islands, you’ll find endless ways to create unforgettable memories. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and just be together.

By Victoria Dixon
Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

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