Planning Your Orkney Trip: Essential Resources and Booking Tips

Planning a trip to the captivating Orkney Islands requires a bit more forethought than a mainland UK break, but the rewards are immense. From navigating ferry and flight options to understanding the best time to visit and booking essential accommodation and tours, careful planning ensures you make the most of Orkney's unique blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This comprehensive guide provides essential resources and booking tips to help you craft your perfect Orkney adventure.

When to Visit Orkney: Choosing Your Season

Each season offers a different Orkney experience:

• Summer (June - August):
  • Pros: Longest daylight hours (nearly 19 hours in June's 'Simmer Dim'), warmest temperatures (average highs 15-16°C), peak wildlife season (puffins, whales), major festivals (St Magnus, Folk Festival).
  • Cons: Busiest time with highest visitor numbers, accommodation and ferries book up far in advance, potentially higher prices, midges can be present on still evenings.
• Spring (April - May) & Autumn (September - October):
  • Pros: Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds, often beautiful light for photography, spring wildflowers or autumn colours, migrating birds (autumn), generally lower prices than summer. May is often relatively dry.
  • Cons: More unpredictable weather than summer (can be cool and windy), some seasonal attractions/cafes may have reduced hours or be closed (especially from October).
• Winter (November - March):
  • Pros: Best chance of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), dramatic storm watching opportunities, cosy pubs with peat fires, unique events like the Kirkwall Ba' game, very quiet with few tourists, lowest prices.
  • Cons: Shortest daylight hours (6-7 hours in Dec/Jan), coldest temperatures (average highs 5-7°C), highest chance of wind/rain and travel disruption (ferry/flight cancellations), many seasonal attractions closed.

Overall Recommendation: May/June or September often provide a good balance of decent weather, long enough days, open attractions, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Getting To Orkney: Ferries vs. Flights

• Ferries: The most common way to arrive, especially if bringing a vehicle.
  • NorthLink Ferries: Operate large, comfortable ferries from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (approx. 6 hours, overnight options with cabins available) and Scrabster (near Thurso) to Stromness (approx. 90 minutes). Essential to book vehicles well in advance. (NorthLink Website)
  • Pentland Ferries: Run a faster catamaran service from Gills Bay (near John O'Groats) to St Margaret's Hope (approx. 1 hour). Also requires vehicle booking. (Pentland Ferries Website)
• Flights: Loganair operates flights to Kirkwall Airport (KOI) from major Scottish cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, as well as Shetland and Bergen (Norway). Flights are quicker but generally more expensive, and you'll likely need car hire upon arrival. Loganair also runs the vital inter-island flight service. (Loganair Website)

Getting Around Orkney: Transport Options

• Car Hire: Highly recommended for flexibility in exploring the Mainland and islands connected by barriers/ferries. Several local and national firms operate from Kirkwall Airport and town. Book well in advance, especially for automatic vehicles or summer travel. Be prepared for single-track roads.
• Public Transport: Orkney Coaches run bus services primarily connecting Kirkwall, Stromness, and main villages on the Mainland. Services can be infrequent, especially evenings and weekends, and don't reach all attractions. Limited service on Sundays.
• Inter-Island Ferries: Orkney Ferries connect the Mainland to most inhabited islands. Essential for island hopping. Check timetables and book vehicle spaces via their website or app. Foot passengers and cyclists usually don't need to book but check for specific routes.
• Cycling: Orkney's relatively flat Mainland is popular for cycling, though wind is a major factor. Bike hire (including e-bikes) is available in Kirkwall and Stromness. See our cycling guide.
• Guided Tours: Numerous operators offer tours focusing on archaeology, wildlife, specific islands, or general sightseeing. A good option if you prefer not to drive or want expert commentary.

Accommodation: Booking Your Orkney Stay

• Types: Orkney offers a wide range, including hotels (mainly Kirkwall/Stromness), numerous B&Bs and Guesthouses, extensive self-catering cottages/apartments (ideal for longer stays or families), hostels (Kirkwall, Stromness, Hoy, Eday), and campsites.
• Booking Platforms: Use dedicated Orkney accommodation websites like Orkney Stays, VisitOrkney.com, or general platforms. Booking directly with providers is often possible.
• Book Early!: This is crucial, especially for travel between May and September. Popular accommodation, particularly self-catering cottages and island B&Bs, can book up 6-12 months in advance. Don't leave it late!
• Location: Kirkwall and Stromness offer the most amenities and transport links. Staying in rural areas or on islands provides tranquility but requires more planning for meals and travel.

Essential Planning Resources

• Websites:
  • VisitOrkney.com: Official tourism site with guides, listings, event calendars.
  • OrkneyFerries.co.uk: Inter-island ferry timetables and booking.
  • NorthLinkFerries.co.uk & PentlandFerries.co.uk: Mainland ferry booking.
  • Loganair.co.uk: Flights to/within Orkney.
  • Historic Environment Scotland: Info and booking for major sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe.
  • RSPB Orkney: Information on bird reserves.
  • Met Office: Detailed Orkney weather forecasts.
• Apps: Consider weather apps (Met Office), aurora forecast apps (AuroraWatch UK), ferry status apps, and potentially stargazing apps.
• Guidebooks: Several excellent Orkney guidebooks are available, offering detailed maps and site information.

Booking Attractions and Tours

• Essential Pre-Booking:
  • Maeshowe: Entry is by guided tour only with limited numbers; booking well in advance via Historic Environment Scotland is essential year-round.
  • Skara Brae: Timed entry slots often operate during peak season; booking online is recommended to guarantee entry.
  • Ferries (with vehicle): Book as soon as your dates are firm, especially for summer.
  • Flights: Book flights well in advance for better prices.
  • Accommodation: Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season.
  • Car Hire: Book several months ahead, particularly for automatics or summer.
  • Popular Tours: Wildlife boat trips, guided archaeology tours, or specialist activities should be booked in advance.

Packing Essentials Checklist

• Clothing: Layers are vital (thermal base, fleece mid, waterproof/windproof outer), warm hat, gloves, scarf (even in summer!), comfortable trousers (jeans not ideal for walking).
• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof walking boots/shoes are essential for exploring sites and coastal paths. Casual shoes for evenings.
• Outerwear: Reliable waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers – essential year-round.
• Accessories: Binoculars (for wildlife), camera, portable charger/power bank, reusable water bottle, small backpack for day trips.
• Navigation: Orkney road map, guidebook, compass (if hiking).
• Health: Any personal medication, basic first-aid kit, midge repellent (especially June-August evenings).
• Documents: Driving licence, booking confirmations (printouts recommended as phone signal can be patchy).

To find relevant videos, search YouTube for "Orkney travel planning tips" or "Visit Orkney guide".

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Orkney?

Allow at least 3-4 full days to see the main Mainland highlights (Neolithic sites, Kirkwall, Stromness). A week allows for exploring an outer isle or two and a more relaxed pace. Two weeks enables in-depth exploration.

Is Orkney expensive?

Accommodation and eating out can be comparable to other popular UK destinations. Ferry/flight costs add to the budget. However, many key attractions (standing stones, coastal walks) are free, and self-catering can save money.

Do I need cash?

While cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash is useful for smaller shops, honesty boxes, or some island services.

Is the internet reliable?

Generally good in Kirkwall and Stromness. Mobile signal and broadband speeds can be variable or slow in rural areas and on the outer isles. Plan accordingly if relying on connectivity.

Planning is key to unlocking the best of Orkney. By considering the seasons, booking transport and accommodation early, utilising local resources, and packing appropriately, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding journey through these extraordinary islands. Start exploring Orkney accommodation options today!