Wyre

#6685 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Island

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Facts and practical information

Located off the coast of Scotland, the island of Wyre is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich history, Wyre offers a unique experience for travelers seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of the main attractions on the island is the ancient Viking burial ground, where visitors can learn about the island's Norse heritage and the fascinating history of its early inhabitants. The ruins of the 12th century St. Mary's Chapel also offer a glimpse into the island's past, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for exploration.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant wildlife that calls Wyre home. From seals and seabirds to rare wildflowers, the island's diverse ecosystem offers a wealth of opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and nature walks along the picturesque coastline.

For those seeking a taste of local culture, the island's quaint village of Pierowall is the perfect place to sample traditional Scottish fare and immerse oneself in the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Visitors can also browse the charming shops and galleries, offering handcrafted goods and unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Wyre.

Alternative names: Area: 1.2 mi²Coordinates: 59°7'6"N, 2°58'6"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Wyre – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Broch of Gurness, Midhowe Chambered Cairn, Blackhammer Chambered Cairn, St Magnus Church.

4 miW
History museum, Historical place, Museum
Broch of Gurness, Birsay
103 min walk • The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village on the northeast coast of Mainland Orkney in Scotland overlooking Eynhallow Sound, about 15 miles north-west of Kirkwall. It once housed a substantial community.
5.3 miNW
Archaeological site
Midhowe Chambered Cairn, Rousay
136 min walk • Midhowe Chambered Cairn is a large Neolithic chambered cairn located on the south shore of the island of Rousay, Orkney, Scotland. The name "Midhowe" comes from the Iron Age broch known as Midhowe Broch, that lies just west of the tomb.
2.2 miNW
Archaeological site
Blackhammer Chambered Cairn, Rousay
57 min walk • Blackhammer Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic cairn on Rousay, in Orkney, Scotland. It is a scheduled monument in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. It is thought to date from around 3000 BC.
2.9 miNE
Church, Romanesque architecture
St Magnus Church, Egilsay
75 min walk • St Magnus's Church is a medieval church located on the island of Egilsay, in Orkney, Scotland. The site is recognized as the place of execution of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, in the 12th century.
5.4 miNW
Archaeological site
Midhowe Broch, Rousay
138 min walk • Midhowe Broch is an iron-age broch located on the west coast of the island of Rousay in the Orkney Islands, in Scotland.
4.4 miNE
Island
Kili Holm
112 min walk • Kili Holm is a tidal island in the Orkney Islands, linked to Egilsay. Unusually, like its neighbour Egilsay, it may have a partly Gaelic etymology, in this case from cille meaning a monk's cell.
5 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Vasa Loch, Shapinsay
128 min walk • Vasa Loch is a brackish lagoon in southwestern Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. This water body has been shown on early maps of the island in a very similar shape and size to its current geometry, separated from the North Sea by a narrow strip of raised beach.
2.1 miS
Island
Sweyn Holm
53 min walk • Sweyn Holm is a small island in the Orkney Islands, next to Gairsay. It is thought to be named for Sweyn Asleifsson, who was connected with Gairsay or possibly a corruption of "servant's island" in Norse.
5.7 miW
Church
Eynhallow Church, Eynhallow
145 min walk • Eynhallow Church is a medieval church located on the uninhabited island of Eynhallow in Orkney, Scotland. The church dates back to the 12th-century and is thought to have originally been a monastery.
3.5 miN
Island
Holm of Scockness
90 min walk • The Holm of Scockness is a small island in the Orkney Islands, between Rousay and Egilsay. It is currently used for grazing. Its name is Norse in origin and means "little island of the crooked headland".
5.5 miSE
Archaeological site
Quholm, Shapinsay
142 min walk • Quholm is a hamlet in the northeast of Shapinsay, in the islands of Orkney, Scotland. William Irving, the father of Washington Irving, noted American author, was born in Quholm. Innsker Beach is situated very close by at the northwest edge of Quholm.