Stenness Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Located on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland, the picturesque village of Stenness is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, this quaint village offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the United Kingdom. From ancient stone circles to enchanting lochs, Stenness has something to offer every traveler.

One of the most captivating attractions in Stenness is the Standing Stones of Stenness. Dating back to around 3100 BC, these impressive megalithic structures are some of the oldest in the world. Steeped in mystery and folklore, the stones are said to have mystical powers and were once believed to be a gathering place for ancient rituals and ceremonies. As you wander among these towering monoliths, you can't help but be transported back in time.

Just a stone's throw away from the Standing Stones of Stenness lies the enigmatic Ring of Brodgar. This Neolithic stone circle, consisting of 27 standing stones, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the engineering skills of our ancestors. Take a leisurely stroll around this ancient site and let your imagination run wild as you ponder its purpose and significance.

For those seeking a tranquil retreat, Loch of Stenness offers a peaceful oasis amidst the rugged Orkney landscape. Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking views, this serene loch is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Grab your binoculars and keep an eye out for a variety of bird species that call this area home. Take a leisurely walk along the shore, breathe in the fresh Scottish air, and let the tranquility of the surroundings wash over you.

No visit to Stenness would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Head to one of the charming village pubs or restaurants and savor traditional Scottish dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. From hearty stews to freshly caught seafood, every bite is a celebration of the region's culinary heritage.

Elevation: 10 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 58°59'39"N, 3°12'30"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Stenness Top Attractions

Stenness Attractions - What to See and Explore

Stenness offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Loch of Stenness, Maeshowe. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Neolithic stone circle and circular ditch
Ring of Brodgar
Nestled in the heart of the Neolithic landscape of Orkney, Scotland, the Ring of Brodgar is a prehistoric marvel that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This ancient stone circle, located near the town of Stenness, is a monumental testament to the...
Prehistoric monument in a wild landscape
Stones of Stenness
The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument five miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. This may be the oldest henge site in the British Isles.
Conserved 4-mile-long brackish sea loch
Loch of Stenness
The Loch of Stenness is a large brackish loch on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland and is named for the parish of Stenness. It is 2 miles northeast of the town of Stromness, lies immediately to the south of the Loch of Harray and is close to the World Heritage neolithic sites of the Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.

Historical place • Ruins • Archaeological museum
Maeshowe
Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave situated on Mainland Orkney, Scotland. It was probably built around 2800 BC. In the archaeology of Scotland, it gives its name to the Maeshowe type of chambered cairn, which is limited to Orkney.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch of Harray
The Loch of Harray is the largest loch of Mainland Orkney, Scotland and is named for the parish of Harray. It lies immediately north of the Loch of Stenness and is close to the World Heritage neolithic sites of the Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.
Archaeological site
Barnhouse Village
The Neolithic Barnhouse Settlement is sited by the shore of Loch of Harray, Orkney Mainland, Scotland, not far from the Standing Stones of Stenness, about 5 miles north-east of Stromness. It was discovered in 1984 by Colin Richards.
Archaeological site
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Heart of Neolithic Orkney refers to a group of Neolithic monuments found on the Mainland of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The name was adopted by UNESCO when it proclaimed these sites as a World Heritage Site in December 1999.
Watermill
Tormiston Mill
Tormiston Mill is a Category B listed watermill located on the Mainland of Orkney, in Scotland, adjacent to Maeshowe. It is a fine example of a water wheel that was probably built in the 1880s, and the mechanisms have been preserved as a museum.
58°58'34"N • 3°16'19"W
Cairston
Cairston is a village on Mainland, in Orkney, Scotland. The settlement is within the parish of Stromness.
Watermill
Mill of Ayreland
The Mill of Ayreland is an historic watermill driven by water force of the Burn of Ayreland, a northwesterly flowing coastal stream within Mainland Orkney, Scotland, that empties into the Clestrain Sound approximately five kilometres southerly of Stenness.
58°56'51"N • 3°13'19"W
Hall of Clestrain
The Hall of Clestrain is a house in the parish of Orphir, Orkney, Scotland. The house was the birthplace of the explorer John Rae in 1813. Currently derelict, the house became a listed building in 1971. It featured in the second series of the BBC TV series Restoration in 2004.
Park
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a garden created by Edwin Harrold in Stenness, Orkney, Scotland.

Day trips

Stenness – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Stenness, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Skara Brae (Stromness), Yesnaby (Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area), Italian Chapel (Lamb Holm).

6.1 miNW
Europe's most complete neolithic village
Skara Brae, Stromness
Nestled on the windswept shores of Sandwick in Orkney, Scotland, lies Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. This Neolithic settlement, which dates back to approximately 3180 BCE, provides a unique window into the lives of our ancestors...
5.5 miW
Protected area
Yesnaby, Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area
Yesnaby is an area in Sandwick, on the west coast of Orkney Mainland, Scotland, south of Skara Brae. It is renowned for its spectacular Old Red Sandstone coastal cliff scenery which includes sea stacks, blowholes, geos and frequently boiling seas.
13 milesSE
Unique Catholic chapel built by POWs
Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm
The Italian Chapel is a highly ornate Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands. It was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war, who were housed on the previously uninhabited island while they constructed the Churchill Barriers to the east of Scapa Flow.
10 milesNE
History museum, Historical place, Museum
Broch of Gurness, Birsay
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.
8.9 miE
Striking, 12th-century place of worship
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney, a group of islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland.