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Discover even more intriguing details about the nearby attractions.

1. Barony Mill

Barony Mill, located in Birsay, is the last working water mill on the islands, operating since 1873. Renowned for producing beremeal—a traditional flour milled from the ancient grain bere barley. Visitors can explore the historic milling process and purchase beremeal products on-site.

The mill offers guided tours between May and September, daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information contact Barony Mill at 01856 721439 or via email at enquiries@baronymill.com.

2. Kitchener Memorial

The Kitchener Memorial is a 48-foot-tall stone tower located on Marwick Head in Birsay. It was erected by the people of Orkney in 1926 to honour Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener and the 736 others who perished when HMS Hampshire struck a German mine and sank nearby on June 5, 1916. In 2016, a commemorative wall listing all the lost servicemen's names was added at the tower's base. The memorial is accessible via a circular walking path offering panoramic coastal views.

3. Skipi Geo

Skipi Geo, also known as Skiba Geo, is a scenic coastal inlet located near Birsay in Orkney. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife, including seals and seabirds. A notable landmark is the 19th-century fisherman's hut, currently under restoration, which offers a glimpse into Orkney's maritime heritage. Visitors can also observe 'nousts'—boat-shaped hollows in the ground where fishing boats were traditionally stored over winter.

One of the most intriguing features of Skipi Geo is the whalebone sculpture resembling an owl in flight, situated on the Point of Nether Queena. Erected in the late 19th century, the sculpture is believed to serve as a fishing mark, guiding sailors safely to shore by aligning with other coastal features. ​

The area is accessible via a coastal walk from the Brough of Birsay car park, offering opportunities to explore rock pools and observe local wildlife. The path to Skipi Geo is well-trodden, making it suitable for most walkers. ​ Whether you're interested in photography, history, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Orkney, Skipi Geo provides a unique and enriching experience.

4. Andrea Holmes Artist

Andrea Holmes is a talented artist and designer working from her small garden studio/gift shop, just a short stroll from the Earl’s palace ruins in Birsay. Andrea will also take commission work.

Contact: 07950 748607 | enquiries@andreaholmesartist.com

5. Yellowbird Gallery

Yellowbird Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Birsay. The gallery specialises in bird art and Orkney landscapes, showcasing the work of John Thompson, who creates wooden bird carvings and paintings. ​

Visitors to Yellowbird Gallery can expect to find a range of contemporary artworks inspired by nature, particularly bird life and the Orkney landscape. The gallery's location offers an added attraction for those interested in exploring the natural beauty and historical sites of the area. Contact: 01856 721360

6. Birsay Antiques

Opened in 2015, Visitors can explore a diverse array of items, including vintage furniture, collectibles, fossils, and unique artifacts from various cultures. The Birsay Antique Centre is open daily from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, providing ample opportunity for visitors to browse and uncover hidden gems.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious, the Birsay Antique Centre invites you to explore its rich and varied offerings, each piece with its own story to tell. Contact: 01856 721332

7. Birsay Bay Tearoom

Birsay Bay Tearoom is a modern café offering panoramic views of the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head. Since 2013, it has been serving locals and visitors alike with a warm welcome. The tearoom specialises in light lunches, snacks, and a variety of home-baked goods prepared fresh daily. Visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in the stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching, storm watching, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea. The tearoom also offers outside seating when weather permits, where dogs are welcome.

The tearoom operates from Thursday to Monday, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. While walk-ins are welcome, a limited number of tables are available for booking. To reserve a table, call 01856 721399 ​or email: birsaybaytearoom.co.uk

8. Birsay Books

Birsay Books is an independent second-hand bookshop located in Birsay, making it the northernmost bookshop on the Orkney mainland and the second most northerly in the UK. The shop specialises in a diverse range of subjects, including Orkney, Shetland, Highlands and Islands, natural history, science fiction, and fantasy. Visitors can also explore rare and antiquarian works, such as 16th-century natural history volumes. Opening hours are Thursday – Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm and Sat – Sunday 10;00pm – 5:00pm. Contact: 01856 721719 or 07496 122658 | birsay@ecrarebooks.co.uk | ecrarebooks.co.uk​

9. Kirbuster Farm Museum

Kirbuster Farm Museum, located in Birsay, offers a unique glimpse into traditional island farm life from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Opened to the public in 1987, it is the last un-restored example of a traditional 'firehoose' in Northern Europe, featuring a central hearth with a peat fire and a stone neuk bed reminiscent of Neolithic interiors. ​

The museum complex includes an Edwardian/Victorian parlour, Victorian gardens, and an implement shed housing a collection of farming memorabilia. Visitors can enjoy a game of putting on the green and explore the Trowie Trail in the back garden. ​

During the open season, the museum operates Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM), and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

10. Swannay Brewery

Swannay Brewery, established in 2005 by Rob Hill, is located in the historic Creamery at Swannay Farms on the northwestern tip of Orkney's mainland. The brewery produces a diverse range of award-winning ales, including year-round offerings such as Orkney Best, Dark Munro, Scapa Special, St Magnus Ale, Orkney IPA, and Orkney Blast.

Brewery Shop Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

11. Orkneyinga Silversmiths

Orkneyinga Silversmiths, founded in 1989 by Kevin and Liz Allen, is a distinguished jewellery business based in Birsay, drawing inspiration from Orkney's rich landscape, history, and wildlife, they offer over 30 unique collections in silver and gold. ​​

The workshop features a small gallery and offers car parking facilities. They welcome visitors from April to October, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Contact: 01856 721359 | info@orkneyinga.com

12. Palace Stores

Palace Stores is a convenience shop and takeaway located in the heart of Birsay. They offer a variety of homemade pastries, sandwiches, and daily homebakes. The store also stocks local produce and basic groceries, making it a convenient stop for both residents and visitors.

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.​ Contact: 01856 721351​

13. Ostara crystals

A tiny shop containing an Aladdin’s cave of rocks, fossils and crystals, gifts and souvenirs and hand-made silver jewellery. The shop is located next to Palace Stores.

April-October 10:30 – 5:00 daily. Contact: 01856 721708

14. St Magnus Way

The St Magnus Way is a long-distance walking route in the Orkney Islands. It stretches over 58 miles and connects the northern parts of Orkney, offering walkers a chance to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area. The route is named after St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney, whose legacy is deeply woven into the region’s culture and history. The second stage of the journey is from Birsay to Dounby making Viking’s View BnB an ideal location for an overnight stay along the way.

The St Magnus Way is not just a walking route, but also an exploration of Orkney’s history, particularly the legacy of St Magnus and the Vikings. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a keen cyclist, it's a wonderful way to discover this beautiful archipelago.

Route Overview:

1. Egilsay: The journey begins on the island of Egilsay, where St Magnus was martyred in 1116. Pilgrims can visit the historic St Magnus Church, renowned for its distinctive round tower. ​

2. Gurness to Birsay: The path follows the route believed to have carried Magnus's body from Gurness to Birsay, passing coastal landscapes and historical sites. ​

3. Birsay to Dounby: Continuing south, this section traces the journey of Magnus's shrine towards Dounby, offering insights into Orkney's history and natural beauty. ​

4. Dounby to Finstown: The route proceeds to Finstown, reflecting on the historical significance of the area and its connection to St Magnus. ​

5. Finstown to Orphir: Departing from the original shrine's path, this segment ascends over Lyradale to Orphir, where pilgrims can visit the Round Kirk, possibly inspired by Magnus's cousin Hakon's pilgrimage to Jerusalem. ​

6. Orphir to Kirkwall: The final stretch leads to Kirkwall, culminating at the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, a testament to the saint's enduring legacy

For more information regarding the route and advice for pilgrims please see St Magnus Way | A 58 mile pilgrimage route through Mainland Orkney

15. Brough of Birsay Lighthouse

The Brough of Birsay Lighthouse is a small but significant lighthouse located on the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island off the northwest coast of Mainland Orkney, Scotland. Here are some key details about it:

History & Construction

Built in 1925 by David A. Stevenson, a member of the famous Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers.

• It was automated from the beginning, meaning no keepers were stationed there.

• The lighthouse was originally operated by acetylene gas, making it one of the early fully automated lighthouses in Scotland.

Design & Features

• The lighthouse is a white, cylindrical concrete tower standing about 11 meters (36 feet) tall.

• Its elevation is 52 meters (171 feet) above sea level, giving it a wide range of visibility.

• The light flashes every 20 seconds and has a range of around 19 nautical miles (35 km or 22 miles).

• Now powered by solar energy, it operates as part of the Northern Lighthouse Board's network.

Location & Accessibility

• The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island, meaning access is only possible at low tide via a causeway.

• The lighthouse sits on the western cliffs of the island, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• The island is also famous for Viking ruins, Pictish settlements, and abundant wildlife, including seabirds like puffins.