Skara Brae

About

Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Neolithic village on Orkney’s Mainland, offers visitors a rare glimpse into life around 5,000 years ago. Discovered by a storm in 1850, the site comprises ten stone‑built houses clustered around a communal living area, complete with stone hearths, beds and a primitive sewer system. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Skara Brae is the centerpiece of the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ and attracts historians, families and history enthusiasts alike. Guided tours, interactive displays and an accompanying museum explore the daily lives, trade and craft of the island’s prehistoric inhabitants. A typical visit takes an hour and a half, allowing you to wander through each reconstructed dwelling and imagine what life was like in this ancient community.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes