this has to have five stars because it is such a beautiful and historic place, it was one of the…read morequeen mothers homes, and when she died, they decided to open most rooms to the public, it really is worth seeing, especially the gardens, where all her own fruit and veg were grown, any excess was and still is sold to help keep the house and gardens looking good, there is also her majestys herd of highland cattle and sheep, just roaming around. this really is delightful place to see

very nice place, the Queen mother liked her drink tho lolread more

Hoy is the second largest of the Orkney Islands, but has a tiny population of around 270, mostly…read moreconcentrated in the east of the island. The west side is much quieter (and Hoy is pretty quiet already) and consists effectively of just two settlements, the hamlet of Rackwick and Quoyness village. The Old Man of Hoy is the island's most famous attraction. It's a spectacular sea-stack, over 137m (450ft) high. As well as its height, the vivid red sandstone makes it an astonishing sight. The sandstone actually sits on a bed of hard (and very ancient) basalt rock. The stack itself may only be about 400 years old in its present form, as pictures and descriptions from earlier times refer only to a headland here, and it is thought that the stack was created by a series of storms in the 17th century. Erosion continues, so it is only a matter of time before the whole stack collapses. It's a challenging climb (for very experienced climbers only), and was only first ascended in 1966. Around 50 people a year attempt the climb these days, with several routes to choose from. Dangers include loose rocks, its sheer verticality and, of course, the incredibly changeable weather. (And once you get to the top, there's no alternative but to climb back down again, unless you've booked a helicopter). Amazingly, people have spent the night on the small grassy patch on the top. Not for the faint hearted! The easiest way to get a view is from the Thurso-Stromness ferry, although the stack is not terribly distinct as the background of the cliffs reduces the impact. The best way is to make a day trip from Stromness on the passenger ferry to Hoy (Quoyness), and then either hire a bike or take a taxi across to Rackwick. From there it is a 45 minute walk on a good, though steep, path to the cliffs at Hoy. (The care ferry goes to the other end of the island and is rather infrequent). The cliffs themselves are amazing enough, being some of the highest in the British Isles, but the stack is just astonishing. As well as the geology, the plant and animal life here is plentiful. It's a particular haven for rock-nesting birds, and insects. In my book, it is one of those places everyone should visit at least once in their life.

An awesome place to visit as all of Orkney, before going abroad see what the British Isles have to…read moreoffer. One the great sites in UK

The Dwarfie Stane lies a short walk from the road between Quoyness and Rackwick. It's a 5,000-year…read moreold neolithic tomb, hollowed out of a huge single piece of rock. It is assumed that the stone by the entrance once blocked the doorway, and it is known that the tomb was still sealed in the 16th century. The tomb itself comprises a single chamber, with two bed-like ledges, clearly built for people of smaller stature. It must have been a huge undertaking to make the tomb using only primitive bone and stone tools. The interior contains more 'modern' graffiti, including some carved in 1850 by the former British spy, Major W. Mounsey. The rock itself was probably deposited in the site by glacial action. Unsurprisingly, the Dwarfie Stane - Dwarf Stone in modern English - is associated with lots of legends, with dwarves and giants featuring strongly. The isolated location and incredibly bleak but beautiful landscape around only adds to the sense of mystery.

Finally, after 40yrs I made it to the Dwarfie Stane this year! Passed it so many times and was…read morealways put off by the walk up, but now that there is a decent, wooden track been constructed, it keeps you nice and dry and away from the boggy ground - for most of the way there. Well worth the walk....and boy do you feel isolated when you get up there - fabulous and very mysterious....

In 1942, over 500 Italian prisoners of war were brought to Orkney in order to construct the…read moreChurchill Barriers at Scapa Flow, a long standing base for the British Navy. Their camp was located on the tiny island of Lamb Holm where the remains of pathways and Nissen footprints can still be seen. Lovingly and impeccably preserved, however, is the so-called "Italian Chapel," built by prisoners who longed for a suitable house of worship. Under the guidance of artistically-inclined prisoner Domenico Chiocchetti, the men converted two Nissen huts using whatever material they could salvage: concrete, paint, metal and even wood from war ships sunk in the Flow. The chapel took a couple years to complete, but prisoners were able to use it for worship while construction continued. Chiocchetti was, in fact, still working on the altar painting when the Barriers were completed in 1944; while his fellow prisoners were sent elsewhere, Chiocchetti remained on Orkney to finish what he started. In 1960, he returned to the chapel to restore his paintings, bringing with him his wife and the altar cloths she had embroidered for the church she'd heard so much about. When he left after the three week project, Chiocchetti bestowed the chapel to the Orkadians who had shown him and his fellow prisoners so much hospitality and friendship during the war, despite circumstances. Today, the chapel endures as a symbol of fraternity much revered by Orkadians (Mass is even held here the first Sunday of every month). Since you don't need much time to visit and it's easily accessed, the Italian Chapel is worth adding to any Orkney itinerary. Open year-round "from dawn to dusk."

A great free attraction (although donations are welcome) open all year round! I went at the very…read morebeginning of January this year when a lot of other attractions were closed, and this was still open. A lovely wee chapel with a statue of St George outside (how ironic hey Scots!) that is very well kept and remarkable both inside and out. Definitely a not-to-miss attraction whilst on the Orkneys!

We've been here 10 years ago. It was very impressive and a nice area to walk. This time we've…read moredecided to come back. And it is still as impressive and as beautiful as we've remembered. There's a good sized carpark at the Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself isn't that impressive, but most visitors come for the stacks and some walk. From the carpark it's a nice and easy walk where you can spot the stacks from far away. You will also walk by the "Geo of Sclaites", worth a stop and a look. When you hit the flatter area (with lots of sheep) is a great first stop to take pics and take in the views. That's where most folks stop and turn back to their cars. But that wouldn't do this area justice....there's a lot more to explore and the walk along the coast goes as far as your legs carry you. We continued our walk and headed up on the other side. More and different views of the stacks here. Also a good view of "The Knee" rock formation. We kept going a good while before turning back. It's just such a beautiful scenery and walking here a rewarding thing to do. Our English Bulldog Girl enjoyed it as well...and kept going with us without problems. Some parts are fenced off to protect the nature. Naturally some visitors ignored that and even had a picnic in the fenced zone. So if you're visiting please respect the rules and don't litter.