Skara Brae Photos
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We arrived at Orkney Island on a nice sunny but cool day. Our first stop is the historic Skara Brae. It is an old Neolithic settlement located on the Bay of Skaill. It was occupied around 3,000 BC. It is a very popular tourist place so there are a lot of people wandering around so it is hard to get some good pictures. You cannot go down into the preserved areas to keep it from being destroyed. There are about 8 houses to view. I enjoyed how they have stones along the way that gives a timeline from current period to when Skara Brae was built. The view over the Bay is beautiful and you can walk along the beach after the tour. There is a Cafe in the visitor center with some great pastries and drinks. There is also a tour of the manor house of the family who discovered the ruins if you want to add to your tour.
Skara Brae. One of the oldest settlements in all of Europe. The houses are sunk into the ground, and this goes back, way back 5000 years. The Orkney Islands require a true passion for Scotland, as you must travel beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow. This area is like going to the Northwest Territories in Canada. Well worth the trek! The people that lived here are said to be farmers--raising cattle and sheep. My parents have a farm in rural Alberta, and this was just a stunning discovery on our trip around Scotland. Don't forget to see the nearby Ring of Brodgar w/ the standing stones. There is a feeling that words can't quite capture. A timelessness. The wind is fierce. The stones are still. And you imagine what ancient people lived here, what their lives might have been like. Don't forget to have a warm soup in the Cafe! There is much to see here, take your time walking through the various homes and take in that majestic ocean!
Whaaaaa.....? There's not a single review for Skara Brae? UNESCO World Heritage Site? Europe's "most complete" Neolithic village? Eight homes still relatively intact after over 5,000 years? Older than the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge? Be still my heart. There's something almost mystical about the Orkney Islands, a set of islands clustered off the north coast of Britain in the North Sea: unforgiving ocean winds and cooler temperatures render the islands beautifully barren, windswept, rocky and rugged. Trees can't take root. Clouds snag on pastured boulders. And a total population of 20,000 makes the islands feel even more isolated and remote. But the natural mystery and allure is only augmented by the islands' pivotal role in the history of civilization. Historians date the eight stone homes at Skara Brae, built into middens directly adjacent to the beach at the Bay of Skaill, to 3100 BCE. Its partially subterranean structure meant that -- after the village was abandoned around 2500 BCE -- it managed to be impeccably preserved for thousands of years under layers of sand, dirt and grass. A violent storm in the Bay unearthed the first modern evidence of Skara Brae in 1850. Today the site offers visitors glimpses into these dwellings and buildings, complete with their central hearths, stone beds and storage spaces. Excavations have unearthed prehistoric artifacts including grooved pottery, heather rope, game dice and jewelry, all on display in the excellent visitors center. A fully rebuilt replica of a midden home provides visitors the opportunity to experience what it was like on the inside. Skara Brae is a once-in-a-lifetime place. Put it on your bucket list.
The Orkney Islands may seem remote (and I suppose they are..) but they will repay abundantly the effort of getting there, if you are interested in fabulous scenery, archaeology, history and wildlife - and don't mind the wind! The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of this astonishing legacy. For many, the jewel in Orkney's archaeological crown - and believe me, there is some astonishing competition here - is the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. Exposed by a storm in 1850, this is the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, bar none. Further excavation in the 1920's revealed more houses, and a proper study was undertaken. The excavated farming settlement dates back 5000 years, and it thought it was inhabited from 3200BC to 2200BC. Within the stone walls of the seven dwellings separated from each other by narrow passages are items of amazingly well preserved neolithic furniture. This includes stone beds, dressers, seats and boxes for provisions, recesses for personal possessions, all set around central hearths. They even built small pools inside the houses to keep fish fresh. The whole ensemble feels like it was inhabited only yesterday, so modern does the stone furniture look. A replica house has been created next to the site and many original artefacts found at Skara Brae (part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site) are displayed in the visitor centre, which has a café. There is also a shop featuring many products created in Orkney. The setting of Skara Brae is magnificent with the sound of seabirds and the sea. Access to Skara Brae is weather dependent, so phone ahead to check access.
Skara Brae is a fantastic look into the past. To stand there and look into the living conditions of pre iron age people in the Neolithic period is just incredible. The story of the discovery of this place due to a storm that uncovered it, the items left behind as if they just got up and walked away, the cleverness of the planning of the construction with no modern tools. This place is truly amazing and most definitely worth the visit. You're actually standing in a stone age village and can walk through looking down into the ancient dwellings. read more
1 year ago
Before starting our cruise of the United Kingdom, I must admit that I had never heard of Skara Brae. I'm sure that I was not the only one either. What is the Skara Brae? It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stone built Neolithic Village. What does Neolithic mean? Another name for Neolithic is the New Stone Age. So the Skara Brae was built a long long long long time ago. This village is over 5000 years old!! That is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids in Egypt!! It is the oldest known village in all of Europe where you can still see the houses with their original stone furniture folks. It is truly incredible how well preserved this village is. Start at the visitor center to purchase your tickets. It would better to buy your tickets online for a lower price and to guarantee you get in. Before you see the original village, stop by the replica Neolithic house to see how it may have looked back in the day. After that, follow the path to view the 9 Neolithic houses. Make sure you follow the rules and remain on the path!! Do not be "that guy" who has to touch everything and have a selfie with the ancient artifacts!! We had an amazing time learning about Skara Brae, and imagining how our ancestors may have lived over 5000 years ago. It is situated in a stunning setting in Scotland overlooking the beach and ocean!! Back at the visitor center grab a bit at their cafe if you are hungry, and make sure you check the gift shop for souvenirs on your way out. read more
4 years ago
Great place to visit in Orkney if you are interested in these Neolithic archeological sites. Make sure you bundle up as this is Scotland and this is right off the water. There's a great little cafe there for coffee or lunch during your visit. You can also visit the Skaill House for some more interesting history during your visit. read more
We arrived at Orkney Island on a nice sunny but cool day. Our first stop is the historic Skara Brae. It is an old Neolithic settlement located on the Bay of Skaill. It was occupied around 3,000 BC. It is a very popular tourist place so there are a lot of people wandering around so it is hard to get some good pictures. You cannot go down into the preserved areas to keep it from being destroyed. There are about 8 houses to view. I enjoyed how they have stones along the way that gives a timeline from current period to when Skara Brae was built. The view over the Bay is beautiful and you can walk along the beach after the tour. There is a Cafe in the visitor center with some great pastries and drinks. There is also a tour of the manor house of the family who discovered the ruins if you want to add to your tour. read more
2 years ago
Skara Brae. One of the oldest settlements in all of Europe. The houses are sunk into the ground, and this goes back, way back 5000 years. The Orkney Islands require a true passion for Scotland, as you must travel beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow. This area is like going to the Northwest Territories in Canada. Well worth the trek! The people that lived here are said to be farmers--raising cattle and sheep. My parents have a farm in rural Alberta, and this was just a stunning discovery on our trip around Scotland. Don't forget to see the nearby Ring of Brodgar w/ the standing stones. There is a feeling that words can't quite capture. A timelessness. The wind is fierce. The stones are still. And you imagine what ancient people lived here, what their lives might have been like. Don't forget to have a warm soup in the Cafe! There is much to see here, take your time walking through the various homes and take in that majestic ocean! read more
Whaaaaa.....? There's not a single review for Skara Brae? UNESCO World Heritage Site? Europe's "most complete" Neolithic village? Eight homes still relatively intact after over 5,000 years? Older than the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge? Be still my heart. There's something almost mystical about the Orkney Islands, a set of islands clustered off the north coast of Britain in the North Sea: unforgiving ocean winds and cooler temperatures render the islands beautifully barren, windswept, rocky and rugged. Trees can't take root. Clouds snag on pastured boulders. And a total population of 20,000 makes the islands feel even more isolated and remote. But the natural mystery and allure is only augmented by the islands' pivotal role in the history of civilization. Historians date the eight stone homes at Skara Brae, built into middens directly adjacent to the beach at the Bay of Skaill, to 3100 BCE. Its partially subterranean structure meant that -- after the village was abandoned around 2500 BCE -- it managed to be impeccably preserved for thousands of years under layers of sand, dirt and grass. A violent storm in the Bay unearthed the first modern evidence of Skara Brae in 1850. Today the site offers visitors glimpses into these dwellings and buildings, complete with their central hearths, stone beds and storage spaces. Excavations have unearthed prehistoric artifacts including grooved pottery, heather rope, game dice and jewelry, all on display in the excellent visitors center. A fully rebuilt replica of a midden home provides visitors the opportunity to experience what it was like on the inside. Skara Brae is a once-in-a-lifetime place. Put it on your bucket list. read more
The Orkney Islands may seem remote (and I suppose they are..) but they will repay abundantly the effort of getting there, if you are interested in fabulous scenery, archaeology, history and wildlife - and don't mind the wind! The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of this astonishing legacy. For many, the jewel in Orkney's archaeological crown - and believe me, there is some astonishing competition here - is the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. Exposed by a storm in 1850, this is the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, bar none. Further excavation in the 1920's revealed more houses, and a proper study was undertaken. The excavated farming settlement dates back 5000 years, and it thought it was inhabited from 3200BC to 2200BC. Within the stone walls of the seven dwellings separated from each other by narrow passages are items of amazingly well preserved neolithic furniture. This includes stone beds, dressers, seats and boxes for provisions, recesses for personal possessions, all set around central hearths. They even built small pools inside the houses to keep fish fresh. The whole ensemble feels like it was inhabited only yesterday, so modern does the stone furniture look. A replica house has been created next to the site and many original artefacts found at Skara Brae (part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site) are displayed in the visitor centre, which has a café. There is also a shop featuring many products created in Orkney. The setting of Skara Brae is magnificent with the sound of seabirds and the sea. Access to Skara Brae is weather dependent, so phone ahead to check access. read more
11 years ago
If it's only one place you can visit while in the Orkney Islands, this would be it for me. I loved the walk back thru history (although it was a very western civilization history walk - would have been nice to see a stone placing some Eastern historical context like Indus Valley civilization or Great Wall of China built). But other than that, I enjoyed going thru the replica hut, before going down to the actual site of this prehistoric village. You get fairly close and it is astounding to read about is discovery as well as the sympathetic restoration by an Australian archeologist. The ticket to the Skara Brae village also admits you to to Skaill House, which I would also endorse going and checking out. There's an Aussie connection here as this was the first port Cook landed at on his tour and somehow the owners of this house ended up with his tea set! I also loved the embroidered genealogy chart of the family which can be seen on the stairs - just everything on display here is awesome from the Middle Ages bed to the 1950s clothes of the then lady of the house. On a final note, I also ate Cullen Skink soup in the cafeteria here and it was delicious- would recommend. (Side Note - This is my 300th review!!!) read more
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