Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Overview

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic chambered tomb and passage grave built between 2800 and 2400 BC. It is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and its alignment with the winter solstice sunrise.

Maeshowe is one of the largest and most impressive chambered cairns in Northern Europe and is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical Site Archaeological Site

Location

Address

Maes Howe, Stoneyhill Road, Stromness, Orkney

Neighborhood: Orkney Mainland

Coordinates

58.931900, -3.165600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Admission

Adults

£12

Children

£7.20

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and unpredictable

• Spring flowers
• Bird migrations

summer

Warm and dry

• Long daylight hours
• Guided tours

autumn

Cool and crisp

• Fall colors
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold and windy

• Winter solstice alignment
• Holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Check weather conditions
Wear sturdy footwear

What to Bring

essential

Valid ID Printed or digital tickets Weather-appropriate clothing

seasonal

Rain jacket (spring/autumn) Warm layers (winter)

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Food and drinks Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Uneven surfaces and steps inside the cairn
• Low ceilings in some areas

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards, Contactless payments

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Typical Costs

entry £12

parking £3

food £10-15

souvenirs £5-20

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, Comfortable, waterproof shoes, High heels, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week
• Historic Environment Scotland website
• 48 hours in advance for refund
• Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Historic Environment Scotland

Size: 50 MB

Features: Site information and history, Audio guides and virtual tours, Ticket booking and pricing

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Not specified

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Kirkwall Airport (KOI)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

Taxi

£25-30 20 minutes

Public transport

£3-5 30-40 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

Bus

£2-3 20-25 minutes

Taxi

£10-15 10-15 minutes

Bicycle

Free 20-25 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Maeshowe is a significant part of Orkney's history and cultural heritage, showcasing the island's rich Neolithic past.

Historical Significance: Maeshowe is one of the largest and best-preserved chambered cairns in Northern Europe, providing valuable insights into the lives of ancient people.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to see the winter solstice alignment if visiting around the solstice
Check for special guided tours and events that offer unique insights into the site's history
Explore the surrounding Orkney landscape, which is equally beautiful and historically significant

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness
• Explore the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall
• Try local Orkney delicacies like fudge and whisky

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Local dialect (Orkney Scots)

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Entrance passageway

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the alignment of the passageway with the winter solstice sunrise

Result: Stunning shots of the ancient structure and its alignment with natural light

#Maeshowe #Orkney #Neolithic #HistoricalSite #WorldHeritage

Chambered tomb interior

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Focus on the intricate stone carvings and the unique architecture

Result: Detailed shots of the cairn's interior and its historical features

#MaeshoweInterior #StoneCarvings #AncientHistory #Archaeology #UNESCO

Photography Rules

allowed areas Exterior of the cairn, Surrounding landscape

prohibited areas Interior of the cairn during guided tours, Restricted archaeological sites

flash photography Not allowed inside the cairn

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed but must not obstruct other visitors

selfie sticks Allowed but must be used responsibly

Nearby Attractions

Ring of Brodgar

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 minutes

Type: Historical Site

Standing Stones of Stenness

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 minutes