Neolithic Tour Discover Orkneys Ancient Past

The Ring of Brodgar is a large Neolithic stone circle located in Orkney, Scotland, dating back to around 2500–2000 BCE. It is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain and forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The circle originally had 60 standing stones, though 36 remain today. They are arranged in a perfect circle over 104 metres wide, surrounded by a large rock-cut ditch. The size and precision of the monument suggest it was built for ceremonial or ritual purposes.

Unlike other Neolithic sites, there is no sign of domestic use, reinforcing its likely spiritual or communal role. The ring sits dramatically between two lochs and is aligned with nearby monuments, indicating it was part of a larger sacred landscape.

Although its exact purpose is unknown, the Ring of Brodgar remains a powerful reminder of the beliefs, organisation, and astronomical knowledge of prehistoric people in Orkney.

Skara Brae is a prehistoric stone village located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Dating back over 5,000 years (around 3200 BCE), it is one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe—older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt.

Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the site consists of eight stone houses, each with stone furniture like beds, dressers, and a central hearth. The homes were built into the ground for warmth and protection from the harsh climate. Artifacts found suggest a skilled and peaceful community, with no signs of warfare.

Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and gives an extraordinary glimpse into everyday life in prehistoric times.

Barnhouse is a Neolithic village located near the Standing Stones of Stenness on the Orkney Islands, dating to around 3200 BCE. Discovered in 1984, the site includes the remains of stone-built houses used by some of Orkney’s earliest farming communities.

The village had at least 15 houses, each with a central hearth and stone furniture, similar to nearby Skara Brae. The layout suggests everyday domestic life, including cooking, sleeping, and possibly craftwork.

One building, known as Structure Eight, is larger and more complex than the others. It may have had a ceremonial or communal purpose, hinting at some form of leadership or shared gathering in the village.

Barnhouse sits close to major ceremonial sites like the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, suggesting it was part of a wider sacred and social landscape in Neolithic Orkney.

The Italian Chapel is a beautifully crafted Roman Catholic chapel located on Lamb Holm, a small island in Orkney. It was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war who were held on the island while working on the construction of the Churchill Barriers—defensive causeways protecting Scapa Flow.

The chapel was created inside two Nissen huts joined together, and transformed using limited materials like concrete, scrap metal, and paint. Led by prisoner Domenico Chiocchetti, the men decorated the interior with intricate artwork, including a painted altar, frescoes, and religious symbols, turning the humble structure into a stunning place of worship.

Completed in 1944, the Italian Chapel stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and peace. It remains a popular visitor attraction and a powerful reminder of the human spirit, even in times of war.

Standing Stones of Stenness is one of the oldest known stone circles in the British Isles, located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Dating back to around 3100 BCE, it predates both Stonehenge and the Ring of Brodgar. This ancient site is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several key prehistoric monuments.

Originally, the circle may have consisted of up to 12 massive stones, set within a circular ditch and bank. Today, four large stones remain standing, some over 5 metres (16 feet) tall. Despite its incomplete appearance, the scale and design of the monument are impressive and suggest significant ceremonial or ritual use.

The site’s location—close to the Ring of Brodgar and other Neolithic structures—indicates it was part of a larger sacred landscape. Although the exact purpose remains unknown, the Standing Stones of Stenness are believed to have played an important role in the spiritual and communal life of Orkney’s early inhabitants.

Stromness is a picturesque Orkney harbor town known for its winding streets, local craft shops, galleries, and rich maritime history. Don’t miss the Pier Arts Centre and the town’s unique handmade goods and island crafts.

Yesnaby Cliffs are dramatic sea cliffs on Orkney’s west coast, famed for their towering rock formations, sea stacks, and powerful Atlantic views. A great spot for coastal walks, birdwatching, and photography, they showcase Orkney’s wild natural beauty.