Orkney Ancient Tomb And Coastal Heritage Tour

The dramatic coastline around The Gloup and Mull Head is one of the most striking natural landscapes in Orkney, located on the eastern edge of the Mainland in the parish of Deerness.

The Gloup is a deep, steep-sided natural chasm formed when the roof of a sea cave collapsed. The name comes from an Old Norse word meaning “gloomy opening,” which fits perfectly. It appears as a narrow inlet from the sea, but inland it opens into a dramatic circular void.

The sides are sheer cliffs, often alive with seabirds nesting during spring and summer.

Waves surge into the cave from below, creating a constant echoing roar—especially in rough weather.

A natural stone arch still partly spans the gap, hinting at the cave’s former roof. It’s both eerie and beautiful—a place where you can really feel the raw force of the North Sea.

just nearby, Mull Head is a rugged headland managed as a nature reserve by the RSPB.

The Italian Chapel is one of Orkney’s most moving and unexpected landmarks—a beautifully crafted Roman Catholic chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. During the early 1940s, Italian POWs were brought to Orkney after the Second World War. They were tasked with constructing the Churchill Barriers, a series of causeways built to protect the naval anchorage at Scapa Flow. The prisoners were housed on the small island of Lamb Holm—and it was here that they created the chapel.

The chapel was constructed in 1943–44 using whatever materials were available: Two Nissen huts joined end-to-end formed the structure. Scrap metal, concrete, and leftover materials were repurposed

The interior was transformed into something extraordinary

The driving force behind its beauty was Domenico Chiocchetti, an artist who painted the stunning interior decorations. Religious symbolism blended with remarkable craftsmanship.

Scapa Flow is a vast natural harbour at the heart of Orkney, surrounded by islands and steeped in naval history. Calm, sheltered, and strategically vital, it has played a key role in major events—especially during the world wars.

Scapa Flow is a large, sheltered body of water encircled by the Orkney Mainland and several smaller islands. Its natural protection from the Atlantic made it one of the safest anchorages in northern Europe. Deep, wide, and easily defensible, Still waters compared to the open ocean

Used today for shipping, diving, and recreation.

Scapa Flow became the main base of the British Royal Navy during both world wars: In First World War, it served as the headquarters of the Grand Fleet It was again crucial during the Second World War. Its strategic position allowed Britain to control access to the North Sea.

One of the most dramatic events here was the Scuttling of the German Fleet at Scapa Flow: After World War I, German warships were interned in Scapa Flow.

The Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre is a small but fascinating museum on the island of Burray, just south of Kirkwall and reached via the Churchill Barriers. It’s often described as a “hidden gem” because of its mix of science, local history, and hands-on displays.

The centre’s main attraction is its remarkable fossil collection: Features fossils from Orkney and around the world, Includes exceptionally well-preserved fish from around 380 million years ago

Explains how Orkney once lay near the equator in a vast freshwater lake (Lake Orcadie)

Some exhibits even let you handle real fossils or see minerals glowing under UV light. It gives a clear picture of Orkney’s deep geological past—long before humans arrived. Upstairs, the focus shifts from ancient time to more recent history: Displays of household items, tools, furniture, and cameras, Recreates what life was like in Orkney homes in the early 20th century.

The Tomb of the Eagles is one of Orkney’s most atmospheric prehistoric sites—a chambered cairn perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the North Sea.

Built around 5,000 years ago (Neolithic period)

Used as a communal burial tomb for generations

Human remains of hundreds of individuals have been found here. The tomb consists of a long passage leading into burial chambers, where bones were carefully placed as part of ritual practices. The name comes from a striking discovery: Talons from white-tailed eagle were found among the human remains

This suggests eagles may have held spiritual or symbolic importance. The site was originally known as the “Isbister Chambered Cairn. Unlike many ancient sites, this one is hands-on and immersive: Visitors often have to crawl through a low entrance passage to access the inner chamber. Replica bones are available so you can place them as Neolithic people might have done

The experience gives a real sense of what these tombs were like to use.

The prehistoric village of Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in the world—often called the “Scottish Pompeii.” A 5,000-Year-Old Village

Built around 3100 BCE, older than the pyramids of Egypt

Occupied for roughly 600 years. Hidden under and perfectly preserved until its discovery in 1850 after a storm. Because it was buried, the stone houses, furniture, and layout survived in remarkable condition. Skara Brae consists of a cluster of interconnected stone houses: Linked by covered passageways for protection from the weather

Thick stone walls insulated with earth. Central hearths used for cooking and heat. Inside each house, you can still see stone-built furniture, Beds, Shelves and Storage boxes

A distinctive “dresser” facing the entrance. Kept cattle and sheep. Grew crops like barley. Collected shellfish and fished the surrounding waters. They also made tools, pottery, and jewellery—showing a surprisingly sophisticated society.

The Standing Stones of Stenness are among the oldest stone circles in Britain—and one of the most atmospheric prehistoric sites in Orkney. Built around 3100 BCE, making them older than Stonehenge. Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Likely used for ritual or ceremonial purposes

Originally, the circle had 12 stones—today, only 4 remain standing, along with a fallen one. The stones are very tall and thin, some over 6 metres high. Set in a roughly circular layout (about 30 metres across). Surrounded by a large ditch—one of the earliest known henges in Britain

Unlike many stone circles, the ditch was dug into solid bedrock—an enormous effort for Neolithic builders.

Archaeologists discovered a large hearth in the centre:

Evidence of burning bones and pottery

Suggests feasting or ceremonial gatherings

Possibly linked to seasonal rituals or community events

The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in Scotland—a vast stone circle set in a dramatic landscape between lochs. Built around 2500–2000 BCE. Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Likely used for ceremonial or ritual gatherings

Although slightly younger than the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness, it is much larger in scale. Originally about 60 stones (around 27 remain standing today). Circle diameter: roughly 104 metres. Surrounded by a wide rock-cut ditch

The sheer size makes it one of the largest stone circles in Britain. Tall, narrow standing stones arranged in a near-perfect circle

Set against open sky with no central structure

Each stone varies slightly, giving the circle a natural, uneven rhythm. Walking around it, you get a strong sense of deliberate design and planning. The Ring of Brodgar sits on a narrow strip of land between: Loch of Harray (freshwater)

Loch of Stenness (saltwater).

The Yesnaby Cliffs are among the most dramatic coastal landscapes in Orkney—wild, windswept, and shaped by the full of the Atlantic Ocean. Sheer sandstone cliffs rising high above the sea. Constantly eroded by powerful Atlantic waves. Layers of rock clearly visible, showing millions of years of geological history. The cliffs glow in shades of red and brown, especially in low sunlight. One of the most striking features is the sea stack known as: Yesnaby Castle

Despite the name, it’s not a castle—but a tall, narrow rock pillar carved out by the sea. It stands just offshore and is a favourite subject for photographers. This coastline is known for its raw energy: Huge Atlantic swells crashing against the rocks. Blowholes and narrow inlets sending spray high into the air. Loud, echoing surf—especially during storms

It’s one of the best places in Orkney to feel the power of the ocean. The cliffs are also rich in birdlife, Seabirds like fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

The Unstan Chambered Cairn—often called Unstan Tomb—is a beautifully preserved Neolithic burial monument on the shore of the Loch of Stenness. Built around 3400–2800 BCE

Used as a communal burial tomb, Part of the wider Heart of Neolithic Orkney landscape. It reflects the same culture that built nearby sites like Skara Brae. Unstan is a stalled cairn, a type of tomb unique to northern Scotland: A long central chamber divided by upright stone slabs (“stalls”)

Side compartments where human remains were placed

Covered by a mound of earth and stone.

Unlike some tombs, it has been partly reconstructed, with a protective roof added to preserve the interior. Visitors can step inside and see: The original stone divisions clearly visible. Burial spaces where bones were placed, A low, atmospheric interior that feels intimate and enclosed

It gives a strong sense of how these tombs were actually used. The site gave its name to a distinctive type of Neolithic pottery: Known as “Unstan Ware”