Eday lies at the centre of Orkney’s north isles. Rich in archaeology and wildlife, it’s one of our real undiscovered gems and an island well worth exploring.
About Eday
This hourglass-shaped isle is dominated by moorland in the south, with Neolithic sites and stunning coastal scenery in the north. Eday is almost a ‘mini-Orkney’, offering a small slice of each of its neighbouring islands. There are beautiful beaches, craggy cliffs, heather-clad peat hills, and plenty ancient attractions to enjoy.
Despite its position at the heart of our archipelago, Eday isn’t a place of hustle and bustle. A haven for wildlife watchers and walkers, it’s the ideal location to sample the gentle pace of island life.
For an island with such a rich past, Eday is also a vital part of Orkney’s energy future. The powerful waters of the nearby Fall of Warness are home to the European Marine Energy Centre’s tidal device test facility. Surplus power generated here, and from the island’s community wind turbine, is converted into hydrogen locally and used to provide electricity for the ferries that keep our communities connected.
Useful information
- Food & drink
The Eday Community Shop runs a café during the summer months and at other times of the year, offering light bites, home bakes and hot drinks. The café is open at the same time as the shop but do check ahead by phoning 01857 622 283, or visit the Eday Community Shop Facebook page.
- Shopping
The Eday Community Shop is another of Orkney’s excellent island stores, packed full of all the provisions you might need.
Owned and operated by local residents, the shop is found at the north end of the island. You can expect plenty of fresh and frozen goods, local produce, wines, beers, spirits and more.
Opening times are available on the Eday Community Shop Facebook page, or you can phone to check on 01857 622 283.
- Fuel
Petrol and diesel are available at the Eday Community Shop – phone 01857 622 283 to check opening times and availability.
- Public toilets
There is a public toilet available at the pier, with one accessible toilet.
Eday is kept connected with the Orkney mainland and neighbouring Sanday and Stronsay by a regular mix of ferries and flights.
Getting to Eday by sea
Orkney Ferries operates daily return sailings between Kirkwall and Eday. Depending on the timetable, some of the sailings on either leg of the journey may call in past Sanday or Stronsay.
Bicycles are accepted on Orkney Ferries. Book your ferry tickets online via the Orkney Ferries website and contact the ferry company directly for more information on all its services.
Getting to Eday by air
Flying to Eday offers the additional thrill of landing at the most northerly London airport, with the island’s airfield named after the nearby Bay of London.
Loganair offers flights to and from Eday on Wednesdays, with other services available depending on school term times and availability. Advance booking for all inter-isles flights in Orkney is essential, particularly during the summer months. You can view the timetable on the Loganair website. Contact the Loganair team at Kirkwall Airport for travel information and advice.
Getting around Eday
Bringing a bicycle is the best way to explore Eday. The island’s main road stretches from the pier in the south to the north end and makes for an enjoyable pedal with rolling hills and views across the rest of the north isles.
If you’re planning to bring your car, keep a careful eye out for farm vehicles and agricultural equipment and be prepared to give way when necessary.
There are no car hire or taxi options available in Eday. Our Eday walking and cycling routes are the perfect introduction to the island.
Guided tours
There are no guided tours available in Eday, but local folk and the staff at the Community Shop will be happy to help point you in the right direction. You’ll also find visitor information at the Eday Heritage Centre.
At only eight-miles long and around two-miles wide, you might expect an Eday itinerary to be relatively short.
And although this island's highlights are mostly focused on its natural world and getting out and about, there are some sites you definitely should see.
Our Eday walking and cycling routes are the perfect introduction to the island.
Find your perfect home from home in Eday.
