Skara Brae has always been one of Orkney's most popular attractions.
Now this ancient collection of stone-age dwellings could be set to attract a whole new generation of visitors, thanks to Lonely Planet. The travel guidebook brand has published its new ultimate UK travel hitlist, featuring 500 of the most unmissable experiences and hidden gems across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Skara Brae, Orkney - image by VisitScotland/Colin Keldie
Skara Brae has reached the lofty heights of 22nd - one of 67 Scottish entries on the list. Skara Brae, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, was uncovered by a storm in 1850, revealing a sprawling network of buildings and helping paint a remarkable picture of life in the islands more than 5000 years ago.
The homes in this prehistoric village come complete with stone beds, dressers and seats, with visitors able to peer into the past thanks to paths and even a replica construction of a Neolithic house. With such fascinating history on show, it's no surprise Skara Brae is included on the Lonely Planet list.
Skara Brae images by VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
Orkney's Scapa Flow and its unique WWI wreck-diving has also made the cut, coming in at 312th. Scapa Flow is one of the world’s best dive locations, thanks to wrecks from the German High Seas Fleet, famously scuttled by their interned crews in 1919. Seven of these great ships remain on the seabed and these awe-inspiring wartime ghosts attract divers from around the world to the islands each year.
If Skara Brae and Scapa Flow have inspired you to visit Orkney, why not explore plenty of other things to see and do here, and search for your ideal accommodation too.
The Digital Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020