Neolithic Tour Discover Orkneys Ancient Past
I’m an Orcadian born and brought up right here in Orkney. This place isn’t just where I live, it’s part of who I am. I’ve spent my life exploring these islands, soaking in the history, the stories, the wild weather, and the wide open skies — and I love nothing more than sharing it all with people who are curious about this special corner of the world.
Whether it’s your first time here or your tenth, I’ll show you the Orkney I know — the hidden spots, the ancient sites that still feel alive, and the simple joys of island life. We’ll walk, chat, and take things at a relaxed pace. I’m not here to lecture — just to share what I know and love in a way that’s friendly, honest, and real.
If you enjoy a bit of fresh air, good company, and stories that go back thousands of years (with maybe a few sheep and sea views along the way), I’d be chuffed to show you around.
Options
Neolithic Tour Discover Orkneys Ancient Past
Pickup included
What's included in Neolithic Tour Discover Orkneys Ancient Past
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Ring of Brodgar
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
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 Neolithic Settlement
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.
Inclusions
- Private tour - Ford Custom Tourneo, seven passengers max
- Snacks
- It’s best to book your own Skara Brae ticket (£14) before booking myself
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Additional Information
I can collect directly from the Cruise Liner Port
