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Editor's pick

Skara Brae

Sandwick, United Kingdom

History

A Neolithic village of stone houses, complete with beds and dressers, uncovered by a storm in 1850 on the Bay of Skaill. Historic Environment Scotland runs it with a visitor centre and fee; book ahead in summer.

Nearest town
Sandwick, United Kingdom
Category
History & culture
GPS
59.0487, -3.3419
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Birsay Hostel & CampsiteCampsite
    8 km from Skara Brae
  • Point of Ness CampsiteCampsite
    11 km from Skara Brae
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
  • Eviedale CentreCampsite
    15 km from Skara Brae
  • Caravan and Motorhome Club siteMotorhome stopover
    16 km from Skara Brae
    Motorhomes
  • Orkney Caravan Park at the Pickaquoy CentreMotorhome stopover
    22 km from Skara Brae
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
  • Kirkwall Bay Touring ParkMotorhome stopover
    23 km from Skara Brae
    Motorhomes

All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Skara Brae?

Skara Brae is in Sandwick, United Kingdom, at GPS 59.0487, -3.3419. It is about 10 km from Stromness.

Can you camp near Skara Brae?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Birsay Hostel & Campsite, about 8 km away; within 25 km there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Skara Brae?

Skara Brae is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Orkney by ferry: the Italian Chapel and Neolithic Orkney.

What is there to see near Skara Brae?

Places worth a stop nearby: Ring of Brodgar (8 km), Standing Stones of Stenness (10 km), Italian Chapel (31 km) and Duncansby Stacks (49 km).

When is the best time to visit Skara Brae?

No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)