Skara Brae is a stone built Neolithic settlement located at the Bay of Skaill. It consists of 8 clustered houses and was occupied from 3180BC - 2500BC.

The Brough of Birsay is an uninhabited tidal island off the north west coast of the Mainland. The earliest settlement was in the 6th Century by Christian missionaries. In the background is the Loch of Boardhouse where the Barony Hotel is situated on the shoreline.

The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village overlooking Eynhallow Sound. Settlement began somewhere between 500 and 200BC and lasted until 100AD when it was abandoned and the ditches filled in. The site continued to be used until the 8th century.

Kitchener's Memorial is a crenellated tower built by public subscription in 1926 to honour the memory of Lord Kitchener. He along with 554 officers and men died when HMS Hampshire sank off the Marwick coast on 5th June 1916.

The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic henge and stone circle 104m in diameter and is the 3rd largest in Britain. It is thought to have been erected between 2500BC and 2000BC.

With stunning scenery and sites of historical importance, Orkney is a holiday destination not to be missed. If you are planning a trip to Northern Scotland and want to enjoy the best of the region, a visit to the Orkney Islands is a must. Visitors to Orkney will find a wealth of places to explore, things to do, and plenty to see during their stay. In fact, there is so much to explore here; you will want to come back time and again to see the full beauty of Orkney in every season.

Orkney’s West Mainland is a popular place for visitors to explore on a trip to this picturesque island. The West Mainland is home to incredible scenery and fascinating sites of historical interest. This ancient location is rich in history and has proven to be of particular archaeological interest thanks to its henges, stone circles, and Neolithic burial and ceremonial sites.

Holiday Accommodation Bimbister

Bimbister is a beautiful place to explore during your stay on the island. Here you will find the Knowes of Trotty, which is a Bronze Age burial site and considered one of the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom. Under ten miles from Bimbister is Birsay. Birsay is a haven for nature lovers, offering the chance to spot puffins during the spring and summer months at the Brough of Birsay. The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island with a causeway; here, you will find the remains of Pictish, Norse, and medieval settlements.

Birsay offers the chance to get out into the fresh air and explore this stunning coastal location while spotting the wildlife. There are three bird reserves in the area, plus shops featuring the works of local artisans, so you will find plenty to discover during your break. Birsay is also a perfect place to visit for trout fishing, as the Boardhouse Loch is right here.

Stay at the Barony Hotel

Standing on the shores of Boardhouse Loch in Birsay is the Barony Hotel. The hotel provides the perfect base for your visit to Bimbister and beyond, making it an ideal place to stay while you explore Orkney’s West Mainland.

The Barony Hotel is a family-run hotel, offering comfortable accommodation and excellent service to every guest. The Barony Hotel is equipped with everything needed to enjoy your holiday. Hotel guests can enjoy picturesque views of the Boardhouse Loch and the Brough of Birsay, making it the perfect location to relax, unwind and take in the beautiful scenery during your break.

Guests at the Barony Hotel can take their pick from a choice of rooms, catering for both single travellers, couples, families, and groups. Each room has an en-suite and tea making facilities to ensure comfort during your stay.

Mealtimes at the Barony Hotel are a real treat, with generous home-cooked breakfasts to start the day and an extensive evening menu featuring locally-sourced produce.

Book your stay at the Barony Hotel today and enjoy your perfect holiday in Orkney’s West Mainland.