Things to do in Hoy Island

Activities, attractions and tours

Hoy Island
Hoy Island
Hoy Island
Hoy Island
Hoy Island
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Top places to visit

1. Dunnet Head Lighthouse

The Dunnet Head Lighthouse is located on the northernmost point of the Scottish mainland, perched on dramatic cliffs that plummet 300 feet (90 meters) into the turbulent Pentland Firth below. Drive or make the rewarding coastal hike up to this scenic viewpoint and enjoy vistas stretching over the sea to Orkney.
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2. Skara Brae

Learn about prehistoric life at Skara Brae, a small settlement that, despite being thousands of years old, still retains its original shape and structure. The buildings here form one of the best preserved sites of its kind in the British Isles. The layout of the ancient village is still intact, with several of the houses even displaying their original furnishings.
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3. Castle of Mey

The Castle of Mey is the northernmost castle on the U.K. mainland. A favorite home of the late Queen Mother, this beautifully restored castle has been preserved to look much as it did during her regular visits here. Tour the castle, stroll through its lovely surrounding gardens and bring the kids to the interactive animal center.
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4. Old Man of Hoy

An imposing 450-foot (137-meter) high rock stack located off the island’s western coast, the Old Man of Hoy is one of Orkney’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular challenge for experienced climbers. The stack can also be viewed by following the pleasant footpath from nearby Rackwick. Stroll along this picturesque path and enjoy spellbinding views over Rackwick Bay.
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5. St. John's Head

St. John's Head is comprised of stunning red and yellow rock cliffs, which plummet 1,128 feet (344 meters) to the beach below. Enjoy wonderful scenery as you hike along the coastal path leading to this viewpoint and see how many different types of birds you can spot along the way.
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6. Ward Hill

Towering 1,571.5 feet (479 meters) above sea level on Hoy’s northeastern coastal fringe, Ward Hill is the tallest mountain in Orkney. Climb to the top of this hill for incredible views over the entire archipelago and stop to inspect the wildlife and historical sites found en route.
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What to do in Hoy Island

Popular places to visit

Old Man of Hoy

Old Man of Hoy

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Walk along the scenic trail leading to this iconic sea stack, which is among the tallest in Britain.

Old Man of Hoy
St. John's Head

St. John's Head

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Go for an invigorating hike and take in the views from the top of one of Britain’s highest vertical sea cliffs.

St. John's Head
Ward Hill

Ward Hill

Embark on a challenging trek to the summit of this hill, the highest point in all of Orkney.

Ward Hill

Scapa Flow Visitor Centre

4/5(9 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Scapa Flow Visitor Centre during your travels in Hoy Island. Stroll along the seaside or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Scapa Flow Visitor Centre

Dwarfie Stane

5/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Hoy Island with a stop at Dwarfie Stane. Stroll along the marina or discover the area's countryside.

Dwarfie Stane

Frequently asked questions

Is Hoy Island worth visiting?
Hoy Island offers a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Hoy Island?
After you've visited key attractions like Stromness Museum and Longhope Lifeboat Museum, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Hoy Island.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hoy Island?
Don't leave without exploring Stromness Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Hoy Island.
Is three days enough to stay in Hoy Island?
Three days is enough for a short getaway in Hoy Island — you'll hit the main attractions and get a good idea of the local vibe. But if you really want to soak it all in, plan at least seven to ten days to explore the nearby areas too.
What are some activities to do in Hoy Island with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Hoy Island with kids.
What to do in Hoy Island for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there's lots of things to do in Hoy Island for adults including Lyness Naval Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Hoy Island?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Hoy Island is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without opening your wallet. Ward Hill is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.