Hill forts · Scottish Islands
Skara Brae
In or near Stromness.
Skara Brae — Neolithic archaeological site in Scotland.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 1 h–2 h
- Free entry
- Family-friendly
- Dog-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Getting there & planning your visit
Skara Brae is located in the Orkney Islands, with the postcode KW16 3LR. Entry is free, and the site is wheelchair accessible.
About
Skara Brae is a hill fort in the United Kingdom. Heritage designation: scheduled monument. Part of Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Wikidata describes it as: "Neolithic archaeological site in Scotland". Coordinates: 59.0487°, -3.3417°.
Photo gallery
From Historic Environment Scotland
Get an overview of Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe and part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Contact us today for more information.
Read more on the official property page.
From the Wikipedia article
Skara Brae () is a stone-built Neolithic settlement located along the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney. The site was discovered following a storm exposing the presence of stone structures within the coastal sand dunes. Today, ten structures and four passageways are visible, as well as the remains of stone furniture and fixtures. The site was occupied from roughly 3180 BC to around 2500 BC and is Europe's most complete Neolithic village. Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites making up "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney". Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation. Care of the site is the responsibility of Historic Environment Scotland which works with partners in managing the site: Orkney Islands Council, NatureScot (Scottish Natural Heritage), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Visitors to the site are welcome year-round.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
- Coordinates
- 59.0487, -3.3417
- District
- Orkney Islands
- Postcode
- KW16 3LR
- Parliamentary constituency
- Orkney and Shetland
- Phone
- +44 1856 841815
- Opening
- Summer 1 April - 30 September, Mo-Su 09:30-17:30; Winter 1 October - 31 March, Mo-Su 09:30-16:30
- Official site
- www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q816437 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Skara Brae (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: Orkney Skara Brae.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Featured in this guide
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Bay of Skaill
Mountains & hills · 0.6 km
Knowe of Geseo
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Castle Snusgar
Castles · 1.0 km
St Peter's Sandwick Parish War Memorial
Memorials & monuments · 1.2 km
St Peter's Kirk, Sandwick
Historic churches · 1.2 km
Loch of Skaill
Reservoirs & lochs · 1.2 km
Knowe of Nebigarth (site of)
Archaeological sites · 1.2 km
Nearby
📷 4Archaeological sites · Scottish Islands
Skaill House
Skaill House in Orkney + Shetland, United Kingdom.
📷 3Zoos & aquariums · Scottish Islands
Skaill Falconry
Skaill Falconry — a zoo aquarium in scotland-islands, United Kingdom.
📷 5Archaeological sites · Scottish Islands
Skara Brae
Skara Brae — a archaeological site in scotland islands.
📷 3Mountains & hills · Scottish Islands
Bay of Skaill
Bay of Skaill — bay on Mainland, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK.
📷 3Archaeological sites · Scottish Islands
Knowe of Geseo
Knowe of Geseo — a archaeological in scotland-islands, United Kingdom.
📷 3Archaeological sites · Scottish Islands
Knowe of Verron Broch
Knowe of Verron Broch — a archaeological in scotland-islands, United Kingdom.
Where to eat & stay near Skara Brae
Places to stay
📷 5Campsites · Scottish Islands
Birsay Hostel & Campsite
Birsay Hostel & Campsite — a campsite in scotland islands.
📷 5Hostels · Scottish Islands
Birsay Hostel & Campsite
Birsay Hostel & Campsite — a hostel in scotland islands.
📷 7Hotels · Scottish Islands
The Stromness Hotel
The Stromness Hotel — a hotel in scotland islands.
📷 5
📷 5
📷 5Campsites · Scottish Islands
Point of Ness Campsite
Point of Ness Campsite — a campsite in scotland islands.
Places to eat & drink
📷 4More places in this region
📷 3
📷 5Hill forts · Scottish Islands
Calanais Stones
Calanais Stones — neolithic standing stones near Calanais, Scotland.
📷 5Hill forts · Scottish Islands
Callanish II
Callanish II — archaeological site in Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK.
📷 3Hill forts · Scottish Islands
Callanish III
Callanish III — archaeological site in Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Skara Brae?
- Skara Brae is in the Scottish Islands, United Kingdom (postcode KW16 3LR).
- What is Skara Brae?
- Skara Brae — Neolithic archaeological site in Scotland.
- How do I get to Skara Brae?
- Drivers can use postcode KW16 3LR.
- Who owns Skara Brae?
- Skara Brae is owned by Historic Environment Scotland.
- Is Skara Brae a listed building?
- Skara Brae is officially recognised as scheduled monument listed.
- Is Skara Brae free to visit?
- Yes, Skara Brae is free to enter.
- How do I get to Skara Brae?
- Drivers can navigate to postcode KW16 3LR. It sits within the Orkney and Shetland parliamentary constituency.