Skara Brae – Orkney

Place to Visit

Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.

First uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae remains a place of discovery today. Visit a replica Neolithic house to see how its full interior might have looked. Then follow the path that overlooks the ancient buildings, imagining what life was like for the farmers, hunters and fishermen who lived here. The prehistoric houses still contain stone ‘dressers’ and box-beds.

Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. 

What to see and do

• Walk around an extraordinary village – the best-preserved group of prehistoric houses in all of Western Europe
• Explore the nine surviving Neolithic houses, all but one of which can be viewed from the path
• View original ‘fitted’ furniture made 5,000 years ago
• Step inside a complete replica house, to get a fuller picture of village life
• See artefacts including gaming dice, tools and jewellery on display in the visitor centre
• Take in the stunning variety of local birdlife and wildflowers
• Visit Skaill House, an impressive 17th century mansion, adjacent to Skara Brae (joint ticket April to October)
• Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the Neolithic settlement. Available on site