Broch of Gurness
Explore the remarkably preserved Broch of Gurness, an Iron Age tower and village on Orkney's dramatic coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Broch of Gurness
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remarkably preserved Broch of Gurness, an Iron Age tower and village on Orkney's dramatic coast.
"An amazing place to visit with a lovely location and impressive, extensive ruins."
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The site has uneven terrain; sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the ruins comfortably.
🐱 Meet the Resident Cat
Keep an eye out for the friendly resident cat who often roams the site, adding a unique charm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Broch Tower
Central structure
A remarkably preserved Iron Age tower, offering a glimpse into ancient Scottish architecture and defense.
Iron Age Village Ruins
Surrounding the broch
Explore the remnants of a once-thriving settlement, showcasing the daily life of its inhabitants.
Coastal Views and Wildlife
Clifftop location
Enjoy breathtaking views of Orkney's rugged coastline and keep an eye out for seals and other marine life.
Ingot Mould Discovery
Within the broch
See the actual ingot mould, a testament to the site's past as a metalworking center.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Gurness
Exploring the Ancient Settlement
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The site has uneven terrain; sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the ruins comfortably.
🐱 Meet the Resident Cat
Keep an eye out for the friendly resident cat who often roams the site, adding a unique charm.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a decent-sized car park, often facing the sea, making access convenient for visitors.
💡 Informative Signage
Information boards around the site provide context and details about the history.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
The site has uneven terrain; sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the ruins comfortably.
🐱 Meet the Resident Cat
Keep an eye out for the friendly resident cat who often roams the site, adding a unique charm.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a decent-sized car park, often facing the sea, making access convenient for visitors.
💡 Informative Signage
Information boards around the site provide context and details about the history.
⏳ Check Opening Hours
Ensure you check the visitor center's opening hours for full access and exhibition viewing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Broch of Gurness as an amazing and impressive Iron Age site with a stunning coastal location. The well-preserved ruins of the broch and surrounding village are a major draw, offering a captivating glimpse into prehistoric life. Many highlight the helpfulness of staff and the charm of the resident cat, making it a worthwhile detour for history buffs and casual travelers alike.
"Arrived after hours, but it looked an amazing place, so we stayed overnight in the car park and bought tickets the following morning. We weren't disappointed. The intricate complex buildings were amazing to see and explore. We even got to meet the resident cat, who was hunting for her dinner in the neighbouring field. Awesome place, well worth a detour to visit."
Colin Wood
"An amazing place to visit. There is a good car park facing the sea. The place has a lovely location. Single road to site with passing places. Very helpful staff member. There is a little exhibition and shop. The ruins are extensive and bigger. We thought this was better than Jarlshof on Shetland."
Gill P
"An impressive ruin we stumbled across whilst walking. We arrived just after the visitor centre had closed but the member of staff leaving told us that we were free to explore the site. Plenty of information boards around. There was even the bonus of a cat that seems to wander around. Also a decent sized car park for those visiting by car."
Ryan Bayliss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Broch of Gurness is located on the northwest coast of Mainland, Orkney. It's accessible by car, with a single road leading to the site that has passing places. There is a car park available for visitors.
Information on direct public transport to the Broch of Gurness can be limited. It's best to check local Orkney bus routes or consider a taxi service if you are not traveling by car.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Orkney at your own pace, including reaching the Broch of Gurness. This allows flexibility to visit other sites as well.
The road is a single track with passing places, typical for rural Orkney. Drive cautiously and be mindful of other vehicles.
Yes, the Broch of Gurness can be visited as part of a day trip around Mainland, Orkney, especially if you have a car. It's often combined with other historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are generally required for entry to the main site and visitor exhibition. You can purchase them upon arrival, but it's wise to check opening hours beforehand.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the visitor center and exhibition. It's recommended to check the official Historic Environment Scotland website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date times.
While the visitor center may close, some visitors have reported being able to explore the exterior ruins after hours, though access to facilities would be limited.
Admission fees apply. It's best to check the official Historic Environment Scotland website for current pricing details.
Information on discounts is usually available on the official ticketing website. Consider family passes or membership if you plan to visit multiple Historic Environment Scotland sites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see the impressive Iron Age broch tower, the surrounding village ruins, and enjoy stunning coastal views. There's also a small exhibition and shop.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins. There have been events like the Orkney Games Hunt for kids, making it entertaining.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the site thoroughly, including the broch, village, and visitor exhibition.
A visitor center with an exhibition and shop is usually available during opening hours. Restroom facilities may also be present.
Absolutely! The site offers fantastic photographic opportunities, especially with the dramatic coastal backdrop. Drone photography is also popular here.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the broch from different angles, the surrounding village ruins, and the dramatic cliffside views. The coastline offers stunning backdrops.
Drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the site and its coastal setting. Always check local regulations before flying.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the textures of the stone and the dramatic landscape.
The coastal location means you might spot seals or seabirds, offering opportunities for wildlife photography.
Generally, personal photography is encouraged. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts & Archaeology Buffs
Take your time to absorb the atmosphere and consider the historical context provided by the onsite information boards. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Broch
+1 The exact purpose of brochs remains a subject of debate among archaeologists. Theories range from defensive fortifications and status symbols to communal dwellings or even agricultural storage. At Gurness, the broch is surrounded by the remnants of a village, offering a more complete picture of the settlement. This includes evidence of metalworking, with an ingot mould found in situ, suggesting it was a hub for craft and trade.
Recent advancements have even allowed for digital exploration. A 3D digital model of the Broch of Gurness has been created, allowing people to explore the ancient walls from their screens, even featuring the site's famous resident cat, Tammy.
This innovative approach bridges the gap between the physical site and digital accessibility, offering new ways to engage with Scotland's prehistoric heritage.Exploring the Gurness Settlement
The layout suggests a close-knit community, with structures clustered around the imposing central tower. Walking through the village remnants, you can appreciate the scale of the settlement and the effort involved in its construction. Information boards scattered throughout the site offer valuable context, explaining the different features and their potential uses.
Many visitors find the Gurness ruins to be more extensive and impressive than other similar sites, like Jarlshof on Shetland.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit