Stones of Stenness Orkney
Ancient Neolithic standing stones on Orkney, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a wild and atmospheric glimpse into 5,000-year-old history...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Stones of Stenness Orkney
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Neolithic standing stones on Orkney, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a wild and atmospheric glimpse into 5,000-year-old history.
"Atmospheric and inspiring as are most of these old neolithic monuments. Definitely worth a quick stop off."
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Conveniently located right by the road with a small parking area. Easy to spot and access.
🚶♀️ Wander Among Stones
Unlike other sites, you can walk freely around and between these ancient stones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Standing Stones
Central circle
Four towering, thin Neolithic stones that have stood for over 5,000 years, evoking a sense of ancient mystery.
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Central Hearth
Center of the stone circle
A focal point within the circle, believed to have been used for cooking or ceremonial purposes.
Barnhouse Settlement
Adjacent to the Stones of Stenness
Explore the foundations of a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, offering a glimpse into ancient daily life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Respect the Ancient Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Conveniently located right by the road with a small parking area. Easy to spot and access.
🚶♀️ Wander Among Stones
Unlike other sites, you can walk freely around and between these ancient stones.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
Orkney is windy! Hold onto your hat and enjoy the wild, atmospheric conditions.
🤝 Respect the Site
Avoid climbing the stones; they are ancient and fragile.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Conveniently located right by the road with a small parking area. Easy to spot and access.
🚶♀️ Wander Among Stones
Unlike other sites, you can walk freely around and between these ancient stones.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
Orkney is windy! Hold onto your hat and enjoy the wild, atmospheric conditions.
🤝 Respect the Site
Avoid climbing the stones; they are ancient and fragile.
📸 Capture the Magic
Drone footage offers a unique perspective of this ancient landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Stones of Stenness to be an atmospheric and inspiring Neolithic monument, easily accessible by the roadside. While some note the limited number of surviving stones, the tall, thin structures and central hearth area offer a compelling glimpse into ancient life. The wild, windswept Orkney setting adds to the site's unique charm, though some reviewers humorously compare the climbing difficulty to rock climbing.
"Right by the roadside so not easy to miss. Free to wonder around. Atmospheric and inspiring as are most of these old neolithic monuments. Definitely worth a quick stop off."
Sarah Clark
"The stones are difficult to climb. They are all covered in lichen with hardly any crimps save for the arrêts. Quite a bit of neolithic, antiquity, medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, and Victorian graff too. Not sure what routes there are on the faces but I would say v16s throughout except for the two small boulders. The wind can get pretty dodgy but the top out is straightforward. I was lucky to have dry sunny conditions. Save the faff and go to font instead."
Carl Fulghieri
"These are stones you can get up close to unlike the ones up the road at Brodgar , right by the roadside with a small parking place these are easy to spot and when standing next to them they are very tall , only 4 have survived but its still a great place to wander around taking in the stillness and views"
Tork Mackenzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stones of Stenness are easily accessible by car, located directly off the main road on the Stenness isthmus. There's a small parking area nearby. Many visitors combine a trip here with the nearby Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. +1
Limited public bus services operate on Orkney, but they may not stop directly at the Stones of Stenness. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is often the most convenient way to explore the Neolithic sites. Check local Orkney bus timetables for current routes.
Yes, the Stones of Stenness are situated on a narrow isthmus between the Loch of Harray and the Loch of Stenness. You can walk between the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, which is about a 20-minute walk away.
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, including the Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and Skara Brae, is best explored by car for flexibility. Consider a guided tour for in-depth historical context.
No, the Stones of Stenness are free to visit and explore. This allows for a more wild and undeveloped experience compared to some other historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit the Stones of Stenness. Entry is free, allowing you to wander around the ancient monument at your own pace.
The Stones of Stenness are an open-air site and are accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
Yes, many local tour operators offer guided tours of Orkney's Neolithic sites, including the Stones of Stenness. These tours provide valuable historical insights and can enhance your visit.
As the Stones of Stenness are free to enter, a heritage pass is not required for admission. However, passes may be useful for other paid attractions on Orkney.
While there are no formal entry restrictions, visitors are asked to respect the ancient monument. Avoid climbing on the stones and take any litter with you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see four remaining Neolithic standing stones, some up to 12 feet tall, arranged in a circle with a central hearth area. The site offers a wild, undeveloped experience. +1
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the Stones of Stenness, allowing time to explore the stones, the central hearth, and the surrounding landscape.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the Stones of Stenness. The open space allows them to run around, and the ancient history can spark their imagination. Ensure they are supervised and respect the site.
Golden hour, especially summer evenings, offers beautiful light. Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the stones and the surrounding landscape. Drone photography can also provide unique perspectives.
There are no facilities directly at the Stones of Stenness. Restrooms and cafes are available at nearby visitor centers or in the main towns on Orkney, such as Stromness or Kirkwall.
📸 📸 Photography
Summer evenings offer magical light, perfect for capturing the ancient atmosphere.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the stones and the vast Orkney landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone photography is permitted and can offer stunning aerial views of the site and its setting. Ensure you are aware of any local drone regulations.
The entire site is photogenic. Experiment with different angles, including shots that incorporate the surrounding lochs and the sky.
Many photos focus on the imposing standing stones, the central hearth, and the dramatic Orkney skies. Some capture the wild, windswept atmosphere of the location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the nearby Barnhouse Settlement, a reconstructed Neolithic village, which can provide a more tangible understanding of how people lived thousands of years ago. This combination of standing stones and ancient dwellings makes for a compelling and educational outing for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
The accessibility and free entry make it an easy addition to any Orkney itinerary. Embrace the wild Orkney atmosphere; the wind and changing skies add to the dramatic and often solitary feel of the site. It's a perfect spot to reflect, take stunning photographs, and feel a deep connection to history in a raw, natural setting.
+1📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the scale and context of the monument. Drone photography can also yield spectacular results. History enthusiasts will be captivated by the site's significance as one of the oldest henge monuments in Britain and its role within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. The proximity to other key Neolithic sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Barnhouse Settlement allows for a comprehensive exploration of Orkney's ancient past.
+1 Remember to respect the site's integrity and avoid climbing on the stones. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Neolithic Heart of Orkney
These ancient structures were not just random arrangements of stone; they were carefully constructed and likely held deep spiritual and astronomical significance. The precise purpose of the Stones of Stenness remains a subject of debate among archaeologists, with theories ranging from astronomical observatories to ritualistic gathering places. The presence of a central hearth suggests a focus on communal activities, perhaps involving feasting or ceremonies.
Visiting the Stones of Stenness offers a tangible connection to this distant past. Standing amongst these weathered monoliths, you can almost feel the echoes of ancient rituals and the profound connection the Neolithic people had with their environment. The wild, windswept landscape of Orkney only enhances this immersive experience, making it a truly unforgettable journey back in time.
Orkney's Unique Climate and Landscape
This wild landscape is an integral part of the experience. The raw beauty of Orkney, with its vast skies, rolling hills, and the shimmering waters of the lochs, provides a stunning backdrop to the ancient stones. The lack of dense vegetation around the Stones of Stenness allows for unobstructed views and a sense of openness, emphasizing the monument's place within its natural surroundings.
+1Despite the challenging weather, many find the atmospheric conditions enhance the mystical quality of the site. The wind whistling through the stones, the dramatic cloud formations, and the ever-changing light all contribute to a powerful and evocative experience. It's this untamed beauty that draws many to Orkney, seeking a connection with both history and nature.
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