Stromness

Orkney’s official tourism website

visit orkney Stromness mapThe Burgh of Stromness is Orkney's main seaport and the town has a population of approx 2100 people. It first attracted sailors for the fine anchorage provided by Hamnavoe and has provided a haven for mariners for centuries, being the last port of call before many a transatlantic voyage.

The main street is full of character as it twists and turns along the shore amongst the houses and shops which are built out into the sea on the one side and into the hill on the other.

Wander through the flagstone paved streets to discover hidden alleyways including the fittingly named “Kyber Pass”! A visit to the Pier Arts centre is a must see and step back in time with a visit to the museum. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more active then have a round of golf at the local golf course and enjoy the spectacular views of the Hoy Sound at the same time.

Each year in late May Stromness is buzzing with the Orkney Folk Festival. The town is the main venue for concerts, pub sessions and ceilidhs throughout the festival. Whilst in July the town plays host to Stromness Shopping Week, a week long gala which is a great fun for the family with the event culminating in a fancy dress parade and fireworks display on the last night. The town is also the venue for the Jazz and Beer Festivals each year.

After spending time here you’ll soon see where the gifted poet and story writer George Mackay Brown got his inspiration from.

  1. Tourist Information Centre & NorthLink Ferries Booking Office & Marina Facilities - located beside the NorthLink Ferries Terminal. If you need help to book accommodation or advice on places to visit e.g. drop past to the visitor information centre

  2. NorthLink Ferries – departures for Scrabster

  3. Stromness Marina – 64 berth marina

  4. Bus Stop

  5. Primary School

  6. Town House

  7. Hoy Departure Pier – departures to Moaness

  8. The Pier Arts Centre – Recently reopened following a major renovation that has made it one of the most striking buildings in the north of Scotland. The Pier has a permanent collection of exemplary paintings and sculptures.

    t. 01856 850 209, Admission free, Open, Monday-Saturday 10.30am-5.00pm

  9. Post Office

  10. Old Academy Business Centre

  11. Community Centre and Play Area

  12. Town Hall - venue for local events

  13. Library – Open Mon to Thurs 2pm – 7pm, Fri 2pm – 5pm, Sat 10am – 5pm Free internet access.

  14. Stromness Museum - Impressive natural history displays in restored Victorian gallery, complimented by well laid out interpretation of aspects of Orkney's maritime history and large photo archive. Arctic Whaling, Hudson's Bay Company, the German Fleet in Scapa Flow. Orkney's birds, eggs, butterflies and moths, fossils and shells. Open daily April to Sept: Sun – Sat 10am – 5pm. Oct to March: Mon – Sat 11am – 3.30pm. Admission charge

  15. Login's Well - The water supply to ships of the Hudson Bay Company, The Franklin Expedition, The Cook Expedition and many other visitors

  16. Cannon - Reputedly from the American privateer, 'The Liberty', captured in 1813

  17. George Mackay Brown Memorial Garden – A garden in memory of one of Scotland’s greatest twentieth century writers

  18. Bowling Green

  19. Golf Course– 18 hole course

  20. Campsite

  21. Swimming pool/ Fitness Suite

  22. Squash Court

  23. Stromness Academy & Playing Fields

  24. Garson Industrial Estate

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