Stromness

visit orkney Stromness map The 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 “Khyber 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.

Tourist Information Centre - located in the Travel Centre. If you need help to book accommodation or advice on places to visit e.g. drop past to the visitor information centre. This building is also the Northlink Ferry Terminal and houses the marina facilities.
NorthLink Ferries – daily car ferries to and from Scrabster. t: 0845 6000 449.
Stromness Marina – 64 berth marina
Bus Stop - catch a bus from in front of the Travel Centre.
Primary School
Town House
Hoy Departure Pier – departures to Moaness (North Hoy) and Graemsay on the MV Graemsay. t: (01856) 850 624.
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. Free admission. Open Monday-Saturday 10.30am-5.00pm t. 01856 850 209.
Post Office & The Sorting Room Gallery
Old Academy Business Centre - Home to the studios of Tait & Style, Britt Harcus & Digitata.
Community Centre and Play Area - Postman Pat themed play-park
Town Hall - venue for local events
Library – Open Mon to Thurs 2pm – 7pm, Fri 2pm – 5pm, Sat 10am – 5pm. Free internet access.
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. £3.50 week ticket.
Login's Well - The water supply to ships of the Hudson Bay Company, The Franklin Expedition, The Cook Expedition and many other visitors
Cannon - Reputedly from the American privateer, 'The Liberty', captured in 1813.
George Mackay Brown Memorial Garden – A garden in memory of one of Scotland’s greatest twentieth century writers.
Bowling Green
Golf Course– a very scenic 18 hole course. http://www.stromnessgc.co.uk/ t: (01856) 850772.
Point of Ness Caravan & Camping Site - a 3 star touring park for tents and caravans in the summer. t: (01856) 873535.
Swimming pool/ Fitness Suite - Open daily all year round. t: (01856) 850552.
Squash Court
Stromness Academy & Playing Fields
Garson Industrial Estate - including public amenity site

Maps

Download a map of Stromness - 538K

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