• Kite surfing in Orkney

Leisure & Sport

Visitors of all ages can get active across Orkney all year round, whatever the weather.

We work hard in Orkney, but we also like to stay active during our free time. And with some of the best sports and leisure facilities in the country right on our doorstep, we’re definitely in the right place.

Whatever activity you enjoy, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find others with the same interest in Orkney, with our many clubs, teams, and societies always happy to welcome newcomers and visitors, even if you’re only in the islands for a short time.

Sport is an important part of Orkney’s identity and we’ve produced plenty of international-class competitors over the years. Our football, rugby, netball, and hockey teams compete on a national level, with annual fixtures against neighbouring Shetland always an exciting affair too.

But it’s not all about competition. As you might imagine in a such a spectacular landscape, outdoor activities including walking, fishing, golf, and cycling are particularly popular. Out on the water you can dive on wartime wrecks, snorkel in the clean and clear shallows, or go on a sea-kayaking adventure. Remember, you can always retreat indoors if the weather is wild, with leisure facilities across the islands offering the likes of badminton, squash and much more. There’s also plenty to do if you seek a gentler Orkney experience, especially if you want to retreat to the cinema.

Explore just some of what’s on offer through our tabs at the top of this page or take a look at the listings below to find out more about leisure and sport in Orkney.