• The Ness of Brodgar excavation in Orkney

Ness of Brodgar dig dates announced

The 2018 dig dates at the incredible Ness of Brodgar excavation have been announced - start your Orkney trip planning now!

If you’re planning a visit to Orkney during the summer then a trip to the fascinating Ness of Brodgar excavation should be at the top of your list.

The 2018 dig dates have now been announced so you can coincide your travel plans with a tour at the sprawling archaeological site.

Aerial view of the Ness of Brodgar excavation


Free guided tours will be held at the Ness of Brodgar between Wednesday 4th July and Wednesday 22nd August. Join local experts as they provide a fantastic insight into the excavation and the work being carried out to uncover more of its secrets. You’ll also get to see archaeologists at work amongst the remains of the Neolithic complex.

Tours are available, weather permitting, Monday to Friday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 3pm. Please note that at weekends diggers won’t be present on site, and it will be closed out-with tour times.

See archaeologists at work during a tour of the site


There will also be two open days this year; on Sunday, July 15th and Sunday, August 19th, with plenty of activities at the Ness and at the nearby Stenness Community School.

Check the official Ness of Brodgar website for full details of tour times and visiting information, including access and parking arrangements.

If you're aged between 12 and 16 you could get the chance to spend a morning at the dig too, learning archaeological techniques and digging at the site yourself! Four days are available but booking is essential - find out more via the UHI Archaeology website.


Find out more about Orkney historical sites.

The Digital Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020 Programme.

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