Skaill House Orkney
A historic 17th-century manor house on Orkney, intrinsically linked to the discovery of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Skaill House Orkney
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 17th-century manor house on Orkney, intrinsically linked to the discovery of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae.
"An interesting self guided tour of an 18th century orcadian mansion and the history of a local family."
🎟️ Joint Ticket Savings
Consider a joint ticket for Skaill House and Skara Brae for better value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the house and grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Laird's Discovery
Skaill House
Explore the home of the Laird who discovered the ancient village of Skara Brae after a storm.
Period Furnishings
Various Rooms
Step back in time with authentic 17th-century furnishings and art collections.
Gardens and Bay of Skaill
Exterior Grounds
Enjoy a stroll through the gardens and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Skaill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Visit with Skara Brae
Orkney's Weather is Unpredictable
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Joint Ticket Savings
Consider a joint ticket for Skaill House and Skara Brae for better value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the house and grounds.
🧥 Layer Up for Weather
Orkney weather is famously changeable; pack for all conditions.
☕ Cafe Break
The cafe offers free WiFi and refreshments after your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Joint Ticket Savings
Consider a joint ticket for Skaill House and Skara Brae for better value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the house and grounds.
🧥 Layer Up for Weather
Orkney weather is famously changeable; pack for all conditions.
☕ Cafe Break
The cafe offers free WiFi and refreshments after your visit.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least an hour to explore the house itself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Skaill House is praised for its well-preserved interiors and its integral role in the discovery of Skara Brae. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the opportunity to step back in time. Some find the house itself to be a standard example of Scottish architecture, and the experience might be brief for some.
"This place is located 5 minutes walk from the Skara Brae archaeological site. It was the home of the wealthy man on whose property the site the exists and who was credited with its discovery after a storm exposed it in the late 1800s. It is filled with comfortable furnishings, works of art and collectibles. Worth a visit. 👍👍👍"
D F
"I last visited this area some fifty years ago when my ship, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Stromness, berthed at her namesake port in the Orkneys. This time, visiting on Fred Olsen's Balmoral, I achieved all that the £89 ship tour offered - and a lot more besides. I jumped aboard the X1 bus from Kirkwall which stops right outside the Visitor Centre and charges just £10 for a day ticket.
A lot has changed since I last visited. There's a £16 charge to enter Skara Brae and Skaill House, rules and regulations, concrete paths and an impressive building housing an exhibition, souvenir shop and an excellent cafe. Free wifi too. In the 1970's, you just walked onto the site - and Skaill House wasn't open to tourists at all.
The bonus for me was that I didn't even have to pay; as a senior member of English Heritage. Free entry is also granted to card carrying members of Historic Scotland.
The House is still owned by the family of the Laird who discovered the nearby Skara Brae and is a bit of a timewarp of the 1960's and seventies including an unbelievably awful - by modern standards - pink bathroom - for the exclusive use of the lady of the house. My favourite bits were the library, the drawing room and the dining room.
It's a fairly standard bit of Scottish period architecture, but I doubt you'll linger more than an hour, even if you potter outside in the gardens."
Michael D. Scott
"An interesting self guided tour of an 18th century orcadian mansion and the history of a local family which is part of the Skara Brae ticket"
Tork Mackenzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skaill House is located on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, adjacent to Skara Brae. The X1 bus from Kirkwall stops directly outside the visitor centre, offering a convenient and affordable option with a day ticket. Driving is also an option, with parking available on site.
Yes, the X1 bus route connects Kirkwall to Skaill House and Skara Brae, making it accessible via public transport.
Skaill House is approximately a 30-40 minute drive or bus journey from Kirkwall, depending on traffic and stops.
Skaill House is located just a 5-minute walk from the Skara Brae archaeological site, making them very easy to visit together.
Yes, there is parking available at Skaill House for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Skaill House is often visited on a joint ticket with Skara Brae. The combined ticket price is around £16, but concessions may be available. Senior members of English Heritage and Historic Scotland may receive free entry.
While advance booking is recommended during peak season, tickets can often be purchased on arrival. It's best to check the official Historic Scotland website for the most up-to-date information.
Skaill House typically opens for the season in spring and closes at the end of October. Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official website before your visit.
Yes, a joint ticket is available that includes entry to both Skara Brae and Skaill House, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, and families. Members of Historic Scotland and English Heritage often receive free entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Skaill House, you'll find beautifully preserved rooms furnished with period pieces, artwork, and collectibles, offering a glimpse into the lives of the families who lived there. Highlights include the library, drawing room, and dining room.
Most visitors spend around an hour exploring Skaill House, though you might linger longer if you also explore the gardens and the surrounding area.
Skaill House offers a self-guided tour experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Staff are available to answer questions.
Skaill House is a premier 17th-century estate in Orkney and is historically significant as the home of the Laird who discovered the nearby Neolithic village of Skara Brae. 
Photography policies can vary, but generally, personal photography without flash is permitted inside Skaill House. It's always best to check for any specific restrictions upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an excellent cafe located within the visitor centre at Skaill House, offering refreshments and light meals.
While picnicking might be possible in designated outdoor areas, it's best to consume your own food outside the main house and cafe. The onsite cafe is a convenient option.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, soups, cakes, and hot and cold drinks, catering to a range of tastes.
The nearest town with a wider selection of restaurants is Stromness, which is a short drive or bus ride away.
Yes, the cafe at Skaill House offers free WiFi for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of Skaill House with the Bay of Skaill in the background offers stunning photographic opportunities. The gardens also provide picturesque settings.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites to protect the heritage and for safety reasons. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Personal photography without flash is generally permitted inside Skaill House. Always check for signage or ask staff for the most current guidelines.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
The juxtaposition of the historic manor house with the ancient Neolithic site of Skara Brae nearby offers a unique photographic contrast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the more visually interesting aspects of the house, like the different rooms and furnishings, and the outdoor gardens. Look for any special family events or activities that might be happening during your visit, such as Viking Family Days mentioned during the Orkney Archaeology Festival.
The cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks and a break, which is always a plus with children. 🏛️ History Buffs
+2 Delve into the stories of the Watt family, explore the period furnishings, and appreciate the architectural evolution of the estate. Don't miss the opportunity to compare the 17th-century manor with the much older Neolithic village. The joint ticket is ideal for a comprehensive historical immersion.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Combine your visit with Skara Brae for a full day of historical discovery. The cafe is a great spot to relax, perhaps with free WiFi, and reflect on your experiences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Discovery of Skara Brae and Skaill House's Role
+2The house itself, built in stages from the 17th century onwards, reflects the changing fortunes and tastes of the families who lived there. It's a fascinating contrast to the much older structures of Skara Brae, offering a tangible link to more recent, yet still significant, periods of Orkney's past. Exploring Skaill House provides context for the discovery and ongoing preservation of one of Europe's most important prehistoric sites.
+1Visitors can learn about the Watt family's connection to Skara Brae through exhibits within Skaill House, understanding how the discovery shaped the local landscape and the estate's own history. The proximity of the two sites makes for an incredibly rich historical experience, allowing you to walk through millennia of human habitation in a single visit.
Exploring the Interiors of Skaill House
Each room tells a story, from the grand reception areas to more private chambers. The descriptions of the furnishings and the history of the objects provide a deep appreciation for the lifestyle of the Laird and his family. Even the more 'dated' elements, like the famously pink bathroom mentioned by one visitor, add a touch of quirky authenticity and charm.
The staff at Skaill House are often noted for being friendly and helpful, enhancing the visitor experience by providing insights and answering questions. Their presence ensures that the house feels welcoming and alive, rather than just a static museum.
The Gardens and Coastal Setting
+1 Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the manicured gardens, taking in the fresh sea air and the picturesque coastal scenery. The house overlooks the Bay of Skaill, a beautiful stretch of coastline that has witnessed centuries of history, from Viking longships to modern-day visitors. The proximity to the sea adds a dramatic element to the setting, and on a clear day, the views are simply breathtaking.
It's a perfect spot for reflection and to appreciate the natural beauty of Orkney. While the main draw is the house and its history, spending time in the gardens and by the bay is highly recommended. It offers a chance to connect with the landscape that has shaped so much of Orkney's heritage, from prehistoric settlements to the lives of the families who called Skaill House home.
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