any one been to orkney

[kt36]

we are going to the orkney isles next year and have no idea wat to expect has anyone been and could tell me pro and cons and places to go with kiddies ds 12 nearly 13 and dd 8

I've not been, but try
orkney website
orkney
orknet
Scottish tourist board

I went as a child, and I remember an endless round of picnics, each one colder and windier than the last. When I look back at photos, we are sitting in anoraks, with our hoods up, hugging a hot drink behind a windbreak. And that was July! The boat crossing is horrendous, I believe, but the scenery and beaches are fabulous. Lots of wildlife and everyone I've met who comes from Orkney has been unbelievably nice. Not sure where you'd go with kids. Skara Brae is a must, and the Italian cathedral built by Italians during the war. There's usually agricultural shows and things on, too. There's a real community vibe. The school hols there will be from end of June till mid-Aug, so probably best going then, as there will be more on. Have fun!

I know Orkney very well and think it's a fabulous place to visit - especially if the weather is good. I've only been twice since having children (oldest only 2.9) so I know nothing about the age group you mention (though I suppose I used to go when I was that age myself). We were there last year and got amazing weather (for Orkney) and to be homest we spent most of our time on the beach. The shoreline at the brough at Birsay is great for hunting for crabs etc in rockpools and searching for groatie buckies (a shell that's only found on a few beaches and is supposed to be lucky - it's addictive!). Your kids will be old enough to enjoy the archaelogical sites - we're waiting a few years to take ours. Skara Brae is probably the most interesting and has a good, interactive visitor centre/cafe too. Not sure when you're going but the folk festival in Stromness on the last weekend of may is excellent. Loads of nice walks and you'd be able to hire bikes. It's not very hilly and so is perfect for cycling (again weather dependent - the wind can be fierce...) You can also book sea fishing trips which the kids might enjoy. Hope you have fun - sure you will

Oh, and the shops are great in both Stromness and Kirkwall for really unusual crafty stuff - no tat. Ther's a craft trail you can do by car too and things like jewellery makers where you can watch jewellery being made - Ortak, shiela Fleet etc which the kids might like

we are going middle of august and all cant wait thankyou fof the great info its really helped merry christmas xxxx

has anyone any idea about if orkney cater for coeliacs[allergy to wheat and gluten] as my dd is coeliac and aged 8.we fond scotland was fairly good last year but have no idea about orkney