Skara Brae (and Scotland generally) with dc 8 yrs

[Whydo244]

Hello, I am trying to organise a 3-4 day break with my young ds to visit skara brae in the summer hols. I have only ever been to Scotland for short city breaks. I don’t drive. Any ideas for itineraries/where to stay? We will be travelling from London. Thank you !

The ferry from Scrabster to Stromness was one of my favourite ever holiday experiences ever, which I hope to repeat one day soon.

Re Maeshowe - since 2018, you can visit only by guided tour, which you book online in advance. Well worth it.

Orkney is amazing. 1st trip accidentally coincided with the St Magnus Festival - late June. we didn’t go to any organised events (as we didn’t know anything) but in between Skara Brae, Maes Howe, Ring of Brodgar etc. we’d be in a cafe, or a pub, and people would materialise with various instruments & start playing. We timed our next trip for just this! Came across people who’d sailed from Norway to be there. I know this isn’t what you asked, but it’s a window into island life. We took bikes & cycled. And preferred Stromness to Kirkwall. St Magnus Cathedral was also v interesting… Wonder if you could hire e-bikes to get around (distances aren’t huge but it can be very windy!).