Holiday rentals and lettings on the Orkney Islands

With incredible scenery, this archipelago of islands in Scotland has an inspiring culture and adventures you shouldn't miss. You can stay in attractive holiday rentals located in the countryside and by the coast, where you'll find wonderful attractions and excursions! Orkney is like a natural playground for adults, so if you're looking to unwind, get some fresh air and surround yourself with Mother Nature, this destination is sure to suit you.

For your stay, Orkney Islands offers holiday rentals with sea and loch views, a tranquil setting, beautiful gardens and terraces. You'll enjoy a traditional stone exterior but a modern interior with comfortable spaces featuring skylights, beautiful high-end kitchens, contemporary furnishings, luxurious bedrooms and extravagant bathrooms. Groups of friends, families, and couples alike will enjoy the accommodations, which range from 2 to 8 people.

In the north, the most iconic Norse site on the islands, St Magnus Cathedral, took some 300 years to complete. Made of red and yellow sandstone, the cathedral has been the spiritual heart of Orkney for almost nine centuries! Often referred to as the 'Light of the North', this iconic building is the only church in the country to preserve the bones of its saint and is also the only complete medieval cathedral in Scotland. A visit here will give you a closer insight into the enduring Norse heritage of the Orcadians.

Although St Magnus Cathedral is the most visited site in Orkney, the island also has some interesting archaeological sites. On the southern shore of Skaill Bay, Skara Brae is also one of Orkney's most visited ancient sites. The Neolithic settlement is considered to be one of Europe's most remarkable and best preserved prehistoric monuments. Here, you can discover the ruins of ancient stone buildings that were inhabited before the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and go back 5,000 years to understand how our ancestors really lived.

Quiet and peaceful, the island's beaches will give you a pleasant swim in their never crowded waters and sandy bays. Orkney has some of the most fantastic beaches in the world. You can enjoy Wright's Golden Beach and its exciting annual festivals, admire the towering cliffs of Rackwick Beach, one of the island's most famous, and dip your toes in the crystal clear waters of Barrier Beach. However, Orkney Islands has many more unspoilt beaches with dramatic scenery that are a total delight to the eye.

Surrounded by cliffs, Old Man Hoy is one of the most popular natural beauties of the Orkney Islands. This red sandstone sea crag towers above the ocean and is one of the highest cliffs in the British Isles. Observing the breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs and admiring the magical sunset is a favourite with travellers. Another natural wonder that will leave you spellbound is the Northern Lights. The location of the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland make it an excellent place to see the dancing coloured lights, so you can enjoy this natural spectacle on clear nights in the autumn and winter.

Made up of twenty-seven stones, The Ring of Brodgar is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and is one of the island's most popular attractions. This fascinating circle of ancient stones up to four metres high was one of the last Neolithic monuments near the Ness of Brodgar and the Standing Stones. Walk around the 104-metre circle and have your photo taken with these interesting stones. This interesting attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a protected anchorage and beautiful natural setting, Scapa Flow is a treasure not to be missed. Dive, observe the distinctive marine life and discover world-class shipwrecks. The waters of Scapa Flow are popular with divers and are home to seagrass meadows as well as the giant stingray, which are on the verge of extinction. The area is a site of great conservation importance and will capture you with its dramatic beauty and diversity of landscapes.

A visit to Orkney is incomplete without spotting the little puffins. Between May and August you'll see this bird with distinctive black and white plumage, coloured beaks and orange legs among the cliff towns of Orkney. Sightings of the puffins known as 'tammie norries' are one of the most popular with locals and visitors alike. The best places to see them are: Burrian Castle, Hoy Nature Reserve and Marwick Head.

Considered one of Orkney's finest coastal locations, the scenic cliffs of Marwick Head will leave you completely spellbound. With a landscape that combines history, sea views and plenty of nature, this giant promontory south of Birsay is a must-see in Orkney. The cliffs rise over 90 metres above the ocean, providing incredible and inspiring views. The promontory is also home to the Kitchener Monument, built to commemorate the First World War Minister of War.

Crafted by modern-day Vikings, enjoy award-winning single malt Scotch whisky at Highland Park Distillery. This 18th century distillery in Kirkwall offers an in-depth exploration to discover the birth of this whisky and the opportunity to sample some of the finest whiskies. Taste the unique and distinctive flavours and see the intricate designs of ancient Norse mythology on the bottles. Flavours include hints of sweet vanilla, fresh fruit flambé, peaches, red berries, green apple and more.

On average, what was the cost of holiday rentals in the Orkney Islands in 2020, during the period hit by the pandemic?

By looking at its annual average price of £83.64, the Orkney Islands is not a destination that stands out as being the most expensive or the cheapest in the United Kingdom.

Which months allow you to save the most on holiday rentals?

If you would like to save the maximum amount during your visit to the Orkney Islands, book to go there in May (£72.87 per night on average), January (£73.75), or February (£74.24) to find the lowest prices for the whole year.

In which months is it more expensive to rent a holiday letting in the Orkney Islands?

When you look at renting a holiday letting in the Orkney Islands, the highest prices are usually seen in the month of August (with an average of £95.5 per night), followed by July (£92.71), and June (£92.41).

Are there usually many holiday rentals available in the Orkney Islands?

When visiting the Orkney Islands, it is necessary to think ahead, as 65% of rentals are usually booked, according to last year's data.

Which months offer the highest availability?

The months that offer the most accommodation options, on average, are January (with an availability of 57%), March (54%), and February (54%), according to the trends observed in 2020.

During which months are there fewer rentals available in the Orkney Islands?

According to data from 2020, the months when it is most difficult to find accommodation in the Orkney Islands are, in order, August (with 18.6% of available rentals), September (20%), and July (20.5%).

How many holiday lettings are there in the Orkney Islands?

Our inventory features around 100 properties from 6 partners.