The town of Stromness is only a 15 minutes drive away (9 miles) and you can reach Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney in about 20 minutes (13 miles). Both have harbours, museums, places of interest, many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Many of the famous tourist sites such as Skara Brae, The Brough of Birsay, The Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe are only a few miles drive from Howan Cottage.
Trout fishing lochs (free in Orkney) and RSPB Bird Reserves such as Marwick Head and The Loons are also nearby.
There are also many other sites to see and things to do on other parts of the island and the outer islands if you fancy some island hopping.
Orkney is well known for its award winning local produce such as our local beef, lamb, salmon and shellfish, we’ve also got delicacies such as the prized meat that comes from the seaweed fed North-Ronaldsay sheep, Orkney’s most northerly island. Also worth a try is our cheese, oatcakes, fudge, beer – the islands boast two acclaimed breweries - whisky, gin, ice cream, wine and rum, along with a multitude of other locally produced delights for you to enjoy.
Orkney Information
Travel