Our Favourite Places in Orkney – A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems and Big Views

As a proud Orkney producer, rooted in the land and sea that shape every spirit we create, it’s no surprise that we have a deep love for the islands themselves. From windswept cliffs to tucked-away beaches, we wanted to share a few of our favourite places across Orkney—places that inspire us, ground us, and keep us connected to what makes this place so special.

The Fourth Barrier Beach, Between Burray and South Ronaldsay

A stone’s throw from our door, this stretch of sand and sea is a place we return to again and again. The road skims right across it—one of the famous Churchill Barriers— but the beach itself is hidden by the mountainous dunes. It's worth stopping on the Burray side of the barrier and walking no more than 100m to take in the views, or going for a walk along the sand. When the tide is out, it's a lovely place for a dip in the sea, with natural islands formed from sand. The ever-changing light and wild North Sea air are pure Orkney. There's a chance to spot some local wildlife too!

The Fourth Barrier Beach, which continues to grow each year, with more and more sand gathering on the last Churchill Barrier - now only visible from the west.

The Standing Stones of Stenness

Older than Stonehenge and every bit as special, the Standing Stones of Stenness sit at the heart of Orkney’s ancient landscape. There’s something deeply moving about being among them—whether it’s the scale of the stones or the long line of history beneath your feet. It’s a place that connects us to the past and reminds us how long people have called Orkney home. We sometimes bring a flask and sit quietly at sunrise or sunset—it’s magic.

The Standing Stones in summer, a tranquil place to wander.

Newark Beach, South Ronaldsay

Tucked just around the corner, Newark Beach feels like a secret even to those who’ve lived here all their lives. It’s quiet, unspoilt, and ideal for a reflective stroll or a summer picnic with something homemade and sweet. It's also a wonderful beach for a dip in the sea. The waves roll gently into the bay, as cargo ships pass through the Pentland Firth in the distance.

Newark Bay, South Ronaldsay. Also known as the East Side beach. We love the atmosphere here.

Yesnaby Cliffs

Yesnaby is one of those places that takes your breath away every time. Towering sandstone cliffs drop dramatically into the Atlantic, with sea stacks and wildflowers clinging to the edges. The wind is nearly always fierce, but that’s part of the magic. There’s a ruggedness to Yesnaby that feels truly untamed, and when the waves crash below and the seabirds call overhead, it’s easy to forget the modern world entirely. We go for the walk - which takes you to the old Fishermen's huts - the views, and sometimes just to feel small in the best kind of way.

Yesnaby Cliffs and the sea stack on a beautiful sunny day- a great chance to spot local sea birds and rare scottish flowers too!

Sanday & Tresness Beach

Sanday, one of the North Isles in Orkney, is something else entirely—a slower pace, a softer light. We always make time for the beach hidden behind the dunes, known as the most impressive beach in Orkney. It's got a lot to offer, with a shallow tidal bay of sand meeting the dunes seen in the photograph below. It's a reasonable walk to the dunes, however - as far as we know, you can take vehicles over the hard Cata sands, and we have certainly enjoyed riding our bikes part of the way there to half the walking time. It's 100% worth it though! It's long, empty, and feels like it might just be the edge of the world. Perfect for clearing your head and soaking up the simplicity that Orkney does so well.

Gary stood atop Tresness Beach's sand dunes - enjoying the sea view.

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

Not all our favourite places are out in the elements. The red sandstone of St Magnus Cathedral tells a thousand years of stories, and no matter how often we pass it, we’re always struck by its quiet strength. It's at the heart of Orkney in more ways than one. We would recommend booking a tour upstairs in the Cathedral, where you can enjoy the winding staircase to view the vast rooms from above, learn about the history and artefacts, and view the workings of the clock, finishing at the spire with a wonderful view over Kirkwall.

St Magnus Cathedral in the Winter - a magical place no matter what season.

Rackwick Bay & the Walk to the Old Man of Hoy

When we need a proper adventure, we head for the Island of Hoy. Rackwick Bay is a place of raw, weathered beauty—huge boulders, dramatic hills, and that deep sense of stillness. The walk to the Old Man of Hoy takes you along the cliffs with views that stretch forever. At the end, the towering sea stack stands impressively tall, with the option to continue along to St John's head, one of the tallest vertical cliffs in the UK, at 353m. You thought Yesnaby made you feel small - try spotting sea birds amidst the sandstone towers!

Each of these places inspires what we do—from the ingredients we choose to the stories we tell through food and drink. Orkney isn't just where we work. It’s who we are.

Where’s your favourite place in Orkney?