1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Highlands and Islands
  4. Orkney Islands
  5. Orkney
  6. Bay of Skaill

Bay of Skaill

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Skaill

Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney The well is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map. The stile is on the coastal footpath which runs the length of mainland Orkney's west coast.
Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

The Bay of Skaill is a picturesque coastal inlet located on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago in Scotland. Situated near the village of Sandwick, the bay stretches for approximately 2 kilometers and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The bay is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, with pristine sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is surrounded by rolling green hills and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The bay's tranquil and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure activities such as picnicking, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

One of the main attractions in the Bay of Skaill is the famous Neolithic site of Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved prehistoric village that dates back over 5,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the lives and culture of the ancient inhabitants of Orkney.

In addition to its archaeological significance, the bay is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, while a variety of seabirds soar above the cliffs. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and fishing enthusiasts.

Overall, the Bay of Skaill offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical importance, and ecological diversity. Whether one is interested in exploring ancient ruins, enjoying a peaceful day at the beach, or simply immersing themselves in the stunning coastal scenery, the bay provides a truly unforgettable experience.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bay of Skaill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.053399/-3.3436428 or Grid Reference HY2319. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney The well is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map. The stile is on the coastal footpath which runs the length of mainland Orkney's west coast.
Well on farmland, Northdyke, Orkney
The well is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map. The stile is on the coastal footpath which runs the length of mainland Orkney's west coast.
Fields at Northdyke The ground rises gently from the Bay of Skaill, providing good grazing.
Fields at Northdyke
The ground rises gently from the Bay of Skaill, providing good grazing.
Fields near Scarwell Grazing for sheep, with drystane dykes and a view over the Bay of Skaill towards the distant island of Hoy.
Fields near Scarwell
Grazing for sheep, with drystane dykes and a view over the Bay of Skaill towards the distant island of Hoy.
House on the hill Hilltop house at Northdyke.
House on the hill
Hilltop house at Northdyke.
Skara Brae - 1979 Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979
Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979 Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Skara Brae - 1979
Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BC–2500 BC. Europe's most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites comprising "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it has been called the "Scottish Pompeii" because of its excellent preservation.
Bay of Skaill - 1979 The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979
The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979 The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979
The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979 Bay of Skaill and Knowe of Verron seen from Skara Brae. The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill - 1979
Bay of Skaill and Knowe of Verron seen from Skara Brae. The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Bay of Skaill is the location of the famous Neolithic settlement, Skara Brae, and a large residence, Skaill House, the property of the laird on whose estate Skara Brae was discovered.
Bay of Skaill Looking across the Bay from its rocky west end.
Bay of Skaill
Looking across the Bay from its rocky west end.
Bay of Skaill Balanced stones on the shore. Natural rock arch just visible in distant headland.
Bay of Skaill
Balanced stones on the shore. Natural rock arch just visible in distant headland.
Bay of Skaill Waves breaking onto the sandy beach below Skara Brae.
Bay of Skaill
Waves breaking onto the sandy beach below Skara Brae.
Skara Brae: Bay of Skaill beach Looking along the beach from above the Skara Brae archaeological site. Someone has created a shapely pillar of stones in the foreground.
Skara Brae: Bay of Skaill beach
Looking along the beach from above the Skara Brae archaeological site. Someone has created a shapely pillar of stones in the foreground.
Skara Brae: one of the houses A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look across one of the houses, with typical central hearth and a few rooms and stone furniture surrounding it. Skaill Bay is in the background.
Skara Brae: one of the houses
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look across one of the houses, with typical central hearth and a few rooms and stone furniture surrounding it. Skaill Bay is in the background.
Skara Brae: earthworks A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here we look across the site, towards Skaill Bay, with one of the passageways of the village in the foreground.
Skara Brae: earthworks
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here we look across the site, towards Skaill Bay, with one of the passageways of the village in the foreground.
Skara Brae: one house and a bay view A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look towards Skaill Bay across one of the dwellings at the western edge of the site.
Skara Brae: one house and a bay view
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, we look towards Skaill Bay across one of the dwellings at the western edge of the site.
Skara Brae: westernmost house A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. This is the most westerly house, displayed particularly intact, with the hearth as the typical centrepiece and stone furniture and various small rooms surrounding it. The southern shore of the Bay of Skaill is in the background.
Skara Brae: westernmost house
A truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. This is the most westerly house, displayed particularly intact, with the hearth as the typical centrepiece and stone furniture and various small rooms surrounding it. The southern shore of the Bay of Skaill is in the background.
Skara Brae: inside a Neolithic house Skara Brae is a truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, by the visitor centre a short distance from the site itself, a simulation dwelling has been reconstructed to give an impression of what the house would have been like in its original, covered state. We are looking through the doorway and see in front of us the central hearth, with a stone cupboard facing us.
Skara Brae: inside a Neolithic house
Skara Brae is a truly remarkable site, where in 1850 a storm blew away the dunes, revealing a 5,000-year-old settlement. Predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by a fair margin, the Neolithic village was protected very well by its covering over the centuries and was revealed in remarkably intact condition. Here, by the visitor centre a short distance from the site itself, a simulation dwelling has been reconstructed to give an impression of what the house would have been like in its original, covered state. We are looking through the doorway and see in front of us the central hearth, with a stone cupboard facing us.
Show me another place!

Bay of Skaill is located at Grid Ref: HY2319 (Lat: 59.053399, Lng: -3.3436428)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///clutches.tightrope.employer. Near Sandwick, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Geo of Snusgar Hangabacks Bay of Skaill

Related Wikis

Bay of Skaill
Bay of Skaill

The Bay of Skaill (from Old Norse Bugr Skála) is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, Scotland. == Visitor attractions == Bay of Skaill...

Skara Brae
Skara Brae

Skara Brae is a stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago...

Skaill House
Skaill House

Skaill House is a historic manor house in Sandwick parish on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The house overlooks the neolithic site...

Loch of Skaill
Loch of Skaill

The Loch of Skaill is a small somewhat triangular, freshwater loch in the parish of Sandwick, Orkney on Mainland Orkney, Scotland. It lies 0.5 mi (0.80...

Pound's Pool Devon
Warebeth Orkney

Have you been to Bay of Skaill?

Leave your review of Bay of Skaill below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy