# To Do – West Mainland

> Orkney has plenty to see and do, and West Mainland near Stromness offers something for almost every interest. Archeology - Neolithic, Bronze age and Viking Skara Brae Ring of Brodgar Broch of Gurness Maes Howe Walks St Magnus Way –…
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> Last modified: 2026-06-19T08:43:45+00:00

Orkney has plenty to see and do, and West Mainland near Stromness offers something for almost every interest.

Archeology – Neolithic, Bronze age and Viking

- Skara Brae

- Ring of Brodgar

- Broch of Gurness

- Maes Howe

Walks

- St Magnus Way – pilgrimage walk from Birsay.

- Long coastal walks with dramatic cliff views

- Loch walk at Brodgar

Beaches

- Sandy white sands safe for swimming and beachcombing.

- Wild swimming at Ness after Suana

Rockpools at Warbeth, Birsay and Evie

Wartime history

- Ness Battery and HMS Tern

- Marwick Head Kitchener Memorial

Cultural activities

- Pier Arts Centre gallery

- Drama productions

- Concerts classical and folk

- Art galleries – Northlight, Waterfront Gallery

Brewery tours The Orkney Brewery and Swannay Brewery

Bookshops

- Stromness Books and Prints

- Birsay Books

Cycle Hire – 5 Alfred Street

Fishing

- Loch and sea fishing trips

Jewellery workshops

- Alison Moore Designs

- Okneyinga silversmiths, Birsay

- Suzi Lee

- Zoe Davidson

Art workshops

- Soulisquoy Printmakers

- Ingrid Grieve Orphir painter

- Museum of Loss and Renewal

Museums

- Stromness Museum

- Kirbister Farm Museum

Barony Mill tour

- Working Bere meal Mill, Birsay

Nature and Birdlife

- The Loons Hide, Twatt/Marwick

- Events at the Nature Festival and Orkney Science Festival

Dances and local music

- Ceilidh dances

- Stromness Pipe band

- Local bands in the Royal Hotel

Film

- West Side Cinema – Stromness Town Hall

- Stromness Glimmers – Festival of Light – Moti