Seven Things to Do in Orkney This Summer | Stromness Beaches & Days Out
Blair Martel
May 26, 2026
Seven Things to Do in Orkney This Summer
Summer in Orkney is not about rushing from one place to another. It is about long coastal walks, quiet beaches, harbour views, fresh sea air, local food, and simple island moments that stay with you long after your trip ends.
If you are staying in Stromness, you are in one of the best places to explore Orkney at a slower pace. The town sits beside the harbour, close to the ferry terminal, with narrow streets, sea views, independent shops, galleries, and easy access to some of the most peaceful beaches in Orkney.
Here are seven things to do in Orkney this summer, especially if you love beaches, coastal walks, and relaxed days by the sea.
1. Start Your Day with Breakfast in Stromness
Before heading out to explore Orkney’s beaches, coastal walks, and summer views, start your morning at Scapa Flow Restaurant at The Stromness Hotel.
Only a five-minute walk from the Stromness ferry terminal, our restaurant is a convenient stop for hotel guests, ferry passengers, walkers, and day visitors.
Join us for breakfast from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at weekends. It is a simple and relaxed way to begin your day, whether you are planning a beach walk, catching the ferry, or setting off on a summer drive around Orkney.
You can also grab your morning coffee at The Flattie in a Teacup, our cosy coffee shop on the ground floor of The Stromness Hotel. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee with sweet treats before you head out for the day.
Coffee shop opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
A good breakfast, a warm coffee, and a Stromness harbour view are the perfect start to a summer day in Orkney.
2. Walk from Stromness to Warebeth Beach
Warebeth Beach is one of the best beaches near Stromness and a lovely choice for a relaxed summer walk. It is a peaceful sandy beach with rocks, boulders, open coastal views, and plenty of space to enjoy the fresh Orkney air.
One of the best ways to get there is on foot from Stromness. Follow the scenic route along the shore of Hoy Sound, with beautiful views across the water towards Hoy on a clear day. The walk is a great option if you want to enjoy a beach day without travelling too far from town.
From Stromness town centre, head towards the western side of town and follow the coastal path towards Warebeth. The route is fairly straightforward, but it is best to wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts can be uneven or muddy after rain. Orkney weather can also change quickly, so bring a light jacket, even on a sunny day.
Once you arrive, Warebeth is perfect for slow exploring. You can look for shells, watch the waves, take photos, enjoy a quiet picnic, or simply sit and listen to the sea. It is not a loud or crowded beach experience. It is calm, natural, and very Orkney.
For families, couples, solo travellers, and walkers, Warebeth Beach is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the coast while staying close to Stromness. After your walk, you can return to town for coffee, sweet treats, or dinner at The Stromness Hotel.
3. Explore Stromness Harbour and the Old Streets
Stromness is one of Orkney’s most atmospheric towns. The harbour is the heart of the town, and its narrow streets are full of character, old stone buildings, small lanes, local shops, galleries and sea views.
For an easy summer walk, follow the main street through the town and take time to explore the closes and alleyways that lead off it. The Stromness Main Street walk is around 2.1 miles / 3.5 km and takes in many of the town’s shops and points of interest. Also visitors should look out for the blue plaques, which mark historic places around the town.
A good route is to begin around Stromness Harbour and the ferry terminal, then walk along Victoria Street, John Street, Graham Place, Dundas Street and towards the South End. These streets and harbour areas give visitors a real feel for Stromness, from working boats and waterfront views to historic buildings, independent shops and quiet side lanes.
- The Pier Arts Centre
- The Pier Arts Centre is one of Stromness’s best cultural stops, with modern and contemporary art, exhibitions, and a permanent collection. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, all year round. Admission is free, making it an easy place to add to your Stromness walk.
- Stromness Museum
- Stromness Museum is a small but fascinating museum covering Orkney’s natural history, maritime history, archaeology, and local life. It is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entry costs £7.50 for adults, £5.00 for students, and children under 16 go free.
- Pole Star Pier
- Pole Star Pier is a historic harbour spot linked to Stromness’s maritime and lighthouse history. The Lighthouse Depot and former “Pole Star” pier can be seen on Alfred Street, and the name connects to ships that worked for the Northern Lighthouse Board. It is an outdoor harbour feature with open public access and no entrance fee.
- Point of Ness
- Point of Ness is a scenic coastal area near Stromness, often added to longer walks from the town towards Warebeth. It is a good place for sea views, fresh air, photos, and a quieter walk away from the main street. It is an outdoor public area with open access and no entrance fee.
- Downie’s Lane Viewpoint
- Downie’s Lane Viewpoint is a rewarding viewpoint above Stromness, best for visitors who do not mind a short climb. The circular walk is around 1.9 miles / 3.07 km, with a climb of around 70 metres, and offers views over West Mainland, Stromness, the South Isles, and Scapa Flow. It is an outdoor walking route with open access and no entrance fee.
4. Visit The Pier Arts Centre
If you want a break from the beach, or if the weather changes, The Pier Arts Centre is one of the best indoor things to do in Stromness. This well-known gallery and museum sits on Victoria Street, close to the harbour, and plays an important part in Stromness’s creative identity.
The centre is home to a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, alongside changing exhibitions and events throughout the year. It includes works connected to British Modernism and artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, making it a rewarding stop for art lovers and curious visitors. The Pier Arts Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.
A visit to The Pier Arts Centre fits easily into a relaxed Stromness day. You can enjoy breakfast, walk around the harbour, visit the gallery, browse local shops on Victoria Street, stop for coffee, and then head towards Warebeth Beach later in the afternoon.
It is also a useful option if you are travelling without a car. Many of Stromness’s highlights are close together, including the harbour, local shops, Stromness Museum, viewpoints, and coastal walking routes, so you can enjoy a full day in town without needing to drive around the island.
5. Take a Coastal Walk from Stromness
One of the best things to do in Orkney in summer is simply to walk. The landscape around Stromness is ideal for coastal walks, sea views, fresh air and peaceful moments away from the main town centre.
The Stromness to Warebeth walking route is a popular circular walk and a great choice for visitors who want to enjoy the coast without travelling far. The route is around 6.5 km and takes you from Stromness towards Warebeth Beach, with views across Hoy Sound, Hoy, and the western entrance to Scapa Flow.
This is a great summer route because it combines town, coast, beach and viewpoint in one walk. You can begin in Stromness, follow the coastal path, spend time at Warebeth Beach, and return with beautiful views along the way. On a clear day, it is a lovely route for photography, birdwatching, beachcombing and simply enjoying the open Orkney landscape.
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the route can be uneven or muddy after rain. It is also a good idea to bring a light jacket, even in summer, as Orkney weather can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn breezy by the afternoon, so it is always best to be prepared.
6. Add an Island-Hopping Day to Your Orkney Summer Trip
There is nothing quite like hopping on a ferry and heading to one of Orkney’s smaller islands for a special summer adventure. These island communities may be small, but they are full of character, coastal beauty, wildlife, history and warm local welcomes.
During summer, Orkney Ferries runs special Outer North Isles Sunday Excursions, giving visitors the chance to explore islands such as Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Westray, Sanday and Stronsay. These trips are a lovely way to see a quieter side of Orkney and enjoy the islands at a slower pace.
Most of these excursions usually depart from Kirkwall, so if you are staying in Stromness, it is best to plan your journey across Mainland Orkney in advance. Once on board, you can sit back, enjoy the sea views, look out for seabirds and seals, and experience the peaceful rhythm of island life.
Depending on the route, you may have time to explore local beaches, village paths, heritage sites, small shops, cafés or scenic viewpoints. Every island has its own character, so even a short visit can feel like a proper summer adventure.
Before travelling, check the latest ferry timetable, booking details and weather updates. Ferry times can change due to weather, tides and local operations, and vehicle spaces may be limited. For a relaxed day out, bring comfortable shoes, a light jacket, snacks, water and a camera.
An island-hopping day is a wonderful addition to a summer stay in Orkney, especially if you want to go beyond the mainland and experience the smaller communities that make the islands so special.
7. Try a Summer Water Adventure in Orkney
When the sun is shining, it can be hard to resist the clear blue seas around Orkney. A quiet paddle, a refreshing swim, or a coastal water activity can be a memorable part of your summer trip, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.
If sea swimming is not for you, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Orkney from the water. Visitors can try activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, coasteering, wild swimming, and e-foiling, depending on the weather, sea conditions, and availability.
For something a little different, e-foiling is a fun and modern water sport to add to your Orkney activity list. It uses an electric board that lifts above the water, giving riders the feeling of flying across the sea. It is a unique choice for visitors who want something more adventurous than a normal beach day.
Orkney is also famous for its underwater history. Around the islands, especially near Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers, divers can explore wartime wrecks and underwater landscapes. Beginners may also find introductory scuba diving or snorkelling sessions available with local activity providers, offering a safe way to experience the world beneath the waves.
For visitors looking for more adrenaline, coasteering is another exciting option. Guided sessions can include coastal scrambling, wild swimming, and cliff jumping along Orkney’s dramatic coastline. It is a great way to see the shore from a different angle, but it should always be done with trained guides and the right safety equipment.
Before booking any water activity, check the weather, sea conditions, age requirements, equipment provided, and whether previous experience is needed. Orkney’s coastline is beautiful, but it can also be wild and changeable, so safety should always come first.
A summer water adventure is a brilliant way to add energy to your Orkney trip, whether you want a gentle swim, a snorkelling session, or a guided activity along the coast.
Where to Stay in Stromness This Summer
If you want to enjoy Orkney at a relaxed pace, staying in Stromness makes your trip easier. You can wake up by the harbour, walk to the ferry terminal, enjoy breakfast, explore the town, visit nearby beaches, and return for dinner without feeling rushed.
The Stromness Hotel is well placed for summer breaks, ferry passengers, walkers, couples, families, and visitors looking for a comfortable base in Orkney. Guests can enjoy accommodation in Stromness, breakfast and evening dining at Scapa Flow Restaurant, and coffee or cakes at The Flattie in a Teacup.
With beaches, harbour walks, local culture, and sea views nearby, Stromness is a lovely place to enjoy summer in Orkney. If you are planning a stay in June, we are currently offering 15% off when you book two or more nights — simply use code STROMNESS2026 at checkout. Book your summer stay here and make Stromness your base for exploring Orkney this season.
Final Thoughts
Orkney is full of history, wildlife, beaches, and open landscapes, but summer here is not only about sightseeing. It is also about slowing down.
Walk to Warebeth Beach. Eat breakfast before a day out. Explore Stromness harbour. Visit a gallery. Drink coffee near the ferry terminal. Watch the sea. Enjoy the long daylight. Let the island set the pace.
For a summer trip with beaches, coastal walks, harbour views, and easy access to local food and accommodation, Stromness is one of the best places to stay in Orkney.
Blair Martel
Categories
Things to Do in Orkney
