Birsay

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with a lighthouse on a grassy hill, calm sea, and clear sky.
Photo by Jonesl84 (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
The ruins of a medieval castle with a grassy courtyard, stone walls, and a clear sky.
Photo by Jonesl84 (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A coastal stone structure with a grassy foreground and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Chmee2 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A coastal landscape with a grassy hill, rocky shoreline, and a lighthouse in the distance.
Photo by Chmee2 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A rocky shoreline with seaweed, a sandy beach, and a clear blue sky with clouds.
Photo by Chmee2 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

3 out of 5
Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland
$80 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$96 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (272 reviews)
"Excellent location. Convenient and walkable. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Restaurant was excellent. Room was clean and spacious. Would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2026

The Ayre Hotel
Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel

3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane Kirkwall Scotland
$120 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$144 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews)
"Great location, central to everything and easy to get to from the North Link Ferry. Orkney is lovely and the people wonderful IF you stop and listen. Will be back."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2026

Albert Hotel
The Stromness Hotel

The Stromness Hotel

2 out of 5
The Pierhead Stromness Scotland
$108 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$129 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Stromness. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Piers Art Centre and ...
6.8/10 (100 reviews)
"Great staff and location but my poor rating was because the mattress was extremely soft! Not good for one’s back and the lifts weren’t working."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

The Stromness Hotel
See all 68 properties in Birsay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall

Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall

Kirkwall
Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Comfortable, but a very tiny bathroom and shower. The place had a little bit of a smell, like old cooking smells lingering that wasn’t the most pleasant, and while the listing says you can do laundry, be aware that there is no dryer — made it a little tricky since we didn’t have a whole lot of time ..."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2026

Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall
2 bedroom accommodation in Stromness

2 bedroom accommodation in Stromness

Stromness
Stay at this cottage in Stromness. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ring of Brogdar and Stromness Ferry Terminal are located ...
2 bedroom accommodation in Stromness
Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall

Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall

Kirkwall Scotland
Stay at this vacation home in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Orkney Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"It's a very clean, well presented house in a great location. The living room is cosy and the beds are comfortable. The host was really helpful and great with communication."

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2026

Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall
See all properties in Birsay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Birsay attractions

Brough of Birsay

9.4/10 (20 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Birsay with a stop at Brough of Birsay. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Birsay worth visiting?
Birsay is worth visiting for its unique attractions, offering travelers a chance to explore local heritage. Highlights include the historic Brough of Birsay, an ancient settlement, and the traditional Barony Mills. These sites provide insight into the area's past and local culture.
When is the best time to visit Birsay?
The best time to visit Birsay is from June through October, when the weather is typically milder. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a cooler experience.
What is Birsay known for?
Birsay is known for its historical sites, including the Brough of Birsay, an ancient settlement. Travelers can also visit Barony Mills, a working watermill, and explore the Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve, which is a significant bird sanctuary. These attractions offer a blend of history and natural beauty.
What is a good itinerary length for Birsay?
A good itinerary length for Birsay is one to two days to explore key highlights like the Brough of Birsay, Barony Mills, and Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve. For a more relaxed trip, two to three days allows travelers to enjoy these natural and historical sites at a slower pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Birsay?
In Birsay, discover historic landmarks and natural beauty perfect for exploration:

  • Explore the historic Brough of Birsay
  • Visit Barony Mills to learn about local heritage
  • Discover the wildlife at Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve
  • Wander through the ruins of Earl's Palace

How do I plan a trip to Birsay?
To plan your trip to Birsay, book flights, hotels, and a rental car in advance, especially during peak travel times. Plan to visit attractions like the Brough of Birsay, Barony Mills, and Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Birsay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Birsay by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Birsay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Birsay trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Birsay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Birsay can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Birsay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Birsay trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Birsay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Birsay trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Birsay?
If it's your first trip to Birsay, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Birsay hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Birsay hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Birsay

A coastal town with stone buildings, a harbor with boats, and a hill in the background.

Stromness

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