Title: Visit Mainland: Best of Mainland Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.com [Hotels in Mainland](https://expedia.com/Mainland-Hotels.d553248635976196565.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Mainland](https://expedia.com/Mainland-Vacation-Rentals.d553248635976196565.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Mainland](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Mainland.d553248635976196565.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Mainland](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Mainland.d553248635976196565.Car-Rental-Guide)[Mainland Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Mainland.d553248635976196565.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Mainland ## Travel Guide ![Walking on the cliffs and enjoying the #GreatOutdoors](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1883/a021b5cc-dc21-4514-854c-24e3c0c7c11b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Walking on the cliffs and enjoying the #GreatOutdoors](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1883/a021b5cc-dc21-4514-854c-24e3c0c7c11b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![The cliffs on the south coast of Mainland. #BeachTips #GreatOutdoors #TroveOnTuesday #Perspectives #Nature #Trovember](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1883/02d39e90-a5b4-48b0-8a4f-e569fe901fd5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Earls palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1883/3493501b-ef97-4d3b-a974-ecc15998ed60.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![South coast of Mainland: the forces of nature at work. Within a few years the sea will have conquered a new small cove. #Nature](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1883/b984b53b-6f0e-442f-ad71-a182697cd648.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Mainland Things to do - Mainland Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Mainland ![The Ayre Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/15000000/14940000/14937100/14937099/17198405_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Ayre Hotel Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland $91 nightly $110 total Feb 20 - Feb 21 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! (226 reviews) Lovely saff, grear food, comfy room. Reviewed on Nov 27, 2025 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F20%2F2026&endDate=2%2F21%2F2026&selected=14937099&PinnedHotelID=14937099&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976196565) ![Albert Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2250000/2241300/2241210/6e6089a8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Albert Hotel Mounthoolie Lane Kirkwall Scotland $133 nightly $160 total Feb 20 - Feb 21 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 ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (265 reviews) Clean room, welcoming staff and good food. Nice location in a beautiful part of Scotland. Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F20%2F2026&endDate=2%2F21%2F2026&selected=2241210&PinnedHotelID=2241210&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976196565) ![The Shore](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4480000/4478300/4478238/2ec90656_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Shore Shore Street Kirkwall Scotland $131 nightly $157 total Feb 12 - Feb 13 Total with taxes and fees Stay at this hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and Orkney Museum ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (173 reviews) Clean rooms. Friendly staff. Great Location. What more could you want. Reviewed on Nov 12, 2025 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F12%2F2026&endDate=2%2F13%2F2026&selected=4478238&PinnedHotelID=4478238&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976196565) [See all 127 properties in Mainland](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F12%2F2026&endDate=2%2F13%2F2026®ionId=553248635976196565) 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 House in the heart of Kirkwall](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121100000/121096900/121096893/39564a7d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 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 ... [](https://expedia.com/Kirkwall-Hotels-Cosy-House-In-The-Heart-Of-Kirkwall.h121096893.Hotel-Information) ![Castleyards Apartment 12](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34090000/34080200/34080146/6e9b474c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Castleyards Apartment 12 12 Castleyards Kirkwall Scotland Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Orkney Museum and Orkney Wireless Museum are located ... 9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews) Great location in Kirkwall, close to the information centre, supermarkets, abs the cathedral. Clean as a whistle too! Reviewed on May 27, 2023 [](https://expedia.com/Kirkwall-Hotels-Castleyards-Apartment-12.h34080146.Hotel-Information) ![Castleyards Apartment 1](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18530000/18524100/18524014/77d7d3b1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Castleyards Apartment 1 1 West Castle Street Kirkwall Scotland Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Orkney Museum and Orkney Wireless Museum are located ... Bedroom area is cramped otherwise an excellent little flat Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024 [](https://expedia.com/Kirkwall-Hotels-Castleyards-Apartment-1.h18524014.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Mainland](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=553248635976196565&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Mainland hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12)[Feb 11 - Feb 12](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2026-02-12&endDate=2026-02-13)[Feb 12 - Feb 13](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2026-02-12&endDate=2026-02-13) [This weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2%2F13%2F2026&endDate=2%2F15%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2%2F13%2F2026&endDate=2%2F15%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2%2F20%2F2026&endDate=2%2F22%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976196565&startDate=2%2F20%2F2026&endDate=2%2F22%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Skara Brae which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089041/3ec99c07-4ec5-4fe4-8aad-3ee5204b2b05.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Skara Brae Discover the secrets of Orkney’s earliest inhabitants and find out what life was like during prehistoric times at this beautifully preserved ancient village. [](https://expedia.com/Skara-Brae-Stromness.d6089041.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ring of Brogdar showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089039/05a88827-4f12-4a0d-9cd9-914b14bb19fd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ring of Brogdar Delve into the mysteries of this prehistoric landmark, comprising a ring of standing stones set against the wild landscape of the Orkney Islands. [](https://expedia.com/Ring-Of-Brogdar-Stromness.d6089039.Vacation-Attraction) ![Earl\'s Palace which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089055/7d2cc554-853b-418a-82ee-7dd064fef261.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Earl's Palace Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. [](https://expedia.com/Earls-Palace-Kirkwall.d6089055.Vacation-Attraction) ![St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a cemetery](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089049/f2909a82-47e2-424c-b479-f1f6af23de67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### St. Magnus Cathedral Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral. [](https://expedia.com/St-Magnus-Cathedral-Kirkwall.d6089049.Vacation-Attraction) ![Maes Howe showing interior views and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089035/d623b7c5-f805-4ff5-ad30-b7de1847964e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Maes Howe Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, this fascinating chambered tomb predates the Egyptian pyramids. [](https://expedia.com/Maes-Howe-Stromness.d6089035.Vacation-Attraction) ![Bishop\'s Palace featuring a ruin, heritage elements and a castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089051/b66db75d-9f7e-40a6-8b70-9f082a7191ec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Bishop's Palace Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase. [](https://expedia.com/Bishops-Palace-Kirkwall.d6089051.Vacation-Attraction) ## Cities near Mainland ![St. Magnus Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089049/bc8289a1-a8a6-47cd-b722-a5639172ad73.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kirkwall ![Farmland near Kirkness Looking eastwards towards the farm over a field of stubble.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048838/1f5c4f38-2503-453b-868a-038653217418.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) [Photo](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) by [Ian Balcombe](https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/5330) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)) ### Dounby ![Stromness featuring a coastal town and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6055102/abb53a47-f69b-4134-830e-b51f5cfc3277.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Stromness ![Hoy Ro-Ro Ferry. Orkney Isles Company, MV Hoy Head. Houton - Hoy.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094830/b11a026a-df85-4bc3-b796-87130a9fbd71.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) [Photo](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) by [Andrew Riley](https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/27144) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)) ### Orphir - Cities near Mainland - Places of interest [Kirkwall](https://expedia.com/Kirkwall.dx1883)[Dounby](https://expedia.com/Dounby.dx6048838)[Stromness](https://expedia.com/Stromness.dx6055102)[Orphir](https://expedia.com/Orphir.dx6094830)[Evie](https://expedia.com/Evie.dx6152687)[Birsay](https://expedia.com/Birsay.dx6166390)[Rousay](https://expedia.com/Rousay.dx6205735)[Holm](https://expedia.com/Holm.dx6338161)[Harray](https://expedia.com/Harray.dx6344820)[St. Mary's](https://expedia.com/St-Marys.dx3000368643)[Deerness](https://expedia.com/Deerness.dx3000383368)[Rendall](https://expedia.com/Rendall.dx3000385134)[Burray](https://expedia.com/Burray.dx3000457127)[Quoyloo](https://expedia.com/Quoyloo.dx3000473535)[Finstown](https://expedia.com/Finstown.dx3000474471)[Gorseness](https://expedia.com/Gorseness.dx553248634739970637)[Toab](https://expedia.com/Toab.dx553248635974593406) - [Skara Brae ](https://expedia.com/Skara-Brae-Stromness.d6089041.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ring of Brogdar ](https://expedia.com/Ring-Of-Brogdar-Stromness.d6089039.Vacation-Attraction) - [Standing Stones of Stenness ](https://expedia.com/Standing-Stones-Of-Stenness-Scotland.d6089037.Vacation-Attraction) - [Earl's Palace ](https://expedia.com/Earls-Palace-Kirkwall.d6089055.Vacation-Attraction) - [Orkney Museum ](https://expedia.com/Orkney-Museum-Kirkwall.d6089053.Vacation-Attraction) - [Highland Park Distillery ](https://expedia.com/Highland-Park-Distillery-Kirkwall.d553248621533025468.Vacation-Attraction) - [St. Magnus Cathedral ](https://expedia.com/St-Magnus-Cathedral-Kirkwall.d6089049.Vacation-Attraction) - [Scapa Distillery ](https://expedia.com/Scapa-Distillery-Kirkwall.d676704100233355264.Vacation-Attraction) - [Maes Howe ](https://expedia.com/Maes-Howe-Stromness.d6089035.Vacation-Attraction) - [Bishop's Palace ](https://expedia.com/Bishops-Palace-Kirkwall.d6089051.Vacation-Attraction) - [Orkney Wireless Museum ](https://expedia.com/Orkney-Wireless-Museum-Kirkwall.d553248621532495075.Vacation-Attraction) - [Marwick Head RSPB Nature Reserve ](https://expedia.com/Marwick-Head-RSPB-Nature-Reserve-Birsay.d553248621532495167.Vacation-Attraction) - [Orkneyinga Saga Centre ](https://expedia.com/Orkneyinga-Saga-Centre-Orphir.d553248621533025283.Vacation-Attraction) - [Piers Art Centre ](https://expedia.com/Piers-Art-Centre-Stromness.d6089033.Vacation-Attraction) - [Maes Howe ](https://expedia.com/Maes-Howe-Harray.d553248621533025285.Vacation-Attraction) - [Scapa Beach ](https://expedia.com/Scapa-Beach-Kirkwall.d553248635977468237.Vacation-Attraction) - [Bay of Skaill ](https://expedia.com/Bay-Of-Skaill-Stromness.d553248635837536698.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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