Rousay

Travel Guide

A rural road with a stone house and a view of the sea.
Photo by Ian Balcombe (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A coastal landscape with rolling hills, a body of water, and a small settlement with houses.
Photo by s allison (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A coastal landscape with a grassy field, a stone wall, and a body of water.
Photo by Ian Balcombe (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A rocky path between hills with a body of water in the distance.
Photo by Ian Balcombe (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A coastal landscape with a stone wall and a building with a rounded roof near the sea.
Photo by Bob Jones (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Lower Cottage

Lower Cottage

2 out of 5
Lower Hammerfield Rousay Rousay Scotland
Stay at this cottage in Rousay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Cairn are located nearby.
Get rates
Lower Cottage
Rousay cottage

Rousay cottage

2 out of 5
Hamarfiold Rousay Rousay Scotland
Stay at this cottage in Rousay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Cairn are located nearby.
Get rates
Rousay cottage
The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

3 out of 5
Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$78 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
$94 total
Dec 8 - Dec 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! (278 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

The Ayre Hotel
See all 76 properties in Rousay
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.
Lower Cottage

Lower Cottage

2 out of 5
Lower Hammerfield Rousay Rousay Scotland
Stay at this cottage in Rousay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Cairn are located nearby.
Lower Cottage
Rousay cottage

Rousay cottage

2 out of 5
Hamarfiold Rousay Rousay Scotland
Stay at this cottage in Rousay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Cairn are located nearby.
Rousay cottage
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 Rousay
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 Rousay attractions

Midhowe Broch

You can find out about the history of Rousay with a stop at Midhowe Broch. Discover the area's countryside and hot springs.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Rousay worth visiting?
Rousay is worth visiting for its rich history and unique attractions. Travelers can delve into the island's past by exploring its significant Prehistoric Sites, or discover the historic Trumland House, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the local heritage.
When is the best time to visit Rousay?
The best time to visit Rousay is from June through October, when travelers can enjoy milder temperatures. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a different experience with cooler weather.
What is Rousay known for?
Rousay is known for being a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering travelers a glimpse into its rich past with numerous Prehistoric Sites. Key attractions include Trumland House and the ancient Midhowe Broch. This coastal destination in the United Kingdom provides a unique historical experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Rousay?
A good itinerary length for Rousay is one to two days to visit key attractions like Trumland House, the Prehistoric Sites, and Midhowe Broch. For a more in-depth exploration of the island's history and landscapes, consider an extended stay of three to four days, allowing for a more relaxed pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Rousay?
Rousay offers travelers a journey through history with its ancient sites and notable landmarks:


How do I plan a trip to Rousay?
To plan your trip to Rousay, book flights and rental cars in advance. Search for places to stay on Expedia. You can explore landmarks like Trumland House, Prehistoric Sites, and Midhowe Broch. For outdoor activities, always have indoor alternatives ready for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Rousay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Rousay 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 Rousay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Rousay 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 Rousay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Rousay 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 Rousay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Rousay 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 Rousay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Rousay 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 Rousay?
If it's your first trip to Rousay, 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 Rousay 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 Rousay hotel.

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

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