Shapinsay

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with two lighthouses on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean.
A coastal landscape with a lighthouse and a small white building on a grassy hill overlooking the sea.
A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, grassy fields, and a distant castle.
A coastal landscape with a body of water, grassy fields, and a barbed wire fence.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A wetland with multiple water bodies and a grassy landscape.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
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 17 to Nov 18
$96 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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
Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel

3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane Kirkwall Scotland
$136 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Dec 10 to Dec 11
$164 total
Dec 10 - Dec 11
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! (312 reviews)
"Nice modern hotel, well located in town close to harbour"

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Albert Hotel
The Stromness Hotel

The Stromness Hotel

2 out of 5
The Pierhead Stromness Scotland
$110 nightly
The price is $132 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$132 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
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 (102 reviews)
"Arrived to find the door locked with a number to phone to arrange check in, once inside we discovered the foyer to be dirty and dated and in need of up grading, our room was dated and showed signs of dampness on the ceiling, we will not stay hear again and advise all travellers to stay clear"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

The Stromness Hotel
See all 85 properties in Shapinsay
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.
Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .

Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .

St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Scotland
Stay at this cottage in South Ronaldsay. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Hoxa Tapestry Gallery and Sand of Wright are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"This was a very unique cottage. I just loved it. It was clean and cozy. I loved watching the otters and just sitting and watching the water."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .
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 Shapinsay
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 Shapinsay attractions

Balfour Castle

6.6/10 (4 reviews)
After visiting Balfour Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Shapinsay. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
See properties

Things to do

Skara brae

Private Full Day Tour in Orkney

$213
per adult
Private Full Day Tour in Orkney
See all activities in Shapinsay

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Shapinsay?
The best time to visit Shapinsay is from June through October, when the climate is mild and ideal for exploring the island. For fewer crowds and better value, the cooler months of December through March are a good option, offering a peaceful experience.
What is Shapinsay known for?
Shapinsay is known for Balfour Castle. Travelers can visit this castle when exploring this destination in the United Kingdom.
What is a good itinerary length for Shapinsay?
A good itinerary length for Shapinsay is one day to explore Balfour Castle, the island's main point of interest. For a more relaxed pace, or to simply enjoy the island's quiet atmosphere, travelers might consider two days.
What are the top things to do in and around Shapinsay?
In Shapinsay, travelers can visit Balfour Castle, a notable landmark and point of interest.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Shapinsay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Shapinsay 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 Shapinsay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Shapinsay 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 Shapinsay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Shapinsay 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 Shapinsay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Shapinsay 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 Shapinsay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Shapinsay 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 Shapinsay?
If it's your first trip to Shapinsay, 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 Shapinsay 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 Shapinsay hotel.

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

Cities near Shapinsay

A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.

Kirkwall

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