About Orkney

The Ferry Inn is in a prime location in Stromness in the Orkney Islands

Stromness is a distinctive town which has houses teaming along the curve of a protected harbour, the hill Brinkies Brae behind, and a single narrow street that meanders through the centre. All along the waterfront are houses, gable-end on to the sea, and piers and jetties of all shapes and sizes.

Stromness has much to offer the visitor; from a waterfront golf course to a swimming pool, a famous art gallery, the Pier Arts Centre, and a maritime-flavoured museum. There are craft shops, a newsagent, grocers (a superb local baker and butcher), a bookshop, fishing tackle shop, restaurants and cafes.

The NorthLink Ferries boat from the Scottish Mainland docks in Stromness opposite the Ferry Inn, where there is also a marina for passing yachts.

The passenger ferry for Hoy departs from Stromness Harbour, as do diveboats, chartered to take divers to the sunken warships of Scapa Flow.

Stromness is home to most of the islands festivals; the Folk Festival, Stromness Shopping Week and the Blues Festival all take place here.

Stromness has a rich history of pressgangs, pirates, arctic explorers, the herring trade, and wind sellers.

Stromness is also the former home of Scotland's best known literary figures, George Mackay Brown, and it is easy to see how one could be inspired here.

Stromness is an ideal starting point for a visit to Orkney - with the archaeological treasures of the West Mainland less than five miles from the town. We recommend a visit to the stone circle at the Ring of Brodgar and the neolithic village of Skara Brae. Further afield are the Churchill Barriers - part of Orkney's wartime defences, and the Italian Chapel - a beautiful chapel constructed by Italian POWs from two Nissan huts and scrap metal. Orkney has much to offer the vistor - trout and swan-filled lochs, bird-filled skies coloured with stunning sunsets and sometimes, the Northern Lights, a landscape littered with mysterious monuments from the past, and lively nights of festivals and music.

We hope that you will choose to stay with us in the Ferry Inn - and trust that you will find our accommodation convenient and comfortable - ideal for your stay in Orkney.

• www.wildaboutorkney.com - For year round tours that explore Orkney's facinating archaeology, history, wildlife, folklore, spirituality and culture.
  
• www.orkneyuncovered.co.uk - Specialises in Orkney wartime history. Offers small group tours to uncover the past historically and socially, painting a picture of what it was like for the service personnel that defended Orkney's shores during times of war.