What to do in Shapinsay

Activities, attractions and tours

Fields above the east end of Veantro Bay, Shapinsay Photographer is near the northwest edge of the main road.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Fields above the east end of Veantro Bay, Shapinsay Photographer is near the northwest edge of the main road.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Mill Dam showing formation of southern outflow burn, Shapinsay This RSPB reserve provides feeding and resting habitat for a variety of birds, which are visible from the hide situated near the point of this photograph. This is arguably the most productive wetland on the island of Shapinsay. In the upper right one can see the formation of the outflow burn; moreover, in the extreme upper right is a small slice of the sea at Balfour Village, at which location the outlet burn from Mill Dam reaches the sea.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Sea stack at southern edge of Lingavi Geo, Shapinsay east coast. With seabirds on cliffs and shoreline rocks.
Bay of Linton, Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. The foreground is a marshy meadow. At the right centre is a portion of the ruined chapel illustrated on the OS map.
Photo by C Michael Hogan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Shapinsay Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Shapinsay AU$472. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 4 activities in Shapinsay, Scotland.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Shapinsay attractions from AU$472, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Skara Brae

Learn about prehistoric life at Skara Brae, a small settlement that, despite being thousands of years old, still retains its original shape and structure. The buildings here form one of the best preserved sites of its kind in the British Isles. The layout of the ancient village is still intact, with several of the houses even displaying their original furnishings.
Learn more
Skara Brae featuring heritage architecture, general coastal views and tranquil scenes

2. Ring of Brogdar

The Ring of Brodgar is both an enigmatic historical attraction and an area of spectacular natural beauty. Here, 27 standing stones form a perfect circle with a diameter of about 340 feet (104 meters). Examine the UNESCO-listed site, which sits amid the rolling hills and tranquil lochs of the Orkney Mainland.
Learn more
Ring of Brogdar which includes a monument and heritage elements as well as a small group of people

3. Standing Stones of Stenness

Discover ancient history at the Standing Stones of Stenness. This collection of monoliths forms one of the oldest henge sites in the British Isles and is an ideal starting point to explore the prehistoric legacy of the Orkney Islands. The stunning landscape and diverse wildlife provide additional appeal to this iconic Orcadian landmark.
Learn more
Standing Stones are always amazing, but a little Aurora Borealis is just the cherry on top! Standing Stones of Stenness, on the Main Island of Orkney.

4. St. Magnus Cathedral

St. Magnus Cathedral is among Orkney’s most recognizable and striking landmarks. Known as the “Light in the North,” this medieval cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall. Inside are memorials to a number of prominent Orcadians. Take a guided tour of the building’s upper levels for wonderful views over the cathedral itself and the surrounding landscape.
Learn more
St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

5. Earl's Palace

With only a two-story section left standing, the Earl’s Palace lies mostly in ruins today, but it was once considered to be one of Scotland’s most remarkable Renaissance buildings. Discover the remnants of the palace’s beautiful entrance decorations and step inside to see its spectacular fireplace.
Learn more
Earl\'s Palace showing building ruins, heritage elements and a castle

Recommended things to do in Shapinsay

Number of things to do
4
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Orkney Mainland Private Tour: AU$472
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Shapinsay

Discover the most popular places to visit in Shapinsay

Balfour Castle

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.

Balfour Castle

Orkney Brewery

Find out about the history of Shapinsay when you spend time at Orkney Brewery. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Orkney Brewery

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Shapinsay

St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral

Kirkwall

Frequently asked questions

Is Shapinsay worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are loads of great things to do in Shapinsay. Make sure to enjoy the area's blend of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Shapinsay?
Kick your day off with a visit to Balfour Castle and Scapa Beach. Then, explore different parts of Shapinsay for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Shapinsay?
Balfour Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Shapinsay and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Shapinsay?
Three days is plenty for a short trip to Shapinsay — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, stick around for at least a week or more to explore some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Shapinsay with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Shapinsay with kids.

What to do in Shapinsay for adults?
Highland Park Distillery and Scapa Distillery are just two of the things to do in Shapinsay. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Shapinsay?
There are lots of fun things to do in Shapinsay. Explore the parks or soak up the vibes at free events and festivals. Shapinsay offers lots of budget-friendly experiences that let you experience the area without spending a lot.