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Orkney · Historical
Ring of Brodgar
Ring of Brodgar is a free, self-guided stone-circle stop that fits into a West Mainland day. The size of the stones gives children something striking to see without a museum visit. Come ready for grassy paths and exposed weather.
- Best for
- Families exploring West Mainland
- Cost
- Free; no ticket
- Weather
- Fully outdoors
- Time to allow
- A short stop, or a longer walk
Our family take
Go for the setting and the scale of the stones. You can keep the visit short or add a longer walk nearby, with no ticket or booked time for a normal visit. If your family needs shelter or a smooth buggy route, plan another stop around those needs.
- Toilets first. If anyone needs the loo, stop before you arrive. Historic Environment Scotland lists Maeshowe Visitor Centre as the nearest public option.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Cost and admission
- The Ring is free to visit year-round. No ticket is needed for a normal self-guided visit.
- Current route
- Follow the one-way system. Sections of the inner path may close periodically while the grass recovers; check current visitor information before setting off.
- Getting there
- About five miles north-east of Stromness on the B9055, Mainland Orkney. Parking is available; two accessible bays are listed on the west side of the road.
- Ground and prams
- Grassy paths with gentle slopes can be muddy or slippery in wet weather. Strong footwear is recommended; do not count on a smooth route for a buggy or wheelchair.
- Toilets and food
- There are no toilets at the Ring. Bring what you need to eat and drink.
Parking
28 September 2026
Check current visit information (official)A little more detail
Make it work for your family
A short stop at the stones
Children can stand beside the stones and see their size for themselves. This is a place to walk and look rather than a hands-on attraction, so it is easy to fit around another West Mainland visit.
If everyone wants more walking, Historic Environment Scotland suggests about 45 minutes for a circuit of the nearby RSPB reserve or about an hour to walk to the Stones of Stenness and back. Those are separate walks, not a set time for seeing the Ring itself.
Orkney Rangers walking advice · Checked 2026-09-28
If access will decide the visit
There is a gate at the north entrance. If you need a particular route for a buggy or wheelchair, check the current access with Historic Environment Scotland before setting off.
Current Ring of Brodgar visitor information · Checked 2026-09-28
Ranger walks
A ranger-led walk can give the stones more context on selected dates, but you do not need one to visit independently. Check the current what's-on listing before promising children a guided walk.
Current Ring of Brodgar events · Checked 2026-09-28
Plan the rest of your day
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Nearby stop
Skara Brae
A longer West Mainland history stop with a visitor centre and outdoor settlement route. Check its admission and access before travelling.
Nearby stop
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
A timed guided chamber visit nearby, with a visitor centre and toilets. Book its slot first, then fit the Ring around it.