Orkney in winter isn’t what most people expect. While summer draws the crowds, it’s the quieter months that many of us islanders love most. With its low golden light, wide horizons, and sense of stillness, winter in Orkney feels raw, wild, and wonderfully restorative.
If you’re dreaming of a slow, meaningful trip to the islands, here are some of our favourite ways to experience Orkney in the off-season.
Walk Into the Wind
Winter is a season for dramatic skies and wide-open spaces. Take a walk along the cliffs at Yesnaby or Rousay, where Atlantic winds roll in and seabirds circle overhead. Sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae are hauntingly quiet at this time of year – no crowds, no rush, just a connection to the land and its long, layered history.
Catch the Northern Lights
With minimal light pollution and long dark nights, Orkney is one of the best places in the UK to see the aurora borealis. You don’t have to head far – just wrap up warm, keep an eye on the forecast (we recommend the AuroraWatch UK app), and head to Birsay or the West Mainland for your best chance. Even without a display, the stargazing is spectacular.
Cosy Cafés & Seasonal Food
Winter is when we islanders slow down, gather indoors, and appreciate the simple things – warm fires, good company, and proper food.
This is where our sister company, Jane & Paul’s Orkney Produce, shines. In the colder months, seasonal comfort foods emerge using local winter vegetables, island-reared meats, and fresh seafood. Think roasted root veg, hearty broths, spiced chutneys, and creamy seafood pies made with Orkney crab or smoked fish. It’s food that warms you from the inside out – honest, handcrafted, and full of island character.
If you’re joining one of our tours, you can request a homemade lunch or dinner featuring the best of what’s in season. It’s a flavourful way to experience Orkney’s landscape through its ingredients. If you’re looking for inspiration, we have a brief roundup of some of our favourite places here: jporkney.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/#eat-in-orkney
Wildlife Watching
Winter doesn’t mean nature sleeps – in fact, some of Orkney’s most memorable wildlife moments happen in the colder months. Watch grey seals pup along the coast or see vast flocks of overwintering birds at places like the Loch of Stenness. Bring binoculars and let the silence guide you.
Off-Season Perks
Visiting in winter comes with a few quiet perks. Fewer visitors means more space, easier ferry bookings, and truly personal tours. Our winter guests often say they feel like they’ve discovered the “real Orkney” – not just the one in guidebooks.
As a bonus, winter often gives us more time and flexibility to tailor tours exactly to your interests – whether you’re after folklore and standing stones, remote beaches, or a behind-the-scenes look at island life.
Why We Love It
For us, winter in Orkney is the season of reflection and reconnection. The landscape becomes more intimate. The pace slows. The stories deepen. And somehow, with the wind in your face and a hot drink in hand, Orkney feels more alive than ever.
Thinking of visiting?
We’d love to help you experience the beauty of winter in Orkney. Get in touch to chat about a private tour, and if you’re hungry, we know just the place for a homemade pie.