Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

  • Maeshowe Visitor Centre (at Stenness), Ireland Road, Stenness KW16 3LB

  • 01856 851 266
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Prices and opening times

Admission

Due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to reserve your visit online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. 

Historic Scotland Members, Explorer Pass holders and reciprocal members: Entry is free, but it is recommended you make a tour reservation in advance to guarantee entry. 

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Ticket categories Admission price
Adult (16-64yrs) £10.00
Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed) £8.00
Child (7-15yrs) £6.00
Family (1 adult, 2 children) £20.00
Family (2 adults, 2 children) £29.00
Family (2 adults, 3 children) £34.00

Your ticket includes the coach transfer to and from the chambered cairn. 

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 65+ or unemployed. Please note this does not apply to students.

Admission prices are subject to change.

Free and discounted admission

  • Historic Scotland members get free entry to our sites, but please make an online booking to guarantee entry. You must show your valid membership on arrival. 
    • Not a Member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits.
  • English Heritage, Manx and Cadw members get half price entry in your first year and free entry for renewal and life members. Please make an online booking to guarantee entry.
  • Carers who accompany visitors with disabilities receive free entry. Please make an online booking to guarantee entry. Tickets are limited to two carers per transaction.
  • Have a Young Scot card? Pay just £1 to visit this site. Please make an online booking to guarantee entry. You must show your valid Young Scot card on arrival (children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult).  

Explore more with Orkney Digital Guide

Discover nearly 5,000 years of Orkney’s history and prehistory, including Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, with our Orkney Digital Guide. Purchase as an Add-On when booking your ticket, or separately using the link below.

Buy Orkney Digital Guide

Opening times

Visits are by guided tour only, which depart from the Maeshowe Visitor Centre at Stenness village on the hour. All visitors must check-in at the visitor centre 15 minutes before their tour start time.

29 March to 30 September: daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Tour times: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm

1 October to 28 March: daily, 10am to 4pm
Tour times: 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm

Closed

25 and 26 December 
1 and 2 January

Check for closures

Adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause a site to close. We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. 

Current unexpected and short term closures

Opening times

29 Mar to 30 Sept:  
Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Tour times: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm

1 Oct to 28 Mar:
Daily, 10am to 4pm
Tour times: 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm

Due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to reserve your visit online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.

Access to the cairn is via a low and long passageway.

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