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Opening times

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Last entry 5pm

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Closed

Check here for unexpected closures
Map to Broch of Gurness

Facilities

 

Overview

Explore an icon of Orkney’s rich archaeological heritage. This impressive Iron Age complex is one of the most outstanding examples of a later prehistoric settlement to survive in Scotland.

What to see and do

  • Soak up stunning views of the island of Rousay from the broch’s striking position by Eynhallow Sound
  • Marvel at the completeness of Scotland’s best-preserved broch village
  • View Iron Age artefacts on display in the visitor centre on site
  • Explore nearby – Gurness is one of at least 10 brochs that line either shore of Eynhallow Sound
A view of the remains of the Broch of Gurness on the Eynhallow Sound.
Broch of gurness and sound
Remains of walls and upright stones within the Broch of Gurness.
An aerial view of the Broch of Gurness and the remains of its surrounding village.
Broch of Gurness and the remains of the associated village.
Part of the prehistoric village at the Broch of Gurness.
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Two thick stone walls with smaller stone slabs standing in between them

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Midhowe Chambered Cairn

2 miles from Broch of Gurness
The well preserved Midhowe Broch next to a beach and the sea

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Midhowe Broch

2 miles from Broch of Gurness
The underground remains of a stone cairn covered by a modern ceiling

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Knowe of Yarso Chambered Cairn

2 miles from Broch of Gurness
The grass covered foundations of a medieval church

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Eynhallow Church

3 miles from Broch of Gurness
Several slabs of stone being stored in a concrete room

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Blackhammer Chambered Cairn

3 miles from Broch of Gurness
A grass-covered burial cairn on a field close to the sea

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Taversöe Tuick Chambered Cairn

5 miles from Broch of Gurness
A small grass-covered house built over a small stream

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Click Mill

7 miles from Broch of Gurness
The foundations of the castle show a ditch, rampart and square tower

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Cubbie Roo's Castle and St Mary's Chapel

7 miles from Broch of Gurness
The well preserved Midhowe Broch next to a beach and the sea

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Midhowe Broch

2 miles from Broch of Gurness
The interior of Rennibister earth house. The stone ceiling is held up by a wooden beam.

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Rennibister Earth House

9 miles from Broch of Gurness
A view of the inside of an earth house

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Grain Earth House

11 miles from Broch of Gurness
A general view of the Links of Noltland archaeological site.

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Links of Noltland

14 miles from Broch of Gurness
A general view of the prehistoric village at Skara Brae.

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Skara Brae

18 miles from Broch of Gurness
Small stone houses by the sea

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Knap of Howar

19 miles from Broch of Gurness
The remaining walls of the broch form a half circle and are about three metres high.

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Carn Liath Broch

97 miles from Broch of Gurness
The imposing ruin of Auchindoun Castle in front of a dramatic and cloudy sky

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Auchindoun Castle

117 miles from Broch of Gurness

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