Broch of Gurness

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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
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz
  • Discover nearly 5,000 years of Orkney’s history and prehistory, including the Broch of Gurness, with our Orkney Digital Guide. Purchase as an Add-On when booking your ticket, or buy the Orkney Digital Guide from our online shop
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.
A general view of the Broch of Gurness and Eynhallow Sound.

Opening times

30 Mar to 30 Sept:
The site is open daily, 10am to 4.30pm.
Last entry 4pm

Closed for lunch 12.30-1pm

1 Oct to 29 Mar:
Closed

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Historic Scotland

Facilities

Two thick stone walls with smaller stone slabs standing in between them

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Midhowe Chambered Cairn
The well preserved Midhowe Broch next to a beach and the sea

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Midhowe Broch
The underground remains of a stone cairn covered by a modern ceiling

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Knowe of Yarso Chambered Cairn
The grass covered foundations of a medieval church

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Eynhallow Church
Several slabs of stone being stored in a concrete room

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Blackhammer Chambered Cairn
A grass-covered burial cairn on a field close to the sea

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Taversöe Tuick Chambered Cairn
A small grass-covered house built over a small stream

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Click Mill
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
The well preserved Midhowe Broch next to a beach and the sea

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Midhowe Broch
The interior of Rennibister earth house. The stone ceiling is held up by a wooden beam.

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Rennibister Earth House
A view of the inside of an earth house

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Grain Earth House
A general view of the Links of Noltland archaeological site.

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Links of Noltland
A general view of the prehistoric village at Skara Brae.

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Skara Brae
Small stone houses by the sea

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Knap of Howar
The remaining walls of the broch form a half circle and are about three metres high.

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Carn Liath Broch
The imposing ruin of Auchindoun Castle in front of a dramatic and cloudy sky

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Auchindoun Castle

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