Holm of Papa Westray Chambered Cairn

  • On the island of Holm of Papa Westray, Orkney

 

Overview

Explore the chambers of an unusual Neolithic burial tomb on a small uninhabited island.

The Holm of Papa Westray chambered cairn is a large and eccentric monument. At around 5,000 years old, this burial monument is very well-preserved. It has a number of unusual elements including the large central chamber and two ‘double’ side cells. It’s also home to a diverse collection of Neolithic artwork.

Today, visitors descend into the chamber through a hatch in the cairn’s reconstructed roof and down a vertical ladder, but in Neolithic times entry was through a long, low and narrow passage. Inside is a 20m-long central chamber, with 12 small cells at low level leading off it.

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Open year-round.

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