Brough Of Birsay
Brough Of Birsay
4.5
About
The Brough of Birsay is free to visit and open all year, but only accessible at low tide. Please note, the visitor centre is closed. Reach this very special tidal island by causeway to explore Pictish, Norse and medieval remains. Brooches, rings and dress pins found on the Brough of Birsay suggest that it was a Pictish power centre.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Excursion09684251154York, United Kingdom35 contributionsBeautiful BirsaySecond attempt to visit the Brough of Birsay was successful (first time we could not get parked due to the huge number of camper vans setting up for a lengthy stay - thanks guys!). Arrived in time for low tide just after 08:00 and managed to snag one of just 2 parking spaces left. Easy access to the causeway, although it does not run the whole way across to Birsay and the end section requires scrambling over the rocks (bear in mind if you have mobility issues). The pict-ish/norse ruins were well worth seeing and we also managed to see a puffin nearby (we found Puffins sightings much better at Sumburgh Head in Shetland than either Mainland Orkney or Westray, to be honest). Great walk along the cliff tops up to the Lighthouse and back: stunning views. It took us about 90 minutes in total. Bit sad to see that some campers had decided to have fires in the sheltered areas by the picnic tables and then just left their detritus behind.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 14, 2024
- Dawn SEdinburgh, United Kingdom31 contributionsA lifetime dreamSeeing the Puffin was a lifetime dream. We were here early so there were only a few, but it was mesmerizing to watch them. They are adorable and a tiny bit clumsy. Best part of this place is that the people who visit are respectful. Everyone was quiet just watching, smiling, photographing and pointing. People went out of their way to protect the environment. Zero litter.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 14, 2024
- Paul BChirnside Park, Australia1,135 contributionsStunningThisbIsland offers so much. The Viking settlement and Christian church, which fornsome reason Historic Scotland want to charge you for entry when it is free and the first thing you see when you arrive on the Island. Then the puffins when in season (June and July are best) along with many other amazing birds. The coast line is also magical.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2024
- La CletteHam-sur-Heure-Nalinnes, Belgium241 contributionsTHE thing to do in OrkneyIt was a bit the stress of knowing if we could pass with the tides. This can vary greatly from day to day. We followed the Trip Tip to arrive 2 hours before the lowest water level (this is the right plan). That leaves you a 4-hour shooting window to visit and enjoy the Brough (in July, at least). We had time to go all around the island and observe the puffins (there were a few dozen left in July), they were in the cliffs to the right of the lighthouse (in front), we had to crawl a little to the edge of the cliffs but we could see them a few meters away. The children were able to see them safely. The Pictish remains at the beginning of the Brough are also very interesting and worth a visit. And the cliffs and water are simply beautiful. Anyway, it's definitely worth a visit...Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 9, 2024
- Chris MWetherby, United Kingdom1,694 contributionsVery serene and well worth visitingOur group tour of Orkney included a visit to this location, and we are glad that it did. Limited parking is located at the end of a narrow road, and it is a tidal island only accessible by foot across a walkway at low tide. This was fortunately the case when we were there. The main part of the walkway is level and flat but is accessed across a rocky beach on each side. There is an initial sandy beach on the mainland side. Once reaching the island, it has a very remote feel and contains a number of medieval Norse remains quite close to the access point and a lighthouse on the opposite side. Reaching the lighthouse involves an uphill walk. The atmosphere on the island is peaceful and relaxing. A "must visit" if able to negotiate the rocky beach and the tide is at a low point. The weather was very good when we were there, although poor weather may well provide a totally different experience.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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XS-Baggage
Newark-on-Trent, UK472 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Not sure why this is so lowly ranked but it’s probably because it gets so few feedbacks which is a shame because in June, it’s a magical little excursion.
We were waiting to cross the causeway as soon as we could (about 3 hours after high tide) and headed straight to the cliffs for the bird watching before it got really busy.
When we were on Mull, there were puffin watching trips at £35 a time and people were returning disappointed at how far distant the sightings were. There were plenty of puffins to view on the cliff sides through the binoculars but it is no exaggeration to say that we managed to get to 6 ft away from one pair sat on the top of a cliff edge.
Spent an hour looking at them - and other birds - in various locations but, as it gets busier with other visitors, the chance to see them at very close quarters diminishes.
We were waiting to cross the causeway as soon as we could (about 3 hours after high tide) and headed straight to the cliffs for the bird watching before it got really busy.
When we were on Mull, there were puffin watching trips at £35 a time and people were returning disappointed at how far distant the sightings were. There were plenty of puffins to view on the cliff sides through the binoculars but it is no exaggeration to say that we managed to get to 6 ft away from one pair sat on the top of a cliff edge.
Spent an hour looking at them - and other birds - in various locations but, as it gets busier with other visitors, the chance to see them at very close quarters diminishes.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger F
Gosport, UK244 contributions
Jun 2023
One can only access this site 2hrs either side of low water I believe. You don't want to be stuck out there for hours! The outlines of the buildings are there and once seen it is worth going round the island to see Puffins, Fulmars and other wildlife on the cliffs and at sea.
Written June 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjm2107
Alexandria, UK266 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We visited Brough of Birsay as we wanted to see puffins which nest here from May to July/August. The Brough is accessed by a causeway, so make sure you check tidal times before visiting. As well as the puffins (the main point of our visit) there are the remains of an ancient settlement, which will be of interest to anyone who likes the history of Orkney.
Definitely worth a visit
Definitely worth a visit
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amci
Aberdeenshire, UK510 contributions
Sep 2022
Nice small island accessible 2-3 hours either side of low tide. We went across 2.5 hours before the published low tide time and the path was well clear.
It wasn't a great day weather wise so not much of a view and hardly any birds, we were too late in the year for puffins.
It wasn't a great day weather wise so not much of a view and hardly any birds, we were too late in the year for puffins.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fionnghal N
13 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Access to the tidal island is via a concrete Causeway that is passable approx 2 hours either side of low tide. There is a pleasant beach to sit on while you wait, and a reasonable amount of parking. We visited on a sunny evening, and the views from the island when walking up from the Causeway were stunning. There are apparently puffins there, but we didn't get close enough to the cliffs to see them! The ancient village remains here were fascinating, and you are able to wander through them, which is a bonus.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BryceW359
Banbury, UK36 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
It's a lovely a walk to the Brough and up the hill to the lighthouse. It's well worth a visit and a wander round the 11th century ruins. Do take your wellies though as the causeway has deteriorated in parts and there is about 10m where the path is clearly lower than it used to be and despite us going at low tide, the water was still pouring over the causeway and you need wellies or proper waterproof walking boots, else you'll get we feet. In the past you could cross 2 hours either side of low tide, now you need to go at low tide, stay no more than an hour, and have good boots or wellies to get across one lower part of the causeway.
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DundeeElaine
London, UK28 contributions
May 2021
It's a great walk and you can park right out near the start of the path. There are a few steps down to the beach and you need to walk across a section at each end of the walkway with big stones so it wouldn't be suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Once you reach the island it's an easy to walk path (with an incline) after going up a few steps (we walked through the viking village). We checked the tides and went half an hour before low tide as we weren't sure how long the window for going over would be but it looked like a fairly long window in mid-May. The walk up to the Lighthouse was very windy on the day we visited but it was a clear day and views are wonderful.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen M
Kirkwall, UK1,357 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
It's a great walk to the Brough, with views across Birsay Bay & back to the mainland once you get there.
CARE - check the tide times before you cross - this can be done online or at the local Palace Stores or Birsay Bay Tearooms.
The causeway appears at low tide - take care it can be very slippy but take time to look into the small pools that get created.
Once across you are straight into an historic settlement site & can wander around the ruins. Follow the paths up, either way around the Brough, & ascend to the lighthouse & steep cliffs. These cliffs house an assortment of birds, & provide excellent nesting grounds including the very cute puffins.
You get an amazing view back to the mainland & coastline of Orkney, sit & enjoy the view.
Scour the sandy beach either side of the causeway & search for the tiny Cowie shells or Groatie buckets 😂
CARE - check the tide times before you cross - this can be done online or at the local Palace Stores or Birsay Bay Tearooms.
The causeway appears at low tide - take care it can be very slippy but take time to look into the small pools that get created.
Once across you are straight into an historic settlement site & can wander around the ruins. Follow the paths up, either way around the Brough, & ascend to the lighthouse & steep cliffs. These cliffs house an assortment of birds, & provide excellent nesting grounds including the very cute puffins.
You get an amazing view back to the mainland & coastline of Orkney, sit & enjoy the view.
Scour the sandy beach either side of the causeway & search for the tiny Cowie shells or Groatie buckets 😂
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela R
Grahamstown87 contributions
Sep 2021
Just so much to see with the area, wildlife and history, well worth a visit. Went twice during our week on Orkney as didnt check the tide times on our first visit so went back when the causeway was open to walk across. Well worth organising to walk across to the island but it is popular so the parking spaces so fill up. Wonderful views over to Rousay from the cliff walk. Lots of birds everywhere
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MalLondon
Greenwich, UK447 contributions
Aug 2022
Stunning small island, accessible via a causeway when the tide is out. I checked tide times beforehand at the Kirkwall travel centre to make sure I could walk across to the Broch.
Once on the island, interesting remains of a Pict/Nourse village. A short walk up a small hill to the lighthouse for some fabulous views of the Broch, its causeway and the mainland.
I visited with my small dog and we both had a lovely time.
If you're travelling here by public transport, check timings beforehand as otherwise you might get stuck (I nearly did)!
Definitely visit this!
Once on the island, interesting remains of a Pict/Nourse village. A short walk up a small hill to the lighthouse for some fabulous views of the Broch, its causeway and the mainland.
I visited with my small dog and we both had a lovely time.
If you're travelling here by public transport, check timings beforehand as otherwise you might get stuck (I nearly did)!
Definitely visit this!
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to go on a a Sunday but I am relying on public transports. I am aware about the tidal times but I am not sure is buses run in that day.
Thanks for any help!
Written August 18, 2018
You can get bus timetables on the internet Try the Visit Orkney site
Written September 5, 2018
How far is this from Kirkwall and what’s the best way to get there?
Written July 29, 2018
It's about half an hour by car. We went by car , so not sure about the buses. But had seen buses stopping in front of palace stores. It's a short walk from there. Palace stores also informs you about the tide timings
Written July 29, 2018
Hi. We will be visiting the area in mid May. Is the entire Brough of Birsay island closed in May, or is it just admission to some of the sites. We were hoping to view the lighthouse and see the birds from the cliffs.
Written March 14, 2017
The Brough of Birsay (the small island) is open all year, however, access is limited by the tide & the weather. There is a small Historic Scotland information unit - it is this that is closed except for summer months. You can access the island & walk to the lighthouse if the tide is out & the causeway is clear. Goggle 'Orkney tide times' & look for Birsay Bay or Brough of Birsay. If the tide is in you can walk the coast either way & get great views to the island. Also don't miss the Earls Palace in Birsay Village & get refreshment at the Birsay Tearoom. Enjoy your trip
Written March 15, 2017
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