Skara Brae
Skara Brae is a castle & historic landmark in Orkney, Scotland. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.
| Price | Adult £16 · Child £8 · Family £48 Checked on the official page: adult (16-64) £16 in person (£14 online), concession £13 (£11), child 7-15 £8 (£7). No family price listed; family figure is 2 adults + 2 children. HES members free. |
|---|---|
| Opening times | 1 Apr-30 Sep daily 9.30am-5.30pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar daily 10am-4pm. Last entry 1 hour before closing. Closed 25-26 Dec and 1-2 Jan. |
| Best time to go | Any day; Neolithic village. |
| School holiday tip | Late August is the sweet spot for English/Welsh visitors: Scottish schools are back by mid-August while England/Wales are still on holiday. Early July is the Scottish local peak, so go midweek. |
| Best ages | About 5+; steps and uneven ground, so check pram access |
| If it rains | Mixed: walls and courtyards are outdoors, some rooms give shelter |
| Money saver | Check membership value (English Heritage, National Trust, HES, Cadw); family tickets usually beat singles. |
| Top tips | 5,000-year-old stone village with furniture, and Skaill House (HES). |
| What to pack | Sturdy shoes, layers, picnic, carrier for toddlers |
Details checked against the official website on 31 Oct 2026. Venue website or source
Busyness for Skara Brae is an estimate for now, based on school holidays, weekends and the type of place. We're growing, and every visit reported makes it more accurate. Been recently? Open Skara Brae in the planner and tap Report your visit to help other families.
Nearby days out
- Ring of Brodgar 5 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark
- Brough of Birsay 6 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark
- Stones of Stenness 6 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark
- Maeshowe 7 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark
- Broch of Gurness 11 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark
- Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, Kirkwall 14 miles · Castle & Historic Landmark