Maeshowe Chambered Cairn in Orkney

Step into the ancient past at the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a tomb built almost 5,000 years ago! This grassy mound is more than meets the eye, with some of the most incredible neolithic architecture hidden inside. Admission to the centre is free but must be booked in advance to be sure you get the chance to see inside this amazing piece of history. Your visit includes a guided talk to bring the history of the tomb and surrounding prehistoric monuments to life. See layers of history in the Norse graffiti on the walls from invaders who broke into the tomb in 1100 A.D. long after the cairn had fallen out of use. The entry to the tomb was also built to perfectly line up with the midwinter setting sun, illuminating the tomb with golden light. Why not time your visit to see the tomb at its best?

Not only can you step into the Cairn, but there are also other prehistoric sites to visit on Orkney, including the Stones of Sternness and The Ring of Brodgar, two incredible rings of tall stone set against dramatic landscapes of hills and lochs, as well as the incredibly preserved settlement of Skara Brae where you can see in amazing detail the domestic lives of ancient settlers. Why not visit them all and make the most of your time on this incredible island?

• Free entry
• Advanced booking is required
• Open 1st of April – 31st of March, Daily 10 am-3 pm
• Closed 25th and 26th of December, and 1st and 2nd of January
• The subject of unexpected closures if the weather is exceptionally bad