Which one to choose in Stenness
Two ancient sites in Stenness. Maeshowe has no online ticket listed; Standing Stones of Stenness has no online ticket listed. The table and the two notes below put them side by side; the full pages have what to see, the ticket and the timing for each.
Stenness, United Kingdom
Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered tomb on Mainland Orkney, built around 2800 BC under a grassy mound 35 metres across. Its passage is aligned on the midwinter sunset, and its chamber walls carry one of the largest groups of Norse runic graffiti anywhere, cut by Vikings in the 12th century. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO site.
Stenness, United Kingdom
The Standing Stones of Stenness are four tall, thin slabs on a strip of land between two lochs on Orkney Mainland, raised by about 3100 BC. They may be the oldest henge in the British Isles. Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, they stand in an open field, free and accessible at any hour.
| Maeshowe | Standing Stones of Stenness | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Megalithic Site | Megalithic Site |
| Civilisation | Prehistoric | Prehistoric |
| Founded | 2800 BC | 3100 BC |
| Height | — | 5 m |
| Entry | Timed tour ticket; free for HES members and Explorer Pass | Free |
| Hours | Guided tours only, at set times through the day; times vary by season, check before going | Open at all times; no gate or staff on site |
| Time needed | About an hour with the tour | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Booking | Book tour tickets online well ahead in summer; tours are small and sell out | No booking needed |
| UNESCO | yes | yes |
| Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide | none listed | none listed |