Barnhouse Settlement Archaeological Site
Neolithic settlement in Orkney with prehistoric structures
On Orkney's mainland, the Neolithic Barnhouse Settlement lies near the Standing Stones of Stenness, with preserved longhouses and interpretation for visitors interested in prehistory.
Barnhouse Settlement at a Glance#
Address: Barnhouse Settlement, near Stenness, Orkney, Scotland
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/barnhouse-settlement/
About Barnhouse Settlement#
Barnhouse Settlement is a Late Neolithic village site on Mainland, Orkney, dating to around 3000 BCE. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
The site contains visible remains of stone-built houses and low banks; paths and information panels explain the settlement’s layout and relationship to neighbouring monuments. It sits close to the principal Neolithic ceremonial monuments on Mainland, making it part of a cluster of prehistoric sites.
Archaeological evidence shows the settlement was occupied in the Late Neolithic and formed part of an agricultural and ceremonial landscape; the houses were constructed of stone and arranged within a planned layout.
Barnhouse is located on Mainland, Orkney, in northern Scotland, within easy walking distance of the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar and accessible by minor roads and footpaths from nearby towns.
- UNESCO: Forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage landscape as an example of a Late Neolithic village.
- Visitor note: Interpretation panels are installed on site but facilities are limited, so allow time for the short walk-in visit.
What to See#
- Settlement remains: Remains of multiple Late Neolithic stone-built houses set as a planned settlement within a small area of flattened mounds and stone footings.
- Nearby monuments: Part of a wider Neolithic ritual and domestic landscape that includes nearby ceremonial monuments.
How to Get to Barnhouse Settlement#
Barnhouse is on the Orkney mainland near Stenness and is reached by road from Kirkwall (approx. 20-30 minutes). Signposted parking is available nearby and the site is a short walk to the main monuments of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Tips for Visiting Barnhouse Settlement#
- If visiting in summer, head to the site before mid-afternoon when winds can pick up on Orkney's exposed landscape.
- Bring a camera with a wide lens to capture the stone rows and their relationship to the Brodgar complex nearby.
Best Time to Visit Barnhouse Settlement#
Late spring through summer offers the best combination of daylight and accessibility; Orkney weather remains changeable year-round.
Weather & Climate near Barnhouse Settlement#
Barnhouse Settlement's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1067 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 111 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 84 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 98 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 2° | 64 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 52 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 56 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 62 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Good | 10° - 15° | 13° | 74 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 11° | 101 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 119 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 129 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 117 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
