Broch of Gurness Tower
Iron Age broch and village ruins on Orkney
An Iron Age broch and village complex on Orkney's coast, the Broch of Gurness attracts visitors for archaeological remains, shoreline views and information panels explaining prehistoric domestic life.
Broch of Gurness at a Glance#
Address: Broch of Gurness, near Evie, Mainland, Orkney, KW17 2 (approx.), United Kingdom
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/broch-of-gurness/
Hours: Seasonal opening (typically Apr-Sep 9:30am-5pm; check Historic Environment Scotland site)
Admission: HES entry fees apply (Historic Environment Scotland): Adult ~£8-£10 (check site); HES members free or discounted
About Broch of Gurness#
The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch and associated village on the Mainland of Orkney, Scotland, representing one of the better-preserved broch settlements in the region. It dates to the later Iron Age period.
The site comprises a circular stone tower known as a broch, encircled by the remains of domestic stone houses laid out in a roughly concentric pattern. Visitors can walk among low stone walls that outline compounds, streets and the broch’s footprint to get a sense of the settlement plan.
Built and occupied during the Iron Age, the broch and its settlement were used for domestic and possibly defensive purposes before falling out of use in the centuries after its construction. Archaeological excavation has revealed structural layouts and household deposits that illuminate daily life at the site.
The broch sits on the northern coast of the Mainland of Orkney, overlooking coastal waters and agricultural land, and is accessible from nearby roads on Mainland Orkney.
- Period: The site dates to the Iron Age and preserves both the tower and the surrounding settlement layout.
What to See#
- Central broch and village: The central broch tower is the focal structure of the site, surrounded by a ring of domestic stone buildings and yards that form a compact village.
- Outworks and houses: Defensive and domestic features include low outer ramparts and ditches as well as the remains of stone houses that radiate from the broch.
How to Get to Broch of Gurness#
Broch of Gurness is accessible by road from Kirkwall (approx. 11 km northwest). Drive or take local bus services toward Evie/Gurness and follow signs to the site. There is a small car park and pedestrian paths to the broch.
Tips for Visiting Broch of Gurness#
- Visit on a windless day to better appreciate the layout of the broch and surrounding settlement.
- Take the coastal lane from Kirkwall or Evie and allow time to walk the perimeter paths - the site sits on a defensible promontory.
- Bring binoculars for offshore birdlife; seals and seabirds are commonly visible from the broch's shore.
Best Time to Visit Broch of Gurness#
Summer offers the best access and guided services; shoulder seasons can be quieter and atmospheric.
Weather & Climate near Broch of Gurness#
Broch of Gurness'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 (1084 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 7° | -1° | 113 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 87 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 98 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 51 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 56 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 62 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Good | 10° - 15° | 13° | 75 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 14° | 11° | 104 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 121 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 131 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 120 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
