Knap of Howar Archaeological Site
Neolithic stone houses on Orkney, among Europe's oldest
On Papa Westray, Orkney, the Knap of Howar preserves Neolithic stone houses-the oldest surviving stone dwellings in northern Europe-visited for archaeology, coastal walks, and birdwatching.
Knap of Howar at a Glance#
Address: The Knap of Howar, Papa Westray, Orkney, Scotland
Hours: Open at all hours (outdoor ruin)
Admission: Free (site is exposed and open-air)
About Knap of Howar#
The Knap of Howar is a Neolithic farmstead on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, composed of two adjacent stone-built houses that survive to wallhead level. The structures preserve internal hearths and low doorways and are internationally significant for their age and completeness.
The visible remains include contiguous rooms with simple internal divisions and entrances; archaeological excavation recovered pottery, stone tools and domestic debris that demonstrate long-term occupation. The buildings are commonly dated to the early Neolithic, around 3700-2800 BCE.
Excavations in the 20th century clarified the plan and sequence of use; the site is managed for conservation and public access and is interpreted as a permanent settlement rather than a temporary camp.
The site sits on the northern coast of Papa Westray, one of the Orkney island group off the north coast of Scotland, and is accessed from the island’s village and shore.
- Dates: Occupation dates from the early Neolithic, commonly cited around 3700-2800 BCE, making the site one of the earliest preserved stone house complexes in northwest Europe.
- Access: Site is in state care and publicly accessible on Papa Westray; visitors typically reach the island by inter-island ferry or small plane services from Orkney’s main centres.
What to See#
- Pair of Neolithic houses: Two contiguous stone-built Neolithic houses with low doorways, inner hearths and surviving interior walls; the structures are among the oldest preserved stone dwellings in northern Europe.
- Associated archaeological context: Surrounding archaeological remains and shoreline context that have produced pottery, stone tools and midden material used to interpret domestic life on Papa Westray in the Neolithic period.
How to Get to Knap of Howar#
The Knap of Howar is on Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands. Regular inter-island ferries and small plane services operate from Kirkwall; from the Papa Westray ferry landing the site is a short walk. Check the Orkney Islands ferry and flight timetables for schedules.
Tips for Visiting Knap of Howar#
- Visit during calm weather to appreciate the eroded stonework and the view across the sea to nearby islets.
- The site is small - stop briefly and bring a good camera lens rather than expecting a long interpretive visit.
Best Time to Visit Knap of Howar#
Summer is the most comfortable time to visit these exposed Neolithic structures; check ferry timetables for island access.
Weather & Climate near Knap of Howar#
Knap of Howar's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1111 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 7° | 5° | 116 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 90 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 103 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 68 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 51 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 55 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 61 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 74 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 108 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 126 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 135 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 124 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
