Ness of Brodgar
Archaeological Site Neolithic archaeological complex on Orkney, ceremonial structures
On Orkney’s Mainland, the Ness of Brodgar is a Neolithic archaeological complex between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness, attracting visitors for active excavations and prehistoric stonework.
The Ness of Brodgar is an extensive Neolithic archaeological site on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland, located between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness. Excavations in the 21st century have shown it to be a major ceremonial and domestic complex of the Neolithic period.
Excavated areas have uncovered multiple substantial stone-built structures, paved areas, hearths and decorated stone slabs, with material dated mainly to between about 3300 and 2200 BC. The site has produced large assemblages of pottery and tools and has reshaped understanding of settlement and ritual landscapes in Neolithic Orkney.
Archaeological investigation at the Ness of Brodgar began in the early 2000s and has continued seasonally under an organised project, revealing complex sequences of building, renovation and abandonment. Finds and stratigraphy indicate intensive use over many centuries in the Neolithic.
Geographically the site occupies a narrow peninsula between two lochs on Mainland Orkney and lies within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Area, close to the village of Stenness and other major prehistoric monuments.
- Date range: Excavations have revealed substantial stone buildings, decorated stone slabs and large quantities of pottery and worked stone dating mainly to about 3300-2200 BC.
- Context: The site sits close to the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness and has altered understanding of large-scale Neolithic construction in Orkney.
What to See #
- Neolithic complex: An extensive Neolithic complex of stone-built structures and hearths dating to the third millennium BC, uncovered by ongoing excavations since the early 21st century.
- Location within Orkney: Positioned between the Loch of Stenness and the Loch of Harray, the site sits within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Area and is archaeologically linked to nearby monuments.
How to Get to Ness of Brodgar #
The Ness of Brodgar is on Mainland, Orkney, between the Stenness and Harray lochs. To get there travel to Orkney by air (Kirkwall Airport has regular flights from mainland Scotland) or by ferry to Stromness (NorthLink Ferries). From Kirkwall or Stromness drive or take local buses toward Stenness/Yesnaby; the site is a short drive from either town and then a short walk (a few hundred metres to about 1 km) from the nearest car park to the excavation area.
Tips for Visiting Ness of Brodgar #
- Go early in the day (or visit outside the peak midsummer weeks) to see the Ness of Brodgar with fewer people and better light for photography; the site lies between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness so you can combine visits.
- Check seasonal opening times for the visitor facilities and guided tours-the on‑site interpretation and temporary exhibition (when open) greatly enhance understanding of the archaeology.
- Use the public car parks for Brodgar/Stenness and follow posted paths to the site and viewing platforms to protect fragile archaeology; guided walks are the best way to get contextual information you'll otherwise miss.
Best Time to Visit Ness of Brodgar #
Visit between May and September for the longest daylight and the easiest, most comfortable access to the open-air site.
Weather & Climate near Ness of Brodgar #
Ness of Brodgar'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 (1071 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
