Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Tomb of the Otters;
www.bankschamberedtomb.co.uk
;
Cleat; adult/child £5/free;
10am-5pm Apr-Oct)
Accidentally discovered recently while making a car park for the ad-
jacent bistro, this 5000-year-old chambered tomb is still being investigated but has yielded
a vast quantity of human bones, well preserved thanks to the saturation of the earth. The
tomb is dug into bedrock and makes for an atmospheric if claustrophobic visit. The guided
tour from the guy who found it mixes homespun archaeological theories with astute obser-
vations. You can handle stones and bones that have been found, including the remains of
otters, who presumably used this as a den in between burial ceremonies. Follow signs for
Tomb of the Eagles.
Orkney Marine Life Aquarium
(
01856-831700;
www.orkneymarinelife.co.uk
;
Grimness; adult/child £6/4.25;
10am-6pm Apr-Oct)
This aquarium showcases the fascinating collection of marine anim-
als found in Scapa Flow and Orcadian coastal waters. There's a rock pool that allows up-
close-and-personal inspections of local creatures - great for kids. Injured seals that have
been nursed back to health can be viewed in open-air pools. Turn left off the A961 just
after crossing to South Ronaldsay, coming from Kirkwall.
AQUARIUM
Pettlandssker
(
01856-831605;
www.boattrips-orkney.co.uk
;
Burwick Harbour; adult/child £30/15;
Apr-Oct)
Runs three-hour trips in ex-Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats to
bird- and seal-rich islets in the Pentland Firth.
BOAT TRIPS
Sleeping & Eating
B&B
Bankburn House££
(
01856-831310;
www.bankburnhouse.co.uk
;
s/d £45/70, with shared bathroom £40/59;
)
This large rustic house does everything right, with smashing rooms of a great
size, and engaging owners who put on quality breakfasts and take pride in thinking of new
innovations to further improve guests' comfort levels. There's a huge stretch of lawn out
the front, which overlooks the town and bay - perfect for sunbathing on shimmering
Orkney summer days. Listed prices are for one-night stays; things drop substantially after
that, so, for example, for three nights you'll only pay £52 per night for the double en suite:
an absolute bargain. It's on the A961, just outside St Margaret's Hope.
