Avoiding Tourists: How to enjoy a quality experience of Orkney

During the past 10 years Orkney has appeared at the top of many quality-of-life surveys which stimulates the curiosity factor of many. Unpolluted atmospheres with an abundance of fresh air, breath-taking landscapes without motorways, factories, high-rise buildings, multi-storey car parks and stories of human longevity all provide and an additional stimulus for traveller’s curiosity. Yet this natural countryside haven is not stuck in a time warp. Orkney’s rich cultural heritage developed from a close-to-nature lifestyle of fishing and agriculture blends seamlessly with facets of modernity. An avant-garde theatre, a swimming pool and Health Centre Complex many London boroughs would be envious of, modern school buildings and soon-to-be a new build hospital facility blend seamlessly into a small town nestled around its 870-year-old cathedral.

All of this is surrounded by rich pastureland, ocean views, Island collaged horizons, terrestrial skies and sprinkled with quaint hamlets and villages with old world charm. Magically, archaeological artefacts burst through the surface of the earth to form a visible and touchable direct link to Neolithic and Palaeolithic forefathers.

Combination of physical surroundings and the culture of Orcadian people create an intrinsic value to the quality of life on these beautiful islands.

In 2016, during the summer tourist season Orkney plays host to no less than one hundred and twenty-eight cruise ship landings. They will be pouring tens of thousands of ‘have to see it all in one day’ tourists into long lines of coaches, all heading for the same list of ‘must see’ places. Cruise liner visits.

Eastward House provide guests with specialist briefings
reflecting people’s individual interests with the single aim of helping them to maximise the benefit of their time in Orkney. A principal feature of these briefings is “how to avoid tourists”.

Staying outside of the key day-trip tourist tracks is a great start. Drive over the Churchill Barriers that span Scapa Flow, dip into tourist spots then return to calmness and relax with excellent cuisine and good company. Touch Real Orkney.

For a list of cultural events that feature many great experiences which are often not on the ‘must see’ lists of cruise line passengers please click here

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