5 Minute Guide to Stromness

Facilities

Just outside the Marina, to the left, is the Northlink Ferries building. This contains Showers, Toilets, and Laundry facilities accessible 24 hours using the code displayed at the Marina Gate. The library building opposite the Ferry Terminal offers views over the harbour and free wifi.

Eating/drinking

There are a choice of restaurants. The Hamnavoe is an excellent restaurant located half a mile down the main street to the south. It requires advanced bookings. The hotels (Ferry Inn, Royal Hotel and the Stromness Hotel) all have restaurants and bars serving local ales and whiskies. There are several cafes serving breakfasts, lunches and snacks; opposite the marina is Julia's Café, The Tearoom is on Graham Place, 5 minutes walk away, and Ell & Co is also nearby on Victoria Street.

There is a Chinese take-away on the main street, by the Royal Hotel.

Shopping

Along the Ferry Road to the North of the Marina is the Cooperative supermarket. Behind the supermarket is a garage serving petrol and gas. A Chandler’s Store is next door to Julias Cafe and behind that is an excellent local butcher: Flett’s. Along the main street to the south there are various shops including Argos bakery/store/post office and also a delicatessen, newspaper shop, electrical shop, clothes shops and various galleries.

Fresh fish is available from the Orkney Fisherman’s Society in the Garson Industrial Estate, located a short walk from the marina; turn right at the roundabout beyond the Cooperative supermarket, follow the road and you will see a sign directing you to the shop.

Walking

Stromness is an attractive town with many buildings and sights of interest. A fine walk takes you south through the main street to the point of Ness, by the Golf Course. A coastal path then takes you along the sea by Hoy Sound with great views to Hoy. Alternatively, walk up one of the many narrow lanes to Brinkies Brae, the hill behind the town to get great views of Hoy and Scapa Flow.

For the more ambitious walker the coastal walks to Skail and Yesnaby via the Black Craig afford fabulous views of the cliffs and sea stacks. The ferry to Hoy from Stromness allows you to walk in the Hoy Hills or to enjoy the valley walk to the bay of Rackwick and back.

Car / bike hire

Car hire is available on North End Road, cycle hire is available on Dundas Street.

Other marine facilities

Hamnavoe Engineering offer a wide range of mechanical repair and fabrication services. The Red Shed stock some chandlery. Cranes capable of lifting most vessels are available to hire from Heddle Construction. Jeff Mackie is a Stromness boatbuilder specialising in new wooden boat building (local ‘Yoles’ in particular) and restoration. He also has a range of Chandlery available.

Day sails from Stromness

View our page Sailing to and around Orkney or ask our seasonal staff or one of our local committee members (one of them to be found at the marina at most times of the day!) for sailing guides showing great cruises around Orkney from Stromness marina.

Find more information on our website, including our ask a local service for any sailing questions you may have.

Download this guide.