Venue Description

Enter one of the finest Neolithic buildings in north-west Europe, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. This chambered tomb, which sits on a platform encircled by a ditch and bank, is a monument to the skill and beliefs of Orkney’s people some 5,000 years ago. If you visit in midwinter, and the skies are clear, you can witness the central chamber illuminated by a shaft of light from the setting sun. Maeshowe’s unique story continued when it was broken into about 1,000 years ago by Norsemen. They left their mark in the astonishing runic graffiti, alongside the stunning ‘Maeshowe Lion’ carving. 29 Mar to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm Tour times: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm 1 Oct to 28 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm Tour times: 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm Due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to reserve your visit online to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Access to the cairn is via a low and long passageway.

Accessibility

Parking Parking is available at Maeshowe Visitor Centre at Stenness, which has accessible bays and is level tarmac. No coach parking available at Visitor Centre or nearby lay-by for coaches larger than 14 seats, please drop off and pick up visitors. Approach to site The site is across a busy main road from the coach stop. The route to Maeshowe goes through two metal latch gates and then 400m along a path (gravel, stone and uneven grass) to another metal gate. The route carries on down a slight incline. The final approach to the entrance gate is up a grassy slope (1:5 gradient) over a set of stone ridges. Monument Maeshowe has a small threshold and an entrance that is low (1.19m) and narrow (0.7m). The entrance passage is 10m long, with flagstone floor. The main chamber has a gravel surface. The walls are protected by a metal barrier and lighting is provided by mains electricity and torches. An Historic Scotland Steward guides all tours. Wheelchair access is not permitted inside Maeshowe. Surroundings Maeshowe is in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and is surrounded by unspoilt farmland. It commands magnificent views over the lochs of Harray and Stenness. The Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and the Barnhouse stone are but a few of the monuments visible from the site. Being in a rural setting the site boasts a wealth of wildlife, flora, fauna and domesticated cattle and sheep. Ear Defenders A limited number of adult and children's ear defenders are available at this site. Please ask a member of staff if you want to borrow them.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://wwwhistoricenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet at Skara Brae

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.