Attractions and Places To See around Sanday - Top 5

Sanday is rich in history. You can visit the Neolithic Vinquoy Chambered Cairn, an impressively intact structure dating from 3,000 BC with views over Calf Sound. Another significant site is the Quoyness Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic tomb from around 2900 BC, where you can crawl through a 3-meter passage. Don't miss the Stone of Setter, one of Orkney's largest standing stones, or the distinctive Start Point Lighthouse, built in 1806.

Sanday is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches. Cata Sand and Tresness are often considered among the best, with Cata Sand offering a vast tidal bay and large dunes. Backaskaill Bay is picturesque and great for strolls and birdwatching. Other notable beaches include Whitemill Bay, Lopness Bay (where you can find the wreck of the B98 German Destroyer), and Otterswick Bay.

Yes, Sanday offers several family-friendly options. The Sanday Heritage Centre in Lady Village is a free museum providing insights into island life and history, featuring a replica 19th-century croft. Exploring the expansive beaches like Cata Sand or Whitemill Bay is also a great activity for families, and the Kettletoft Hotel offers a cafe and chip shop with family-friendly dining options.

Sanday is a haven for wildlife. You can regularly spot a variety of birds such as oystercatchers, lapwings, curlews, sanderlings, and sandpipers, especially on the beaches. Seals are common, and if you're lucky, you might even see otters or orcas in the surrounding waters.

The Sanday Heritage Centre in Lady Village is the primary place to delve into the island's past, covering island life and its contributions to the World Wars. For a taste of local artistry, the Sanday Community Craft Hub showcases local art, jewelry, and knitwear, and also features a tearoom.

For panoramic vistas, the Vinquoy Chambered Cairn offers excellent views over Calf Sound and Orkney's North Isles. The low-lying landscape of Sanday itself provides endless seascapes and dramatic vistas from many points, particularly along the coastlines of its numerous bays and beaches like Whitemill Bay.

Yes, you'll find places to eat and drink. The Kettletoft Hotel serves as a central point for meals, snacks, and drinks, with a cafe, evening meals, and a chip shop available on specific days. Lady Village and Kettletoft are the main hubs for amenities. Additionally, 59 Degrees North in Burness offers wood-fired pizzas.

Sanday is a relatively small island, making it ideal for exploring by bike or car. While there is no extensive public transport system, the island's low-lying terrain makes cycling a popular way to discover its many attractions and scenic routes. Always check local information for any available community transport options.

The best time to visit Sanday is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period is ideal for exploring the beaches, historical sites, and enjoying wildlife spotting. The Sanday Heritage Centre is also open daily during these months.

Beyond the well-known sites, Sanday holds some unique spots. Doun Helzie features a hidden beach with caves accessible at low tide, offering a sense of discovery. The Wreck of the B98 German Destroyer at Lopness Bay is a poignant and unusual sight. Exploring the vast tidal expanses of beaches like Cata Sand at low tide can also reveal unexpected beauty and tranquility.

The two main hubs on Sanday are Kettletoft and Lady Village. These villages offer local amenities, places to eat and drink, and serve as good starting points for exploring the island. Lady Village is home to the Sanday Heritage Centre.

The Start Point Lighthouse is a distinctive landmark located on a tidal island at the easternmost point of Sanday. While you can view it, access to the lighthouse itself requires careful timing with the tides due to its location. It's uniquely painted with vertical stripes and was the first Scottish lighthouse to feature a revolving light.