Birsay Bay Tearoom
birsaybaytearoom.co.uk
Birsay has many visitor attractions including the Historic Scotland sites at the Earl's Palace and the Settlement on the Brough. The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island and is a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle. The Brough Head lighthouse and clifftops, the Settlement and tidal pools around the causeway are all worth a visit. Tide times vary each day (see link on Home page).
The Barony Mill, operated by the Birsay Heritage Trust, is open to visitors from April to Sept. This Mill is the only remaining "working" water-mill in Orkney and mills a flour called Beremeal (from Bere, an ancient form of Barley). This produces a flour of distinctive flavour and recipes for use are available at the mill or from our Tearoom.
The St Magnus Church Trust care for the St Magnus Church in the village. The church is open throughout the summer or the key can be borrowed from Palace Stores.
The coast towards Northside is a very pleasant place for a walk and leads to Skibi (or Skipi) Geo where boats used to be hauled out. The well known Whalebone "sculpture" is along this stretch also. Erected 130 years ago, from the Jawbone and Vertibra of a washed up whale.
Marwick Head, to the south of the Bay, is a popular place for viewing colonies of Seabirds and also the Kitchener Memorial, erected to commemorate the death of Lord Kitchener whose ship (HMS Hampshire) sank offshore in 1916.
Birsay is also home to many artists and jewellery makers/ silversmiths. (see links page for more information)
Annual Birsay Christmas Fair -
first weekend in December in Birsay Bay Tearoom
