Attractions and Places To See around Burray - Top 19
Best attractions and places to see around Burray, an island in the Orkney archipelago, offer a blend of history and natural landscapes. Connected to the Orkney Mainland by the Churchill Barriers, Burray provides insights into wartime heritage and coastal scenery. The island features Old Red Sandstone landscapes and diverse wildlife, including various bird species. Visitors can explore historical sites, beaches, and cultural points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Burray
- The most popular attractions is Sands of…
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Balfour Coast Battery
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The Churchill Barriers
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Shipwreck in Weddell Sound
Highlight • Historical Site
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Sands of Wright Beach
Highlight • Rest Area
Every August the annual Boy's Ploughing Match is held here, where the …
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Roseness Lighthouse
Highlight • Monument
In the distance it looks …
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Tips from the Community
It is such a nice place to visit. You can see a couple of birds and seals along the way.
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In the often storm-tossed seas of the Atlantic lies the Scapa Flow off the Orkney Islands, which belong to Scotland. A very special stretch of water measuring more than 300 square kilometers, a kind of natural harbor off the two main islands of the Orkneys. But what makes it so unique is underwater. A ship graveyard that is probably one of the most spectacular diving spots in Europe, if not the world. The story of its creation tells of a forgotten chapter of the First World War. According to the town's official website, the name Scapa Flow comes from the Norse word Skalpaflói, which means “The Bay of the Long Isthmus”. Accordingly, the place was first used by the British Admiralty around 1800 as a strategic natural harbor in the Napoleonic Wars. At a depth of up to 40 meters, merchant ships were allowed to anchor here before they set off for the Baltic North Sea ports. But Scapa Flow would not finally take its place in the history books until 1919. During the First World War, the British fleet moved its base to the difficult-to-access Scapa Flow. Old defenses on land were also put back into operation at this time. After Germany had to admit its defeat in the war in 1918, the ships of the German Navy with their crew on board were held there as prisoners of war. And so on June 21, 1919, one of the greatest ship accidents in world history occurred. The word “misfortune” is misleading, because it was actually an ordered tragedy. The commander of the German navy in the Scapa Flow, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter, believed at this point that the peace negotiations with the victorious powers had failed. In order to prevent “his” ships from finally falling into the hands of the enemy, he had them sunk without further ado on his orders. That day, 52 German warships found their watery grave in the waters of Scapa Flow. To date, this is the largest sinking ever recorded.
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Roseness Lighthouse (also referred to a little confusingly as Roseness Beacon) was originally built in 1905, but the original cast-iron light was replaced in 1983. In the distance it looks like a tall lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs, peaking over the top, but as you get closer, it's clear that it's just the "top" part of a lighthouse, atop the cliff.
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In season, this crescent beach area is full of wildflowers. Facilities include a parking area and toilet block. Every August the annual Boy's Ploughing Match is held here, where the locals take handmade miniature wooden ploughs to the sand to test their skills.
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In WW2 Balfour Battery was paired with Buchanan Battery on Flotta, to guard the boom defence across the sound to discourage attacks against vessels at anchor in Scapa Flow. A deterrent so effective they never had to be fired in anger.
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The Churchill Barriers were built between Mainland & the islands of South Ronaldsay to protect the important navel harbour of Scapa Flow. Block ships were originally used and the sunken remains of some of these are still visible. Nowadays the causeway forms a great road to ride between the islands with nice views and easy access to some stunning beaches.
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Beautiful hike around Hoxa Head on the trail of Scapa Flow
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Burray?
Burray is rich in wartime history. You can explore The Churchill Barriers, which are causeways built during WWII by Italian prisoners of war to protect Scapa Flow. Their sunken blockship remains are still visible. Another significant site is Balfour Coast Battery, a World War 2 battery designed to guard the boom defence across the sound. For a deeper dive into the area's past, the Orkney Fossil & Heritage Centre offers exhibitions on the Barriers' construction and 20th-century Orcadian life.
Where can I find beautiful beaches in Burray?
The construction of the Churchill Barriers created several beautiful beaches. Sands of Wright Beach is a popular crescent beach known for its wildflowers in season, offering parking and toilet facilities. The beach along the east coast of Glimps Holm, linked by the 3rd barrier, features a blockship in the bay, while the 4th barrier beach has transformed into a large dune system with golden sand. Bu Sand is another option, with its appearance varying with the tide.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Burray?
Burray boasts a diverse array of plants, animals, and birds. The No. 4 Barrier Beach is particularly noted as a haven for wildflowers and birds, including the only Orkney breeding colony of the rare Little Tern. You might also spot Eurasian curlew, lesser black-backed gull, sparrow hawks, peregrine falcons, merlin, and short-eared owls. The island's location makes it a good spot for observing rare migrant birds, and marine mammals are present in the surrounding waters.
Are there family-friendly activities in Burray?
Yes, Burray offers several family-friendly options. Sands of Wright Beach is ideal for families, featuring a crescent beach, wildflowers, and facilities including parking and toilets. The annual Boy's Ploughing Match, where locals test handmade miniature wooden ploughs, is also held here every August. Additionally, The Churchill Barriers offer a safe cycle way with nice views and easy access to stunning beaches, making them suitable for family outings.
Are there good walking or hiking trails around Burray?
Yes, there are several walking and hiking opportunities around Burray. You can explore trails like the 'Roseness and the Bay of Cornquoy' (easy, 4.5 km) or the 'Hoxa Head and the Sands of Wright Loop' (moderate, 9.6 km). For more options, including easy hikes and longer routes, you can find detailed guides on hiking around Burray and easy hikes around Burray.
What cultural experiences can I find in Burray?
Burray offers unique cultural insights. The Orkney Fossil & Heritage Centre showcases local heritage displays and exhibitions on 20th-century Orcadian life. You can also discover local craftspeople; for example, the Orkney Glass Hut in Burray village features vibrant glasswork and workshops, while other artisans create wooden mirrors and jewelry inspired by Orcadian elements.
Can I go diving in Burray?
Yes, the waters around Burray are part of Scapa Flow, which is internationally renowned as one of the best wreck diving sites. Divers can explore sunken battleships and smaller blockships, along with diverse marine wildlife. Kraken Diving offers 'Discover Scuba Diving' sessions at the Churchill Barriers for those interested in trying it out.
What are the best viewpoints in the Burray area?
For panoramic views, consider visiting Olad Summit. Although not the highest point on South Ronaldsay, it offers extensive views across Scapa Flow, towards John O'Groats and mainland Scotland, and north over The Churchill Barriers. Balfour Coast Battery also provides a historical viewpoint overlooking the sound.
Are there running trails available near Burray attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes like the 'Sands of Wright Beach loop from St Margaret's Hope' (moderate, 6.8 km) or the 'Balfour Coast Battery loop from Hoxa' (moderate, 6.1 km). For a comprehensive list of options, refer to the running trails around Burray guide.
What is the significance of the shipwrecks in Weddell Sound?
The Shipwreck in Weddell Sound is part of the larger story of Scapa Flow, which became a significant ship graveyard after World War I. On June 21, 1919, the German High Seas Fleet, interned in Scapa Flow, was scuttled by its own commander to prevent the ships from falling into Allied hands. This event created one of the world's most spectacular diving spots, with many of these historical wrecks still accessible underwater.
What facilities are available at Burray's beaches?
At Sands of Wright Beach, you'll find convenient facilities including a parking area and a toilet block. While other beaches created by the Churchill Barriers offer stunning natural beauty, specific facilities like toilets or dedicated parking might be less common. Burray Pier in Burray Village also provides public toilets.
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