Is Rousay a good base for an Orkney holiday?
Yes, especially for walking, wildlife and archaeology, with ferry day trips to Orkney Mainland, Egilsay and Wyre. If most of your plans are around Kirkwall, Stromness and Mainland’s major sites, staying on Mainland saves ferry journeys. On Rousay, a car is useful, or you can arrange transport before you arrive.
Which part of Orkney suits your plans?
Kirkwall
Kirkwall is handy for shops, restaurants and town history. St Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum give you places to explore in town. Staying near the centre puts much of town life close by.
Orkney.com’s Kirkwall guideStromness
Stromness has galleries, independent shops and the Pier Arts Centre, with plenty to see around the harbour. It’s on the west coast, so your journeys around the islands will differ from those starting in Kirkwall.
Orkney.com’s Stromness guideRural Orkney Mainland
A cottage on Mainland gives you countryside around you and road access to the main sights. Where you stay will make a difference to how much driving you do.
Orkney accommodation directoryRousay
Rousay is our home. There’s lots to explore here, from ancient sites and hill walks to beaches and birdwatching. Rousay is reached by ferry from Tingwall, with private boat charters also available outside scheduled ferry times. Ferry crossings make Mainland outings part of a longer stay.
Explore RousayIs Rousay a good base for an Orkney holiday?
You can easily spend a few days on Rousay itself. There’s Midhowe, coastal walks and plenty of wildlife close by. Mainland is an easy day trip too.
Current ferry timetables show the options for days across the water. For an arrival outside scheduled ferry times, private boat charters can be arranged easily, with the crossing and onward transport agreed in advance.
Do I need a car on Rousay?
A car is useful, but you can stay without one if you arrange transport from the pier and for your outings in advance. Rousay’s walks and sites are scattered around the island, and both cottages have plenty of parking. We’re happy to talk through your travel plans before you book.
The island guide on Orkney.com notes that there is no car hire on Rousay, Egilsay or Wyre. We’re happy to discuss arrival arrangements before you book. Bike hire is available on Rousay, and we can share more details.
Choosing a self-catering cottage
The Cottage sleeps up to 2 adults and 2 children aged 14 or under, with a king-size main bedroom and a bunk room for the children. The Farmhouse sleeps up to four guests, with a king-size main bedroom and a twin room. Both welcome one well-behaved dog on a lead around the farm, and neither has an enclosed outdoor space. A dog cleaning fee applies.
Each cottage has its own kitchen and a comfortable living room for days at home.
A few more questions
Is Rousay connected to Orkney Mainland by a road?
No. Rousay is reached by ferry from Tingwall, with private boat charters another option outside scheduled ferry times.
How long should I stay on Rousay?
A few nights gives you time to explore Rousay. With a longer stay, you can add Mainland, Egilsay or Wyre too. We’ve put together ideas for three, five or seven full days, with travel days in addition.
Find out more
From Stay Rousay. Practical information checked 16 September 2026. The links go to the operators and local organisations for the latest details.