Skara Brae Audio Guide
Explore Skara Brae with Stanza's GPS-triggered offline audio guide.
About the Tour
Skara Brae is a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Orkney, Scotland. Dating from roughly 3180 BC to 2500 BC, it offers a unique glimpse into the life of prehistoric communities.
What you will hear
The Visitor Centre and Neolithic Context
Start at the official entrance to understand the site's discovery and the culture of the people who built it. This area uses the verified POI and museum reconstructions to set the scene.
Neolithic Stone Axe
Crafted with remarkable precision, this stone axe reveals much about the technical skill of the people who once called this coast home.
The Coastal Approach to the Scottish Pompeii
As you walk from the museum toward the village, the scale of the preservation becomes clear. This area introduces the 'Scottish Pompeii' concept and the site's unique coastal setting.
The Discovery Site
A fierce North Atlantic storm in 1850 battered the Bay of Skaill and revealed something extraordinary: the stone walls of a long-lost village.
House 1: A Neolithic Masterpiece
This is the most iconic dwelling on the site. It perfectly illustrates Neolithic domestic life with its stone-built furniture that has survived for over 5,000 years.
House 1 Standard Dwelling
House 1 provides a clear look at the standard domestic blueprint followed by almost every dwelling in the village.
Neolithic Sleeping Quarters
On either side of the central hearth, you will see large stone boxes that served as the village's sleeping quarters.
The Bay of Skaill and the Future of the Site
Conclude your tour by looking out at the bay. The same sea that revealed Skara Brae in 1850 now threatens to reclaim it through erosion and rising sea levels.
The Bay of Skaill
Our journey through Skara Brae concludes here, overlooking the beautiful but dangerous waters of the Bay of Skaill.
Want to hear the rest?
Download the Stanza app to unlock all 13 stops and full GPS-guided navigation.
Get the App