Shapinsay (Orkney Islands) Seaside, Coast and Beaches

Shapinsay is one of the islands in the Orkney archipelago and just a short 30 minutes ferry ride from Mainland.

Much of the current Shapinsay is what was built around the Balfour estate which has Balfour Castle at its heart.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 18 beaches in Orkney Islands. You can even take a look at our list of Orkney Islands dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Shapinsay Orkney Islands Coast Map

Shapinsay Orkney Islands Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

{"hide_search_input":false,"hide_near_input":false,"bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","shadow":"","show":""}

Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Broch-of-Burroughston

Broch of Burroughston

Burroughston Broch is an Iron Age broch located on the island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. The brock has an external diameter of around 18 metres, and an internal diameter of around 10 metres, whilst the drystone walls are up to four metres thick in some parts and there is a complete chamber intact off the entrance passage. Some remains Read more…
Mor-Stein

Mor Stein

Mor Stein is a neolithic standing stone on the island of Shapinsay, Orkney Islands. Mor Stein is a vertical standing stone of approximately 3.2 metres (10 ft) in height, which is unshaped and uncarved. Read more…
Sandgarth-Bay-beach

Sandgarth Bay Beach

Sandgarth Bay Beach is a sandy bay in the south-east of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. The beach is a mix of sand and storm beach – rocks and boulders deposited above high water mark during storms. Read more…
Balfour-Castle

Balfour Castle

Balfour Castle is located on Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Islands, the current castle was built in 1847, commissioned by Colonel David Balfour, and designed by Edinburgh architect David Bryce. The castle is built around an older structure that dates from at least the early 18th century. The castle has large grounds extending to the shore of Shapinsay and into Read more…
Mill-Dam-Reserve

Mill Dam Reserve

Mill Dam RSPB Reserve is a wetland on the island of Shapinsay in the Orkneys, a natural marsh was dammed in the 1880s, providing an ideal habitat for birds throughout the year. A hide situated on top of bank gives superb views over the whole reserve. Read more…
View all