Explore Westray (Orkney Islands) Coast and Beaches

Westray is one of the Orkney Islands with a great mix of coastline, wildlife and history. The Neolithic and Bronze Age site at the Links of Noltland and at Noltland the 16th Century castle is one of the most impressive in the Northern Isles. Spectacular sea cliffs around Noup Head that are home to thousands of seabirds and the Noup Head RSPB Reserve. Last but not least some excellent quiet sandy beaches to explore and relax on.


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.

Westray Orkney Islands Coast Map

Westray 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,"show":"","filters_pos":"","input_size":"","bar_flex_wrap":"","bar_flex_wrap_md":"","bar_flex_wrap_lg":"","input_border":"","input_border_opacity":"","input_rounded_size":"","btn_bg":"","btn_rounded_size":"","btn_rounded_size_md":"","btn_rounded_size_lg":"","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","rounded_size_md":"","rounded_size_lg":"","shadow":"","css_class":""}

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:

Bay-of-Tafts-beach

Bay of Tafts Beach

Bay of Tafts Beach is a curving sandy beach on the south of Westray in the Orkney Islands. The beach here has a southwest Atlantic aspect and is a white beach made up of fine shells, although at high tide most disappears. No facilities at the beach although you do have some car parking spaces. Read more…
Mae-Sands-beach

Mae Sands Beach

Mae Sands Beach is a sandy beach with extensive sand dunes on the south coast of Westray in the Orkney islands. This south facing beach is both wild and beautiful. Read more…
Westray-Heritage-Centre

Westray Heritage Centre

The Westray Heritage Centre is a museum, archive and information centre located in the island’s main village of Pierowall. The centre is also the home of the 5,000-year-old ‘Westray Wife’ found at the Links of Noltland, and the Westray Stone a large decorated stone with Neolithic carving thought to be to be 4000 – 5000 years old. The centre is Open May – September. Read more…
Noltland-Castle

Noltland Castle

Noltland Castle is a 16th century heavily fortified castle. Built from local, grey sandstone, the castle follows as a typical “Z” plan layout, with a rectangular central structure with a square tower position at diagonally opposite corners. The castle has 7 ft thick walls and the lower floors have no accessible windows. Today, access to the castle is via this Read more…
Noup-Cliffs

Noup Cliffs

Noup Cliffs sit over 76 metres above the sea on the north-west coast of Westray in the Orkney islands.  This is home to Orkney’s largest seabird colony with guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and a chance of puffins. A great place to walk along the cliff path with spectacular coastal scenery, wildflowers and of course the birds. Read more…
Links_of_Noltland

Links of Noltland Neolithic and Bronze Age site

The Links of Noltland Neolithic and Bronze Age site near Grobust Bay on the north coast of Westray in the Orkney Islands contains the remains of both a Neolithic village and later Bronze Age dwellings. As well as the buildings the ‘Westray Wife’ was discovered, a lozenge-shaped figurine that is believed to be the earliest representation of a human face ever Read more…
Noup-Head-Lighthouse

Noup Head Lighthouse

Noup Head Lighthouse lies on the north-west headland of Westray, in the Orkney Islands and it was constructed by David A Stevenson in 1898. The lighthouse is a cylindrical white tower with balcony and lantern, at a height of 24 metres (79 ft). Read more…
Fitty-Hill

Fitty Hill

Fitty Hill has some excellent views over the Westray coastline and should be part of any coastal walk. Also where the rare Scottish primrose grows. Read more…
Grobust-beach

Grobust Beach

Grobust beach is a sandy beach with some interesting rocks to explore. You will often have this beach to yourself or at least share it with the local seals. The sea can be wild with strong currents so swimmers be aware. Read more…
Bay-of-Tuquoy-beach

Bay of Tuquoy Beach

Bay of Tuquoy beach is a huge expanse of flat sand at low tide. For bird watchers the bay is a good place to spot migratory waders. No facilities but can park by the beach. Read more…
Bay-of-Skaill-beach-Westray

Bay of Skaill Beach

Bay of Skaill Beach is a white sandy beach near Westray airport in the Orkney Islands. The beach has views over to Papa Westray to the east. Just to the south, you have The Ouse which is also sandy at low tide and an excellent location for birdwatching. Not to be mistaken with Bay of Skaill on Mainland Orkney. Read more…
View all