Beltane House

Orkney


Owned by the local community, this is Papa Westray's hub. It has the only shop, and functions as a makeshift pub on Saturday nights. One wing is a hostel with bunks, the other a guesthouse with immaculate rooms with en suites. There are two kitchens, zippy wi-fi (when it works), a big lounge/eating area and views over grassy fields to the sea beyond.

It’s just over a mile north of the ferry. You can also camp here (£8/4 per adult/child) and there are camping pods available that sleep two (£20 per person plus £5 for bedding).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Orkney attractions

1. Bothy Museum

0.19 MILES

On a historic farm in the centre of Papa Westray, this tiny museum is packed full of objects from the everyday life of the island's past. Agricultural…

2. Kelp Store

0.43 MILES

This 18th-century seaweed shed has been impressively restored and holds an interesting exhibition on Papa Westray's history and craft traditions.

3. Knap of Howar

0.54 MILES

By the seashore, this sturdy stone-built farmhouse and storeroom are solidly built testimony to crofting life on Papa Westray island…5500 years ago. An…

4. St Boniface Kirk

0.76 MILES

This pretty church stands near the shore surrounded by a picturesque graveyard. Papa Westray was the cradle of Christianity in Orkney, and this was…

5. Holm of Papay

1.01 MILES

This uninhabited island just off the eastern shore of Papa Westray is notable for its three chambered cairns, the largest of which (South Cairn) is most…

6. Westray Heritage Centre

3.96 MILES

This heritage centre has displays on local history, nature dioramas and archaeological finds, with some famous neolithic carvings (including the 5000-year…

7. Noltland Castle

4.25 MILES

A half-mile west of Pierowall stands this sturdy ruined tower house, built in the 16th century by Gilbert Balfour, aide to Mary, Queen of Scots. The…

8. Noup Head

6.21 MILES

This bird reserve at Westray's northwestern tip is a dramatic area of sea cliffs, with vast numbers of breeding seabirds from April to July. You can walk…