Bothy Museum

Orkney


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 implements and historical snippets take their place alongside hatboxes and moustache cups, the latter designed so men didn't inadvertently dip their whiskers in their cups of tea. It's located at the start of the path to the Knap of Howar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1. Knap of Howar

0.36 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…

2. Kelp Store

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3. St Boniface Kirk

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

4. Holm of Papay

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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…

5. Westray Heritage Centre

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6. Noltland Castle

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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…

7. Noup Head

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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…

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