Skara Brae

This UNESCO World Heritage gem is one of Europe's finest Neolithic sites, basically a 5000-year-old village that lay perfectly preserved under layers of sand until a violent storm revealed it again in 1850. It offers a fascinating window into the lives of our ancestors 5,000 years ago, a life recognisable with their homes featuring beds, hearths, tables and even cabinets. A replica complete house adds further insights as does a modern visitor centre, with a cafe on hand to, as well as a gift shop. The location is spectacular too, with the village overlooking a wide sandy white beach with a whole lot of ocean to gaze out at.