Name: Corrigal Farm Museum
Rating: 5.0

Corrigal Farm Museum

1 Lochlands, Harray, The Orkney Isles, The Highlands, KW17 2JR, Scotland

1-90 Years

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Description

Corrigall Farm Museum is a beautifully restored 19th-century farmstead in Harray, offering some of the best things to do with kids in Orkney. This traditional museum allows families to explore a cluster of historic buildings, including a farmhouse, barn, and stables, preserved just as they were over a century ago. It is an immersive way for children to see how Orcadian families lived and worked the land before modern technology.

While many heritage sites charge a fee, Corrigall Farm Museum is a fantastic budget-friendly option as admission is free. Donations are welcomed to help the local council maintain the site, but there is no mandatory ticket price for entry.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a real "time travel" experience, this is the spot. It provides a high-quality educational day out where kids can wander through thick-walled stone buildings and see traditional farm life up close. The site serves as a giant interactive exhibit of Orkney’s rural history, complete with the sights and smells of a bygone era.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Peat Fire: A traditional hearth that shows how the farmhouse was heated and used for cooking.
Box Beds: Small, cupboard-like sleeping quarters built into the stone walls that children find fascinating.
The Grain Kiln: An original structure used for drying grain, showing the ingenuity of early Orcadian farmers.
The Horse-Driven Mill: Explore the mechanical systems that used animal power to grind corn.
Traditional Longhouse: Walk through the main building to see the unique architecture where the house and barn are connected.
Stone Flagged Floors: Authentic flooring that has been smoothed down by generations of farm workers.
The Cruck-Roofed Barn: A stunning example of how limited timber was used to support heavy stone roofs.
Vintage Farm Tools: A collection of hand-operated scythes and wooden implements used for harvesting.
Working Smithy Area: See where the blacksmith would have repaired the farm's essential ironwork.
The "Heritage Hands" Sensory Trail: A brand-new trail for 2026 with tactile stations where kids can touch different wool types and stone textures used on the farm.

Facilities

Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available for visitors on-site.
Free Parking: A dedicated car park is located directly at the museum entrance.
Outdoor Picnic Area: Benches are available for families who want to bring their own snacks.
Accessibility: The floors are original stone and can be uneven; buggies are best avoided inside the smaller buildings.
No Dogs: Please note that pets are not allowed on the museum grounds.

What to see

Pro-Tips

Wear Sturdy Shoes: The farmyard can be muddy after rain, so wellies or boots are best for the kids.
Seasonal Opening: The museum is a seasonal attraction; it usually opens in the spring and closes for the winter months.
Call Ahead: There is currently a note that the museum may be closed for maintenance in early 2026, so always call 01856 771411 before your visit.

What Visitors Love

Authenticity: Parents love that the site feels like a real home rather than a polished, modern museum.
Peaceful Atmosphere: It is often less crowded than the major Neolithic sites, making it easier to manage kids.
Educational Value: The visual of the "box beds" is a great conversation starter about how much life has changed.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited Indoor Space: The rooms are small, so it can feel tight if a large group arrives at the same time.
No Cafe: The lack of on-site food means parents need to plan ahead and bring lunch or snacks.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Current Schedule (Seasonal)

Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Winter Season: Closed

There is currently a note that the museum may be closed for maintenance in early 2026, so always call 01856 771411 before your visit.

Address: 1 Lochlands, Harray, The Orkney Isles, The Highlands, KW17 2JR, Scotland

Post Code: KW17 2JR

Council: The Orkney Isles

County: The Highlands

By Car: Located in Harray. Follow the brown signs from the A986 road.
By Bus: The X1 service runs nearby, but it is a considerable walk from the main road to the museum gates.