STORY SCOTLAND
NEOLITHIC SCOTLAND

The story

Knap of Howar

Wild historic site

Very early surviving stone houses on Papa Westray.

Why this place matters

Very early surviving stone houses on Papa Westray.

The story on the ground

Exceptional Neolithic anchor: the oldest surviving stone houses in north-west Europe, with strong visitor appeal despite the remote journey.

What the evidence supports

Exceptional Neolithic anchor: the oldest surviving stone houses in north-west Europe, with strong visitor appeal despite the remote journey.

Before you go

  • Open all year. Reaching Papa Westray is ferry or flight dependent, so transport must be planned before the visit.
  • Knap of Howar, Papa Westray; plan arrival around the inter-island ferry or flight and follow local site signs.
  • Remote, unsupervised outdoor site with uneven grass and limited facilities. Ferry and flight disruption can affect the visit.
Before opening directions: Remote, unsupervised outdoor site with uneven grass and limited facilities. Ferry and flight disruption can affect the visit.
Directions

Explore further

Sources — Historic Environment Scotland