A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Orkney Islands vs. Glencoe for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Glencoe can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Orkney Islands and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Glencoe are popular destinations, Orkney Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is very popular for its museums, food, and beaches, while Glencoe attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Glencoe is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also well known for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glencoe and Orkney Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

Orkney Islands is a archipelago with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Orkney Islands is an experience not to be missed. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Glencoe is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is well known for the beach. However, Glencoe is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Orkney Islands attract visitors from all over. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Glencoe is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Orkney Islands and Glencoe.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Families?

Glencoe is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Glencoe. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Glencoe are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Glencoe is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is well known for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orkney Islands is a archipelago with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Orkney Islands, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Orkney Islands or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Glencoe is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable village. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Glencoe. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

Families should spend more time in Glencoe than Orkney Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Glencoe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Glencoe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orkney Islands that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Glencoe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Glencoe, you'll find food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glencoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the village of Glencoe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Glencoe, we can see that Orkney Islands is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.