Scenic British Isles

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for 'Church Bay', relating to the town's 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway. 

Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney's turbulent past. The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.

Don't miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it's fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.

Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore.

Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement. This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.

Despite the wealth created by North Sea oil, modern Lerwick retains many fascinating small shops and historic buildings. Wandering along atmospheric Commercial Street is a delight, and the Böd of Gremista – a “fishing booth” built in 1780, is now a fascinating museum. The ground floor has the salt store and the kitchen, where herrings were hung to dry. Outside the town are the well preserved remains of the Broch of Clickimin, a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century.

Portree is the Isle of Skye's largest and liveliest town. Set within a pretty natural harbour with brightly-coloured houses and surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, Portree is a truly beautiful place to explore.

Its name (from the Gaelic for King's Harbour) commemorates James V, who arrived here in 1540 to pacify the local clans. The town is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastline and interesting attractions that include the Aros Centre and the An Tuireann Arts Centre, which celebrate the island's Gaelic heritage.

Portree also serves as a gateway to other attractions on the island, such as the intriguing rock formations at Trotternish Ridge, north of the town, the ruins of Tusdale, and the peninsula unflatteringly known as ‘The Lump’, which once provided a setting for public hangings.

The intriguing sight of the 90m-high Kilt Rock sea cliff can be seen while sailing by Trotternish, the Isle of Skye’s northernmost peninsula. The cliff gets its name from the patterns within its basalt columns, which form a striking arrangement similar to a pleated kilt. Plunging over the cliff and onto the rocks below is the Mealt Waterfall, fed by the nearby freshwater Mealt Loch.

Together these landmarks provide a unique audio-visual experience. It is even said that one can hear an eerie, organ-like noise from the area on a windy day, due to the holes in the lookout point fencing that face the sea.

Flowing between the Isle of Mull and the shores of Scotland, the Sound of Mull is a beautiful stretch of water that forms part of the Atlantic Ocean. As you sail through the sound on your Fred. Olsen cruise ship you'll see some stunning natural landscapes and will truly appreciate the beauty of the British Isles

Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most historic, important and prettiest castles in the Highlands. Set amongst a back drop of beautiful valleys, the castle looks impressive from any angle, especially from the water - a sight you'll get to see during your scenic cruise here.

The Firth of Lorn is a beautiful 16 mile stretch of water that flows between the Isle of Mull and the Slate Islands. As you cruise along the calm water you'll be surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and protected rocky reefs.

Bac Mòr, affectionately known as ‘Dutchman’s Cap’ due to its unmistakable shape, is one of the most distinctive landmarks discovered amongst the beautiful Scottish Isles, a unique volcanic formation of grass-topped black lava that provides a safe haven for sea birds, and spectacular views for anyone who visits.

While the island doesn’t have any suitable landing places, simply sailing by Bac Mòr with Fred. Olsen makes for a memorable experience; you’ll get to wonder at its intriguing shape and look out for the native birds from the comfort of your smaller sized ship.

Similar to the famous, UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal’s Cave is a beautiful basalt sea-cave with distinctive ‘columns’ and a remarkable symmetry that looks incredible as you cruise past.

Often, the cliffs, ledges and grassy slopes are smothered with native seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, puffins and more, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a little birdwatching. Just make sure you have your binoculars to hand!

Douglas is the picturesque, historic capital of the Isle of Man and gateway to the unique, diverse treasures of the world’s first entire island country to have been awarded Biosphere status by UNESCO – a fact the locals a rightly very proud of!

A lively hub of activity, where ferries from England and Ireland land, Douglas is a delight to explore; along the promenade, a relaxing stroll – or ride on the wonderful horse-drawn tram – takes in a mix of architecture, from Victorian and Edwardian to modern, while plenty of attractions await if you dig a little deeper in the heart of the town. Interesting museums, galleries and charming old theatres are just some of the highlights.

Venture even further and historic railway routes – including the 19th century steam railway – can show you the best of the Isle of Man’s beautiful coastal and countryside scenes, and there are many centuries-old landmarks, such as Peel Castle, Rushen Abbey and the Great Laxey Wheel, to discover around the island too.

Situated at the entrance of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is one of the most important sites in Irish history. Originally a Monastic settlement in the 7th century, the island became – thanks to its ideal strategic location – and important site for defence and imprisonment, and is now often referred to as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’.

It’s dominated by the 18th century Fort Mitchel, which at the time of opening was the largest prison in the world, with capacity for over 2300 prisoners. While you won’t get to head ashore on your scenic cruise by the island – which now is also a protected haven for various species of flora and fauna – to explore the fort itself, you’re sure to think back to the times when the prisoners were taken to face their punishment across the very same waters you’re sailing.

The charming seaside town of Cobh, situated in Cork harbour, has served as a route in and out of Ireland for centuries. Formerly known as Queenstown before locals reverted back to the old Irish name in 1922, Cobh was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America from the 'Emerald Isle' between 1848 and 1950, and was famously the Titanic's final port of call on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. 

Today, the town sat in world's second largest natural harbour, is known more for its brightly coloured houses and imposing, Gothic revival-style St. Colman's Cathedral, which overlooks the harbour from a dramatically steep hill. At the centre, a number of attractions point to Cobh's fascinating past. The Cobh Heritage Centre examines the gruelling potato famine period, the town’s museum explores Cobh's maritime heritage and the impact of RMS Lusitania's sinking nearby, and the Titanic Experience, where a virtual version of ship's infamous voyage can be experienced.

A landscape carved by the force of the rain, wind and sea, North Cornwall's coastline is amongst the most beautiful and dramatic. It is a spectacular stretch of rugged, countryside-topped cliffs, curious caves and coves, golden-sand beaches and picturesque waterfront towns, providing mile-upon-mile of unforgettable scenic views that you'll get to revel in from the comfort of your Fred. Olsen cruise ship.