Timed Ticketing System for Maeshowe
How Timed Ticketing works
Bookings may be made in advance either in person, by telephone or requesting any
Historic Scotland Site to telephone a request booking. Visitors, who have purchased
tickets out with the site, are still required to book onto a tour, and check in at the Ticket
Office 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Guided Tours at Maeshowe
All tours will be hosted by a Historic Scotland steward and the average time allocated
inside Maeshowe is twenty minutes.
Tour times
Open All year BOOKING REQUIRED
Between 1 October and 31 March
9:30 am to 4. pm. First tour commences at 10. am. 11 am. 12. am. 1 pm. 2 pm. 3 pm.
Last tour starts at 3 pm. Site closed at 4 pm
Between 1 April and 31 September
9.30 am to 5 pm. First tour commences at 10 am. 11. am. 12. am. 1 pm. 2. pm. 3 pm.
4 pm. Last tour starts at 4. pm
Visitor Centre closed at 5. pm
Special Twilight Tours in June July and August, pre- paid and booked in
advance only: only: 6. pm. 7. pm . 8. pm.
There will be a maximum tour limit of:
20 for ‘standard’ Visitors
25 for coach parties
Where do the tours start?
Due to road safety restrictions all visitors are required to make their own way from the
ticket office to Maeshowe as instructed by the staff on duty. Visitors are required to walk
a quarter of a mile on a footpath to the information boards at Maeshowe. This is where
the guide will meet all visitors and where the tour will start at the appointed time. All
visitors are advised to check in for their tour at least 15 minutes before the tour time to
allow for vehicle parking, ticketing administration and pre-tour instructions.
How to book and make a reservation for Maeshowe
1. Telephone Tormiston Mill direct on Tel: 01856761606.
2. Call in person at Tormiston Mill Ticket Office.
3. Advanced booking is highly recommended.
Tormiston Mill Visitor Centre
Tel:
01856 761 606
Visitors not booked in advance
Visitors who have not booked in advance are advised to arrive early as bookings are on a
First Come, First Served basis. This includes all holders of tickets purchased elsewhere
including Friends of Historic Scotland Members, Explorer Passes etc. There is no direct
access to Maeshowe. All entry is through the Tormiston Mill Visitor Centre and by guided
tour only.
Individual visitors and organised groups will also be able to book in advance or on arrival
at the visitor centre.
Please note that since the total number of visitors that can be accommodated at
Maeshowe is limited, there can be no guarantee that everyone will gain access to the
site. However, every effort will be made to achieve visitor satisfaction.
Local tour parties/bus companies
Tour groups should telephone as early as possible to arrange the most suitable time for
their group. Large coach parties will be split into two groups - we aim to deliver both
tours within 60 minutes. One group will leave first. The other group will have
approximately 20 minutes to explore the Visitor Centre before departing to Maeshowe.
Reserved places on a tour will be held until 10 minutes before the designated time. If
visitors have not arrived by then, their places may be sold on. Tour leaders are advised
to contact the Visitor Centre should they be delayed.
Visitors with Enhanced Needs
Visitors with enhanced needs who may need more time to enter and leave the
monument may request a special tour. Please enquire at Tormiston Mill.
Please note:
The inside of Maeshowe is not suitable for wheelchair access; however as the route to
Maeshowe is approximately one quarter of a mile a wheelchair is available at Tormiston
Mill to assist. Please speak to one of the stewards for further information.
Assistance Dogs
Registered Assistance Dogs only are permitted inside Maeshowe.
Photography
Please note that photography is not permitted inside the Maeshowe chamber.