Westray and Papa Westray offer you the opportunity to enjoy a proper holiday where all the family can enjoy time together.

For sure there aren’t any big dippers here, nor rows of amusement arcades, but instead, we have empty beaches and friendly people so you will have a holiday where you don’t panic every time a child disappears from view.

Bring your young family to Westray and Papa Westray, roll back the clock and remember what it was like to enjoy mini adventures, collecting shells on the beach, poking around in rock pools for small fish, crabs, and other interesting “creepy crawlies”, or just sit back and relax on a beach all of your own (it is not uncommon to find that there’s no-one else there) and let the kids build sand castles.

Introduce your children to the natural world by doing a bit of nature watching. There is a wide variety of bird life to observe, puffins are always popular from late April to late July, or take a walk on the beach and watch the seals as they swim along watching you.

Keep an eye on the sea and you may even be lucky enough to spot a whale.

Westray also has an excellent play area and sports field next to the school in Pierowall.

The community school also has a swimming pool which is open to the public at specified times, so see the notices on the doors to the complex. The fitness suite is also open to the public (over 18s) but with restricted times, and you will first need to undergo an induction course before you can use the equipment. A buddy system operates during term time outside of the regular opening hours, so if there are two or more people wishing to use the gym, they may do so unsupervised. The system will be explained during the induction course.

This is a small island community and that naturally means there is a limited number of people available to supervise activities. Some attractions will not be open all the time, but access can be made available to most by telephoning in advance. Never be afraid to ask someone. If they don't know the answer, be sure they will know somebody who does... we like to think it's that sort of friendly and helpful place.

Westray playgroup welcomes visitors. 0-6months old free, 6months - 1year old 50p, 1year to 5 years old £1.