Kirkwall Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral
Bishop\'s Palace featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins
Kirkwall showing heritage elements
Kirkwall which includes heritage elements and a house
Kirkwall

Wander along the winding streets of this bustling market town, one of Britain’s most well-preserved ancient Norse settlements.

The capital of Orkney, Kirkwall, is a lovely town dotted with historic houses and independent shops. Look inside the town’s eye-catching sandstone cathedral, sip Scotch whisky and learn about the rich history of Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands at the local museum.

It’s almost impossible to miss St. Magnus CathedralOpens in a new window, which is easily Kirkwall’s most notable landmark. Dating back to the 12th century, this beautiful sandstone building features an interesting mix of Norman and early Gothic designs. Admire the early stained glass works, as well as the compelling 17th and 18th-century tombs housed inside.

Find the 17th-century ruins of Earl's PalaceOpens in a new window just across from the cathedral. Once the residence of despised leader Earl Patrick Stewart, the palace’s most significant feature is its elaborate 16-foot (5-meter) wide fireplace.

Your entrance ticket to Earl’s Palace also grants admission to neighboring Bishop’s PalaceOpens in a new window. Like Earl’s Palace, Bishop’s Palace mainly consists of roofless ruins. Make your way to the top of its tower staircase for magnificent views over St. Magnus Cathedral and all of Kirkwall.

Head to the Highland Park Distillery for samples of local single malt whisky. Informative hour-long tours of the distillery cover the entire process of producing the region’s smoky yet sweet malt. Learn about the processes of drying the barley in peat kilns, mashing and maturation of the product in oak casks.

The engaging Orkney Museum provides an overview of the islands’ history. Housed in a former merchant’s house, the museum includes Pictish carvings as well as intriguing exhibits dedicated to the islands’ social history. Don’t miss the pretty gardens located at the back of the residence.

Plan your visit in June to see the week-long St. Magnus Festival. One of the most acclaimed arts festivals in Britain, this event features a diverse program of literature, visual arts, dance, music and drama.

Kirkwall is one of Orkney’s main transportations hubs. Kirkwall Airport is serviced by flights from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness. The town itself is located just west of the airport, where it’s accessible by bus. The harbor is connected to Shetland and Aberdeen via ferry. See the fascinating historic sites of this charming harborside town.

The Ayre Hotel
The Ayre Hotel
3 out of 5
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$344 per night from 15 June to 16 June
AU$344
15 June - 16 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (179 reviews)
"Only stayed one night, but it was dreamy!"

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2025

The Ayre Hotel
Albert Hotel
Albert Hotel
3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Scotland
The price is AU$361 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$361
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (234 reviews)
"It was a standard and convenient hotel. The bed was comfortable and it was fairly quiet. No parking outside but we were able to park up close to drop off our bags. Long stay parking wasn't far but quite busy in May so will only get busier during summer months."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2025

Albert Hotel
The Shore
The Shore
3 out of 5
Shore Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
The price is AU$350 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$350
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (165 reviews)
"What are wonderful and friendly. Rooms were small but clean."

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

The Shore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cosy, modern ground floor flat in central Kirkwall
Cosy, modern ground floor flat in central Kirkwall
Kirkwall
Stay at this apartment in Kirkwall. Popular attractions Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace are located nearby.
poor check in data
"not advised there are three properties no 86.no info re key access and code received until the Sunday by which time we were booked in a local hotel !!! All the above should have been clarified through Vrbo days before arrival.Once in the place is excellent.Partial refund for two lost days ..."

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Cosy, modern ground floor flat in central Kirkwall
Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location With Luxury Hot Tub
Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location With Luxury Hot Tub
Kirkwall
Stay at this vacation home in Kirkwall. Popular attractions Highland Park Distillery and Bishop's Palace are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Spacious and clean!
"Very nice property with lots of additional touches to make our stay comfortable and easy."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Aurora - Self Catering, Kirkwall, Quiet Location With Luxury Hot Tub
Ivyhouse - Flat1 -1-bed Apartment in Kirkwall
Ivyhouse - Flat1 -1-bed Apartment in Kirkwall
3 out of 5
Flat 1, Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus ...
Great location
"Great apartment right in the centre of Kirkwall town. Literally in the alley few seconds to a bar serving food. Then the harbour front is seconds away Make sure you go into the Albert street car park stay left and turn into, usually a space outside the apartment can park for free. Go up couple steps ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2022

Ivyhouse - Flat1 -1-bed Apartment in Kirkwall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Kirkwall

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Sharon

The ladies at the Information Center were wonderful and the Standby coach trip to Scara Brae, Stromness, Ring of Brogdna etc was amazing. Stewart was the driver and he was very knowledgeable. Visit Lolz Cafe for great coffee.

Cities near Kirkwall