Balfour Castle Tours

Photo "Balfour Castle" by Stephen McKay (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Balfour Castle" by Virginia Knight (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Balfour Castle" by Stephen McKay (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Balfour Castle" by Stephen McKay (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original


The fortified walls of Balfour Castle have helped it endure the test of time. Take in the architectural features of this grand building from a distance or find out if there are any tours.

When you've spent a bit of time at this fortified complex in Shapinsay, why not make your way to Highland Park Distillery, Orkney Museum, and St. Magnus Cathedral? They're near Balfour Castle and also popular with tourists.

Plan a trip to see Balfour Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Stromabank Hotel
The Royal Hotel Stromness
Ferry Inn Stromness

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Balfour Castle

Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel

3 out of 5
Mounthoolie Lane, Kirkwall, Scotland
Albert Hotel
The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

3 out of 5
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland
The Ayre Hotel
The Shore

The Shore

3 out of 5
Shore Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
The Shore
Hildeval B&B

Hildeval B&B

4 out of 5
Hildeval, Easthill, Kirkwall, Scotland
Hildeval B&B
The Orkney Hotel

The Orkney Hotel

3 out of 5
40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
The Orkney Hotel
Royal Oak Guest House

Royal Oak Guest House

3 out of 5
Holm Road, Kirkwall, Scotland
Royal Oak Guest House
Kirkwall Youth Hostel

Kirkwall Youth Hostel

2 out of 5
Old Scapa Road, Kirkwall, Scotland
Kirkwall Youth Hostel
Grainbank Mews

Grainbank Mews

3 out of 5
Grainbank House, Kirkwall, Scotland
Grainbank Mews
St Ola Hotel

St Ola Hotel

3 out of 5
Harbour Street, Kirkwall, Scotland
St Ola Hotel
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.

Things to do near Balfour Castle

Visitors to Balfour Castle in Shapinsay, Scotland can enjoy a variety of activities, including regular medieval banquets, thrilling falconry displays, and scenic ferry rides. For those interested in sports, a nearby golf club offers a great experience, while horse riding provides a unique way to explore the area. The castle also serves as a picturesque venue for wedding ceremonies, making it a perfect destination for both adventure and romance.

Find the best attractions near Balfour Castle

When visiting Balfour Castle in Shapinsay, Scotland, you'll find a blend of attractions like historical ruins, beautiful beaches, and engaging museums. Explore nearby landmarks such as the enchanting tiny chapel and the unique Italian chapel, alongside the impressive Ruthin Castle. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences or a relaxing day by the beach, Balfour Castle offers a delightful escape for every traveler.

  • Earl's Palace: Explore the fascinating ruins of Earl's Palace, located a mere 4 miles from Balfour Castle. This historic site reflects the rich cultural heritage of Orkney, showcasing stunning architecture and offering a glimpse into the life of the Earls of Orkney during the 16th century.
  • Orkney Museum: Just 4 miles from the castle, Orkney Museum invites you to delve into the fascinating history of the Orkney Islands. With engaging exhibits and artifacts, the museum provides a unique cultural experience that highlights the region's ancient past and vibrant heritage.
  • St. Magnus Cathedral: Also 4 miles away, St. Magnus Cathedral stands as a magnificent example of medieval architecture. Known as the "Light of the North," this stunning cathedral offers a serene atmosphere, beautiful stained glass, and a rich history that will captivate any visitor.

Best time to go to Balfour Castle

The best time to visit Balfour Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June52.0°F (11.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
August56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
September54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balfour Castle

To save money on your trip to Balfour Castle, consider visiting between November and January for lower hotel rates. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and earn rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Balfour Castle are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Balfour Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Balfour Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Balfour Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Balfour Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.