Things to do in Kirkwall

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St. Magnus Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral
Bishop\'s Palace featuring a ruin, heritage elements and a castle
Kirkwall showing heritage elements
Kirkwall showing heritage elements and a house
St. Magnus Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, interior views and heritage elements

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What to do in Kirkwall

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Kirkwall

St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a cemetery

St. Magnus Cathedral

5/5(9 reviews)

Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral.

St. Magnus Cathedral
Earl\'s Palace which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins

Earl's Palace

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

Earl's Palace
Bishop\'s Palace featuring a ruin, heritage elements and a castle

Bishop's Palace

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase.

Bishop's Palace

Highland Park Distillery

5/5(1 review)

Find out about the history of Kirkwall when you spend time at Highland Park Distillery. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the cathedral while you're in the area.

Highland Park Distillery

Scapa Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Scapa Beach during your trip to Kirkwall? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Scapa Beach

Orkney Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Orkney Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Orkney Museum

Scapa Distillery

You can take time to visit Scapa Distillery during your travels to Kirkwall. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Scapa Distillery

Orkney Wireless Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Orkney Wireless Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Discover the area's museums and cathedral.

Orkney Wireless Museum

Mill Sand

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Mill Sand during your trip to Kirkwall? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Mill Sand

 

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Popular day trips from Kirkwall

Stromness featuring a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Stromness

Photo "Orphir" by Ian Balcombe (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Ian Balcombe (CC BY-SA)

Orphir

Photo "Shapinsay" by Stephen McKay (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Stephen McKay (CC BY-SA)

Shapinsay

Holm

Holm

Photo "Harray" by Mark Crook (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mark Crook (CC BY-SA)

Harray

Deerness

Deerness

Photo "Toab" by C Michael Hogan (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by C Michael Hogan (CC BY-SA)

Toab

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Kirkwall.
How do I spend a day in Kirkwall?
Kick your day off with a visit to Balfour Castle and Orkney Museum. Then, check out different areas of Kirkwall for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall?
You can't go home without checking out Balfour Castle, rated the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall.
Is three days enough to stay in Kirkwall?
Book a break in Kirkwall for three days and you'll have enough time to check out its most popular sights and get a taste for the local way of life. For the chance to see highlights in the surrounding areas and venture off the beaten path, consider staying for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Kirkwall with kids?
Planning what to do in Kirkwall with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Kirkwall for adults?
Highland Park Distillery and Scapa Distillery are just a couple of the things to do in Kirkwall. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, Scapa Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Kirkwall.