Location: Kirkwall
Top Things to do in Kirkwall
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Kirkwall That You Shouldn't Miss
Kirkwall (Scottish Gaelic: Bàgh na h-Eaglaise) is the largest settlement and capital of Orkney, an archipelago in the north of Scotland, as well as the most populous island settlement in Scotland. The city is first mentioned in Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046 when it is recorded as the residence of Rögnvald Brusason the Earl of Orkney, who was killed by his uncle Thorfinn the Mighty. In 1486, King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh; modern roadsigns still indicate "The City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall".
Restaurants in Kirkwall
1. See Orkney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
We are a small family business offering Guided Tours of Orkney. We can take up to eight passengers in our luxury minibus. Our bespoke tours can include The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scapa Flow and the South Isles, a Taste of Orkneys food and drink, a Farm Tour, crafts and knitwear or just drive around and take in our beautiful landscapes and seascapes.
2. Orkney Uncovered
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 516 reviews
Orkney Uncovered Private Tours, provides private guided tours of the Orkney Islands. We cover all of Orkney’s history, culture, economy, food and drink. We specialise in Military history and Scapa Flow. We provide bespoke Ancient Orkney private tours with a focus on Neolithic Orkney, the Iron Age and the Viking Ages. All our tours are tailored to meet our clients requirements. Orkney Uncovered Private Tours are open 365 day a year and offer professional,fun and informative private touring experience.
3. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
4. Orkney Library & Archive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Free Wifi throughout. We provide internet access with a small charge for visitors. Our Archive section is great for family history searches - please note, our Archive section is CLOSED every Wednesday but the LIBRARY is OPEN. Books and so much more.
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
This library has excellent facilities. A vast catalogue of books - including written, ebooks, large print. Their display is neat & easy to follow & they have a vast number of books in store to access too. The staff are friendly & helpful. There is seating, toilet facilties, coffee & drinks available. DVDs & CDs are also available . The archive unit upside is wonderful to browse & has an intensive collection of material & information about Orkney
5. The Orkney Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Welcome, adventurer! Your epic Orkney saga has begun. We invite you to enter our new distillery and visitor centre in Kirkwall, to toast the gods and learn the secrets behind our legendary Orkney Gin. *Distillery Tours* Our distillery tours run at 11am and 2pm each day (except Sundays) with extra tours added for peak times. You can check live availability and book online through our website. And it’s not just for adults. Children can enjoy the tours too (without alcohol of course). *Coffee & Gin Bar* Situated in the main area of our distillery and visitor centre, the Coffee & Gin Bar is an ideal place to relax and watch Kirkwall’s bustling harbour-front whilst enjoying a coffee, gin, whisky or local beer. You can join us before or after your tour, or just pop along to speak to our knowledgeable staff about our Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin and merchandise. If you seek the true essence of Orkney, we urge you to join us!
Reviewed By ark338
A really good visit of a small distillery. As they explain when you're there, gin distilleries are different to what you might imagine a distillery looks like, in that they're much smaller compared to whiskey ones. In the case of this one you can see the whole process through one window and you're not necessarily waking round huge vats. So if you're expecting that you might be a bit surprised. This is more of a tasting session rather than a tour. We had 4 different types of their gin with the botanicals for tasting and when that's finished you can choose your own full G&T pairing. The gins were great with a wide variety, so there's definitely something you will like in there. This was a good fun hour or so and would recommend if you're staying in Kirkwall/Shetland. Plus you get a discount in their shop if you've been on this!
6. The Orkney Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Orkney’s only custom made trick eye attraction, where you can dress like a Viking, ride the carriage, become a postcard from Orkney, cross the chasm and be captured by Cubbie Roo the giant. Bring your camera, there’s lots of fun to be had. Indoors, wheelchair accessible and family friendly.
7. Scapa Flow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
This treacherous pass made ship navigation difficult, resulting in over 10 sunken ship wrecks, providing an excellent dive site.
Reviewed By Dannykimweed - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
This is an amazing place steeped in history, some of which is tragic from during the first and second world wars. This is a significant place for families who have lost loved ones here and is a pilgrimage for some. As a natural harbour it is a spectacular place and you get tremendous views of it from many roads. You cannot miss it and its significance to British Naval history.
8. Highland Park Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Home of our award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, made in a traditional way by modern-day Vikings. Explore the stories behind our 18th century distillery in Kirkwall, founded by Magnus Eunson - a direct descendant of the Vikings who first made their home on Orkney over 1,000 years ago. We offer 4 different tours to cater for every interest and every budget - from a short visit to our working distillery with a dram or two in our visitor centre to an in-depth exploration of our whisky's birthplace and the opportunity to taste some of our finest, aged expressions. Advanced booking is required.
Reviewed By 178angusf
For those who like whisky, or are least interested in places with some history, or just enjoy learning about how things are produced, this is a great place to visit. There is a nice visitor centre, and several different types of tours available. The basic tour takes about an hour, and goes through each part of the distillery, including a short film and a wee tasting afterwards. An easy walk from the waterfront of Kirkwall - if you are in Kirkwall, don't miss this.
9. The Orkney Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, access is currently limited to the Baikie Library and Drawing Room and our temporary exhibition 'Between Islands'. Visitor numbers are limited, so please be prepared to wait outside if the museum is busy. Please note that it is mandatory to wear a face covering in the building and that you will be asked for your contact details for the national Test and Protect system.
Reviewed By jacquim883
This museum summarises Orkney's past, starting from Neolithic times and going into the twentieth century. Housed in an old building, the display is well set out and you wind through the rooms where Orkney's fascinating history is depicted in chronological order. It makes you appreciate how different Orkney is from the rest of Scotland and why the Orcadians are so proud of their identity.
10. Saint Magnus Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,856 reviews
St Magnus Cathedral, built from red and yellow sandstone, is of international significance. This ‘fine minster’ took about 300 years to build, the foundations starting in 1137. It was dedicated to Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. He shared the earldom with his cousin, Haakon Paulsson, but jealousy and greed culminated in Magnus being martyred on the island of Egilsay. Access is currently restricted so please be prepared to wait outside if it is busy and to limit your visit to 15 minutes max. We ask visitors to adhere to hygiene and physical distancing advice. It is mandatory to wear a face covering whilst in the building and we will ask for your contact details for the national Test and Protect system. There are no public toilet facilities available.
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, United States
Dedicated to St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney and patron saint of the Orkney Isles, the magnificent red sandstone cathedral was begun in 1137 and took roughly 300 years to complete. The church is dark and atmospheric with marvelous carvings including a stunning blind arcade with profuse carvings. Multiple tombs including St. Magnus' tomb are inside the cathedral. The church is Romanesque in style This important Medieval Cathedral is well worth a visit. Free admission; donations accepted. If you have the time, there is a charming churchyard with lots of ancient gravestones to see. Enjoy.
