Location: Kirkwall
Top Things to do in Kirkwall
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The 10 Best Food & Drink in Kirkwall, Scotland
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. Orkney Travel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
We provide guided tours with an official accredited Green Badge guide around Orkney. We travel in small groups to guarantee a more up close and personal experience. We want to show you the most charming hidden corners.
2. JP Orkney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Experience and savour some of the finest produce sourced, created and made here in Orkney. On a JP Orkney Food & Drink Tour you will hear the passion of its producers, see, smell and taste the quality. We'll do all the driving in our eco-friendly tour van, so you can sit back, experience and savour.
3. Lizzie's Orkney Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
I was born in Orkney and have lived here all my life being very proud to call myself an Orcadian. I am a Scottish Tourist Guiding Association Green Badge accredited tourist guide and experienced in accompanying visitors to many of the exciting sites around Orkney, exploring the history over the past 5000 years, enjoying the scenery, wildlife and unique atmosphere. Join me!
4. 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!
5. Deerness Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Orkney's first distillery in over 132 years, producing handcrafted gin and vodka. Come and visit us for an insight into the fascinating world of distilling, sample our spirits and enjoy our shop offering locally sourced quality gifts, takeaway tea and coffee. Offering over 30 different tonics, we are sure to have something for everyone! Tours available 11am and 1pm every day (10GBP per adult) booking advisable.
Reviewed By 892ralphm
We were an off season (November) group of four, and were given a very informative tour of their distilliery and its products. The products were excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed their presentation and learned a lot about gin making. We now enjoy a g&t, wishing it was Deerness available here. (you might call for directions, as our gps led us down a dirt road. We were straightened out by helpful farmer).
6. Orkney Highlights Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Bespoke driver guided tours of the highlights of Orkney and the North Highlands of Scotland. Step on guiding on your coach or car if your prefer.
7. Orkney Trike Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Orkney Trike tours is an exclusive chauffeur driven tour service. Putting the fun back into travelling around Orkney. You will be the centre of attention as you arrive at your destinations in style. Riding a trike is exciting different and always fun. At the same time we will guide you around the many wonders of Orkney, whether its the history, wildlife or the glorious scenary we pass through.
8. GoOrkney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
At GoOrkney, we 'Go the extra mile' offering a range of book now and bespoke luxury guided tours of the Orkney Islands to discerning leisure and corporate visitors. Our tours are carefully created and designed to ensure your Orkney experience exceeds your expectations, leaving you with wonderful memories and a desire to return. Our small, personalised private tours of Orkney will make your trip simply unforgettable.
9. 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.
10. Scapa the Orcadian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Explore the legendary Scapa Distillery. Situated on the shore of Scapa Flow, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Although we are currently unable to offer tours our shop is open and we welcome you to join us. We have measures in place to give visitors and staff the best experience. Please visit our website for details.
Reviewed By frankrT7387IK - Aarhus, Denmark
As part of a group of 8 whisky enthusiasts from Denmark and one Scotsman we visited Scapa on a Saturday where the distillery was normally closed. The distillery invited us well before our visit to come anyway and to receive us for a tour. We have been on quite a few distillery tours during the years but Janet made this one very special and took the time needed. This is the best tour ever. Thank you Janet and Scapa. We will be back
