Things to do in Kirkwall

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Kirkwall

Popular places to visit

St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a cemetery and a church or cathedral

St. Magnus Cathedral

4.5/5(33 reviews)

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

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

Earl's Palace

4/5(13 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 which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and château or palace

Bishop's Palace

4/5(13 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(6 reviews)

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 browsing 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
Stromness showing a coastal town and a bay or harbour

Stromness

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

Harray

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural attractions or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, 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 Scapa Beach. Then, check out other parts of Kirkwall for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall?
The top tourist attraction in Kirkwall is Balfour Castle, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Kirkwall?
If you just want to see the leading sights, three days is more than enough time for a getaway in Kirkwall. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Kirkwall with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Kirkwall with kids.

What to do in Kirkwall for adults?
Highland Park Distillery and Orkney Wine Company are just a few of the things to do in Kirkwall. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kirkwall?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Kirkwall. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Scapa Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.