Kirkwall Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK
About Kirkwall
Kirkwall is a busy working port and at first glance not attractive, but the charming old town is just behind the industrial frontage. Small freighters, fishing vessels and inter-island ferries bustle around the harbour; people stroll about their business along the narrow alleys; the crumbling medieval stonework of the cathedral catches the sunlight. And you start to relax and feel the magic of Orkney... then a cruise ship arrives and its 4,000 passengers descend upon the place. Kirkwall and all the major sights of Orkney are mobbed when a cruise ship is in. However those visitors seldom stray from a standard circuit, so head for one of the many attractions they overlook, and return to enjoy Kirkwall in the evening after they've left. Tourist informationis at the bus station in town centre.
Top Attractions in Kirkwall
Explore the best things to see and do in Kirkwall:
- ★Bishop's & Earl's Palaces
- ★Highland Park Distillery
- ★Mull Head Reserve and the Gloup
- ★Orkney Museum
- ★Orkney Wireless Museum
- ★Play@Wellpark
- ★Rerwick Head
- ★Scapa Distillery
Where to Eat in Kirkwall
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Dil Se
Where to Stay in Kirkwall
- 🏨Albert Hotel
- 🏨Avalon House
- 🏨Ayre Hotel
- 🏨Kirkwall Hotel
- 🏨Kirkwall Youth Hostel
- 🏨Orcades Hostel
Kirkwall Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: