Location: Kirkwall
Top Things to do in Kirkwall
5 Hidden Gems 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. Orkney Archaeology Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 349 reviews
We specialize in exclusive tours of Orkney, concentrating on the wonderful archaeology but also showing you as much as possible of our beautiful islands. We offer all-inclusive ‘Orkney Adventure’ 7-night small group holidays with a maximum of just eight people, together with private all-inclusive tours and day tours, conducted in our own comfortable executive touring vehicle. Our small group sizes mean we can visit sites off the beaten track and you benefit from the personal touch. We are the only tour company in Orkney to be run by archaeologists - all of our tours are personally led by either Dr Caz Mamwell BSc MA PhD FSA Scot or by Dr Dave Lawrence BSc MSc PhD FSA Scot, who have an in depth understanding of Orkney’s archaeology, cultural traditions and history. They are also accredited STGA Green Badge Orkney Tourist Guides, as well as knowing all the best places to see puffins and seals! Please visit our website for brochure and full details.
2. 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.
3. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
4. Orkney Tailor-Made Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
David and Margaret are a husband and wife team of experienced professional Orkney Guides offering private day and half day tours in our air conditioned 7 passenger Hyundai i800. Orkney has stunning scenery, 5,000 year old Megalithic World Heritage sites, a bloodthirsty Viking past and an inland sea that was the British Navy's base in the two World Wars. We tailor our tours round our guests.
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).
