Location: Kirkwall
Top Things to do in Kirkwall
The 10 Best Free Things to do 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. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
2. 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
3. Kirkness & Gorie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
'Whisky, cheese and wine since 1959.' Long-established family-run deli. Friendly, expert advice on a unique mix of Orkney produce and the finest cheese and wine from around the world. Comprehensive range of whiskies from Highland Park and Scapa, including rarities. Great beer from the Orkney Brewery and Swannay Brewery. Gin from all three local producers. SPiced rum from J. Gow. Cheese from Westray Wife, Grimbister, Orkney Cheddar and Hume's Smokehouse. Oatcakes, butter, fudge, biscuits, sweeties, Orkney Craft Vinegar. And much much more...
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Skipper's Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Worsley71 - Worsley, United Kingdom
Regular visitor to Skippers and the Kirkwall Hotel through work. Just needed to comment on the food as it's always good. The two things that cannot be beaten anywhere is firstly their seafood Platter. Which is fresh and tastes fabulous every time and is prepared and presented to perfection. Secondly their gravy which is out of this world I would have it with everything (except the platter ????). Always sports on in the background and plenty of visitors/locals. If your in Orkney well worth dropping in.
9. Kirkwall VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By U8982CDkarenm - Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Centre has excellent facilities - lots of booklets & leaflets & staff very friendly & helpful. Also a shop with lots of local products & gifts. Next door to bus station for easy access to transport & just a street away from main High Street for shopping & site seeing
10. Kirkwall Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Safe and Secure marina berths for boats close to the centre of Kirkwall
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