Attractions and Places To See around Kirkwall And St Ola - Top 20

Kirkwall and St Ola are rich in history. You can visit the magnificent 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral, known as the "Light of the North," which houses the remains of St. Magnus. Nearby are the well-preserved ruins of Earl's Palace, Kirkwall, a fine example of Renaissance architecture, and the older Bishop's Palace. Don't miss the subterranean Iron Age structure of Grain Earth House, or the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yes, Kirkwall offers several cultural attractions. The Orkney Museum, housed in the historic Tankerness House, provides an extensive collection covering Orkney's history from the Iron Age to the present. You can also explore the Orkney Wireless Museum near the harbor, which is dedicated to radio and wartime memorabilia. The Kirkwall Town Centre itself is a vibrant area with a mix of Norse heritage and modern life, featuring local shops and distilleries.

The area offers diverse natural beauty. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll and birdwatching at Peedie Sea near Kirkwall Harbour. Scapa Beach is popular for walking and watersports, while Waulkmill Bay offers expansive golden sands. For stunning coastal views and sea stacks, head east of Kirkwall to The Brough of Deerness. The Willows provides a quiet patch of woodland within Kirkwall, and Wideford Hill Cairn offers panoramic views across Kirkwall and the surrounding islands.

Absolutely! There are several excellent walking and hiking trails. For an easy stroll, consider the loop from St Magnus Cathedral to Earl's Palace, Kirkwall. More moderate options include The Crantit Trail or a loop from Kirkwall Town Centre to Scapa Beach. You can find more detailed routes and options for hiking around Kirkwall And St Ola on our dedicated guide page: Hiking around Kirkwall And St Ola.

Beyond hiking, Kirkwall and St Ola offer various outdoor activities. Cycling is very popular, with routes like the North Sea Cycle Route segment or loops connecting to South Ronaldsay. You can find detailed cycling routes on our guide page: Cycling around Kirkwall And St Ola. Running trails are also available, including loops around Scapa Beach and Wideford Hill, which you can explore on our running guide: Running Trails around Kirkwall And St Ola.

Many attractions in Kirkwall and St Ola are family-friendly. Historical sites like St Magnus Cathedral and the Standing Stones of Stenness can be fascinating for older children. Natural spots like Peedie Sea and Scapa Beach are great for walks and play. The Pickaquoy Centre offers various sports and recreational facilities, providing active options for families.

The best time to visit Kirkwall and St Ola generally depends on your interests. For walking and outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers milder weather and longer daylight hours. Summer months are popular for exploring historical sites and enjoying the beaches. However, Orkney's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always wise to pack layers regardless of the season.

For panoramic views, head to Wideford Hill Cairn, which offers stunning vistas across Kirkwall and the surrounding islands. The coastal areas, particularly The Brough of Deerness, also provide extraordinary walks with dramatic views of sea stacks and the coastline. Even from Kirkwall Harbour, you can enjoy picturesque views of the town and departing ferries.

Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting the Grain Earth House, a fascinating subterranean Iron Age structure. The tranquil Tankerness House Gardens, with its unique Groatie Hoose folly, offers a peaceful escape. For a quirky natural feature, seek out The Big Tree on Albert Street, a cherished 200-year-old sycamore in the town center.

Kirkwall is home to two significant whisky distilleries. You can take a tour and enjoy tastings at Highland Park Distillery, known as Scotland's northernmost whisky distillery. Another option is Scapa Distillery, which also offers insights into its single malt whiskies. Both provide a great opportunity to learn about the local whisky-making tradition.

Public transport options, primarily local bus services, connect Kirkwall with various points on Mainland Orkney, including some of the major attractions. For sites like the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, bus services are available, though schedules may be less frequent on weekends. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance for specific routes and timings to plan your visits effectively.