Kirkwall is the ‘capital’ of the Scottish Orkney Islands and is situated on the stretch of land where east and west mainland meets at a magnificent natural harbour. The town was established by the Norse in the 11th century and was originally known as ‘Kirkjuvagr’ Norse for ‘Church Bay’. Kirkwall was awarded city status in 1137 with the founding of St Magnus Cathedral and royal burgh status in 1486 when Orkney was acquired for Scotland. Kirkwall has an airport and harbour, regular flights, cruise ships and ferries bring regular visitors. Sea-cruise charters and ferries are available from Kirkwall for trips to many of the other Orkney and Shetland Islands ensuring Kirkwall is a popular tourist destination and an ideal base for exploring the area. There are hotels and a selection of holiday accommodation including B&B’s, hostels and a camping and caravan park, bars, restaurants and bistros, a fitness and leisure centre, swimming pool and interesting museums. Kirkwall has excellent shopping and is a centre for knitwear, arts and crafts, mineral water and whiskey with the Highland Park Distillery and visitor centre, founded in 1798 it is the northernmost distillery in the UK. The medieval town is surrounded with spectacular scenery, walks and wildlife. Historically interesting features include the 16th century Bishop and Earls Palace and the impressive St Magnus Cathedral
Attraction
Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
Highland Park Distillery
St Magnus Cathedral
Tankerness House
The Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace
Tormiston Mill
Club
Council
Dentist
Community Dental ClinicCommunity Dental Clinic
Health Services
Scapa Dental Centre
Doctor
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Busters Diner
Empire Chinese Restaurant
Golden Dragon
Indian Garden
School
Kirkwall Grammar SchoolPapdale Primary School
Self-Catering
Broad Street Gardens Apartments & Townhouse
Mackays Holiday Cottages & Lodges
Solicitor
Taxi
Bobs Taxis
CD Taxis
Craigie's Taxis
Kirkwall Taxis
Rainbow Taxis
Tim's Taxis
Vet
Shops
McCarty M E
Orcadian The Bookshop
D & H Glue
Petmania
W H B Sutherland Ltd
James S Scott
St Olafs Stores
Jolly’s Fish & Farm Produce
Activities
Orkney Triathlon Club(Cycling)
Places to Stay near Kirkwall
Lav rockha Guest House (0.07 miles)
At Lav'rockha we offer luxurious accommodation with all facilities for your comfort at competitive rates, and are the only Guest House in Orkney to have been awarded four stars and ... More
Albert Hotel (0.07 miles)
Houton Bay Lodge (8.68 miles)
8 luxurious & spacious en-suite rooms at attractive rates. Fantastic rural setting with great views of Scapa Flow & South IslesOnly 15-mins drive from Stromness & KirkwallDelicious meals using only ... More
Merkister Hotel (10.59 miles)
Situated on the shores of Harray Loch, the Merkister hotel stands in its own grounds in the most wonderful location, commanding impressive views of this famous loch and its surroundings. ... More
Seaview Hotel (24.06 miles)
We are a small family run hotel in the far North of Scotland with breathtaking views of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Isles. We are only 300 yds from Orkney ... More
Castle Arms Hotel (25.67 miles)
The Castle Arms Hotel is a former 19th Century coaching inn, situated 8 miles from John O'Groats, in the village of Mey. It is the earest hotel to Gills Ferry to ... More
Castletown Hotel (31.09 miles)
Ideally located to explore all that Caithness has to offer, this small, family-run hotel is close to both Thurso and Wick and only minutes from the Castle of Mey. The perfect venue ... More
Greenland House (31.10 miles)
Six bedrooms - four with en suite · Centrally heated and fully double glazed · Colour TV and tea/coffee making in all rooms · High quality Scottish or Continental Breakfast ... More
Sinclair Bay Hotel (31.51 miles)
A small family run hotel with comfortable rooms, tv and coffee making facilities in all rooms. We serve a wide range of food in our restaurant, & real ale behind the bar. ... More
Ferry Inn (33.33 miles)
This is the sister Hotel of the Weigh Inn, which now offers 9 newley refurbished non-smoking en-suite bedrooms, boasting uninterrupted views over The Pentland Firth to the majestic Orkney Islands. ... More
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