Orkney’s vibrant capital comes with an historic town centre full of character. Kirkwall is the beating heart of our islands, and a place where most journeys across our archipelago begin.
About Kirkwall
Kirkwall is home to around a third of Orkney’s population and a stroll through its bustling centre showcases its cosmopolitan nature. A single street snakes its way south from the colourful harbour, lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and a fabulous range of shops and independent retailers.
Its name comes from the Norse ‘Kirkjuvagr’, meaning ‘Church on the bay’, and a Viking spirit still runs through the town, focused on the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Reminders of the town’s medieval past are everywhere, and a day or two could easily be spent exploring its rich history.
It’s a hub for locals and visitors alike with all the services you’d expect from a town of its size, including a swimming pool, soft play areas, and Orkney’s cinema. But Kirkwall also has pockets of peace and quiet to enjoy, and excellent walking routes offering sweeping views of this special place.
Useful information
- Getting around
Despite the relative sprawl of Kirkwall in general, the town centre is compact and easily walkable. Heading from the harbourfront through to the end of the main shopping district at Victoria Street only takes around ten minutes on foot, and passes most of Kirkwall’s main attractions.
There is a town bus service which is predominantly aimed at servicing Kirkwall’s residential areas, but it does include Scapa beach on its route. It might also be handy for anyone keen to get within easier walking distance of Highland Park Distillery or Scapa Distillery.
Kirkwall is a transport hub and home to the Orkney Travel Centre, where all mainland bus services arrive and depart from. Orkney Ferries runs its north isles sailings from Kirkwall Pier (note – the service to Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre operates from Tingwall in the West Mainland), and the NorthLink Ferries crossings to Shetland and Aberdeen sail from Hatston Pier, two miles from Kirkwall harbour. An integrated bus service connecting the town and the ferry terminal is available.
Kirkwall Airport is a little over three miles east of the town with a regular bus service provided. If you’re planning to use taxis then these should be booked well in advance.
Cycle hire is available from Cycle Orkney and should be booked as early as possible.
Kirkwall also has excellent marina facilities - visit the Orkney Marinas website for more information.
- Shopping
Kirkwall is home to a fantastic array of shops, from local food, drink and craft producers and hardware stores, to the larger retailers you’d expect to find in towns and cities across the UK.
The shopping district is centered on Bridge Street, Albert Street, Broad Street, and Victoria Street, which in reality is a single street that runs through the heart of town. This area, along with the harbourfront, is also home to most of Kirkwall’s hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Somewhat confusingly, Kirkwall also has a Main Street and a High Street, but unlike other parts of the country, these are residential areas and would leave potential shoppers relatively disappointed.
- Fuel
Petrol and diesel are available at Mills Filling Station on Pickaquoy Road, at W. R. Tullock on Junction Road, and at Ticketyboo on Burnmouth Road.
- Public toilets
There are public toilets available at:
- East Pier waiting room at Kirkwall Pier: one gents’ toilet, one ladies’ toilet and one accessible toilet
- Shore Street: one ladies' toilet and one gents' toilet
- Shapinsay Slip waiting room: one gents’ toilet, one ladies’ toilet and an accessible toilet (Radar key needed)
- Kirkwall Travel Centre: one ladies’ toilet, one gents’ toilet, one open accessible toilet and one accessible toilet (Radar key needed)
- St Magnus Lane: one ladies’ toilet, one gents’ toilet and an accessible toilet (Radar key needed)
- Scapa beach: one ladies' toilet, one gents' toilet and an accessible toilet (Radar key needed)
As you might expect from a town the size of Kirkwall, there’s a lot to see and do here.
It’s home to some of Orkney’s most popular visitor attractions, but it’s also an ideal destination for food and drink lovers and shoppers, with a fabulous range of eateries and independent businesses.
Keep reading to discover some of the town’s best sites, and find out where you can get a taste of Orkney too.
History
From Iron Age and Viking sites, to pirate ships and palaces, Kirkwall is full of history. Check out our listings below to begin discovering the story of the town.
Leisure, sport & nature
Even though Kirkwall might feel positively metropolitan compared to the rest of the Orkney, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out, get active, and enjoy the great outdoors here.
Food, drink & crafts
Kirkwall is the base for many members of Orkney’s creative community, including whisky and gin distilleries, traditional furniture makers, and jewellery designers.
Eating out
If you’re looking to sample some of Orkney’s incredible larder then you’ll almost certainly find the perfect location in Kirkwall. The town hosts a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafés, and takeaways, all serving the finest freshly cooked local ingredients.
Use the key below to explore Kirkwall & St Ola with our interactive map.
