What to do in Kirkwall

Activities, attractions and tours

St. Magnus Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral
Bishop\'s Palace featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins
Kirkwall showing heritage elements
Kirkwall which includes heritage elements and a house
Kirkwall

Places to Visit in Kirkwall

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Kirkwall, Scotland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Kirkwall attractions from NZ$230, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Kirkwall tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 15 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Kirkwall. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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What to do in Kirkwall

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kirkwall

St. Magnus Cathedral featuring heritage elements, a cemetery and a church or cathedral

St. Magnus Cathedral

Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral.

St. Magnus Cathedral
Earl\'s Palace showing building ruins, heritage elements and a castle

Earl's Palace

Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

Earl's Palace
Bishop\'s Palace featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins

Bishop's Palace

Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase.

Bishop's Palace

Highland Park Distillery

Find out about the history of Kirkwall when you spend time at Highland Park Distillery. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the cathedral while you're in the area.

Highland Park Distillery

Scapa Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Scapa Beach during your trip to Kirkwall? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Scapa Beach

Orkney Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Orkney Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Orkney Museum

Scapa Distillery

You can take time to visit Scapa Distillery during your travels to Kirkwall. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Scapa Distillery

Orkney Wireless Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Orkney Wireless Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Discover the area's museums and cathedral.

Orkney Wireless Museum

Mill Sand

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Mill Sand during your trip to Kirkwall? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Mill Sand

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Kirkwall

Photo "Orphir" by Ian Balcombe (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Ian Balcombe (CC BY-SA)

Orphir

Photo "Harray" by Mark Crook (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mark Crook (CC BY-SA)

Harray

Photo "Toab" by C Michael Hogan (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by C Michael Hogan (CC BY-SA)

Toab

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural attractions or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Kirkwall.
How do I spend a day in Kirkwall?
Kick your day off with a visit to Balfour Castle and Scapa Beach. Then, check out other parts of Kirkwall for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall?
The top tourist attraction in Kirkwall is Balfour Castle, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Kirkwall?
If you just want to see the leading sights, three days is more than enough time for a getaway in Kirkwall. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Kirkwall with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Kirkwall with kids.

What to do in Kirkwall for adults?
Highland Park Distillery and Orkney Wine Company are just a few of the things to do in Kirkwall. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kirkwall?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Kirkwall. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Scapa Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.