Kirkwall Private Walking Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
For this tour you need to take the shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre.
Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago in the north of mainland Scotland.
What to expect – your local guide will take you around Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney, which is situated on the northern coast of mainland Orkney
We will explore St. Magnus Cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus.
Then we will visit two buildings full of history in the heart of Kirkwall: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace. Bishop’s Palace is one of the best - preserved buildings from medieval times.
Once this visit is finished, we will head to Albert Street. Your local guide will meet you up at the meeting point and take you back to the ship.
PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED
MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
Included: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace
Available options
Kirkwall Private Walking Tour
Pickup included
What's included
St. Magnus Cathedral Ticket
Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace Ticket
Private Tour
Professional Local Guide
We guarantee a full refund if you cancel this reservation 30 days prior to the arrival date.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
St. Magnus Cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St magnus.
2
Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace. Bishop’s Palace is one of the best - preserved buildings from medieval times. Earl’s Palace was built to impress with elaborate staircase, the guest chambers and the huge fireplaces.
3
Albert Street a commercial area where you can enjoy some free time either doing some shopping, wandering around the area or simply having a drink
4
Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney, which is situated on the northern coast of mainland Orkney. Kirkwall has many 17th-18th-century houses and other structures in the local vernacular style, characterised by the use of local materials and knowledge.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
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Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the largest town in the Orkney Islands, is a historic and picturesque destination known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich Viking heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. Its strategic location in the North Atlantic makes it a unique blend of Scottish and Nordic cultures.
Top Attractions
St. Magnus Cathedral
A stunning red sandstone cathedral built in the 12th century, dedicated to St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney. It is one of the most important medieval buildings in Scotland.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Earl's Palace
A 16th-century ruin of a palace built by Earl Patrick Stewart, known for its dramatic architecture and historical significance.
Historical
30-45 minutes
Free (donations welcome)
Kirkwall Harbour
A bustling harbor that serves as a gateway to the Orkney Islands, offering ferry services and scenic views.
Cultural
Varies
Free
Highland Park Distillery
A renowned whisky distillery known for its high-quality single malt Scotch whisky, offering tours and tastings.
Cultural
1-2 hours
£10-£20 depending on the tour
Orkney Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing the history and archaeology of Orkney, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Museum
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Skara Brae
A remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village dating back to around 3180 BC, often referred to as the 'Scottish Pompeii'.
Historical
1-2 hours
£10.50 (adult), £6.30 (child)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Orkney Lamb
Tender and flavorful lamb, often roasted or used in stews, known for its high quality and unique taste.
Main Course
Gluten-free, can be prepared to various dietary needs.
Orkney Fudge
A rich and creamy fudge made with local ingredients, often flavored with whisky or seaweed.
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains dairy.
North Atlantic Seafood
Freshly caught seafood, including scallops, mussels, and crab, often served in local restaurants.
Main Course
Gluten-free options available.
Orkney Berries
Locally grown berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, often used in jams, desserts, and preserves.
Dessert
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Wildlife watching
Whisky tasting
Coastal walks
Local spa visits
Visiting museums
Exploring historic sites
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the best time to visit Kirkwall with the warmest weather, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals and events. The landscapes are lush, and the weather is generally more stable.
12°C to 16°C
54°F to 61°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Scots, Orcadian dialect
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) in winter, BST (UTC+1) in summer
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Kirkwall is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when walking alone at night
- • Use reputable taxi services
Getting there
By air
- Kirkwall Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is reliable and affordable, with regular routes connecting Kirkwall to other parts of Orkney.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Local taxi services can be booked by phone
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Harbor Area
Tankerness
Day trips
Stromness
16 km (10 miles) • Half day
A charming town known for its maritime history, picturesque streets, and the nearby Neolithic site of Skara Brae.
Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness
15 km (9 miles) • Half day
Two of Orkney's most famous Neolithic sites, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient past.
Hoy
30 km (18 miles) • Full day
The second-largest island in Orkney, known for its dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and the famous Old Man of Hoy.
Festivals
Orkney International Science Festival • Early September
St. Magnus International Festival • Mid to late June
Orkney Folk Festival • Early May
Pro tips
- Visit the Highland Park Distillery for a unique whisky tasting experience
- Explore the ancient sites of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness
- Try local specialties like Orkney lamb and fresh seafood
- Attend local festivals and events for a taste of Orkney culture
- Use public transport or rent a car to explore the islands efficiently
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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