Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago of islands some 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland.

Get in

By plane

Loganair[1], a subsidiary of British Airways fly to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and the Shetland Islands from Kirkwall's airport.

Local routes also connect the other Orkney Islands to Kirkwall.

By boat

Northlink Ferries[2] travel several times a week during the night between Kirkwall and Lerwick and Aberdeen. The Northlink terminal is about 20 minutes walk from the town centre, although there is a connecting bus for the sailings.

Orkney Ferries[3] link Kirkwall at least daily with Eday, Sanday, Stonsay, North Ronaldsay and Westray. Several ferries a day go to and from Shapinsay, but only a couple a week to Papa Westray. The fery port is right in the town centre.

By bus

Frequent Orkney Buses (part of Rapsons[4]) link Kirkwall with Stromness, passing the neolithic sights at Stenness. Buses also go West to Tingwall and Birsay and South to St Margaret's Hope and Burwick (in summer). The bus station has left luggage facilities and is close to the town centre.

Get around

See

• St Magnus Cathedral. Founded in 1137, this impressive red sandstone cathedral has an atmoshperic interior, dominated by red circular columns and multi-coloured textile hangings.
• Bishop's Palace & Earl's Palace £2. Opposite the cathedral, these red ruins are a worthwhile visit.
• Highland Park Distillery Holm Road 01856 874619, £3. Ten minutes walk from the centre. Regular tours during the spring and summer around the distillery, including a free sample.

Do

Buy

Kirkwall has a good range of craft shops, One of Orkney's specialities. Also look out for the local Orkney Fudge.

• Ortak Jewllery
• Longship - a good crafts shop.

Eat

• Strynd Tearoom The Strynd 01856 871552. A cosy tearoom in an alley beside the cathedral, good cakes.
• St Magnus Cafe Broad St 01856 871552. Popular cafe opposite the cathedral.
• Harbour Fry 3 Bridge Street 01865 873170. Tasty fish & chips.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

• Kirkwall Youth Hostel[5] Old Scape Road 01856 872243. 10 minutes walk from the centre, the hostel buildings are showing their age (wartime prefabs), but good facilities and small rooms.

Moderate

Get out

• Shapinsay - take a boat across the harbour to the peaceful island, with a good restaurant
• Stenness - the heart of neolithic Orkney.
• Stromness - atmospheric old fishing port.