Kirkwall Trip

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Things to do in Kirkwall

Shopping

In Kirkwall, visit the Orcadian Gift Shop for local crafts and souvenirs. For more extensive shopping, if you're up for a drive, head to St. Nicholas Shopping Centre in Aberdeen, where you'll find a range of high street brands and unique boutiques.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at The Orkney Wellness Centre, offering soothing treatments and holistic therapies. Enjoy scenic walks around the historic St. Magnus Cathedral, or unwind at the nearby Kirkwall Harbour, perfect for leisurely strolls while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Adventure

Explore the ancient sites of Orkney by taking a guided tour to the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, where you can immerse yourself in history and stunning landscapes. For a thrill, try sea kayaking around the coastline, experiencing the beauty of Orkney from the water.

Nightlife

Experience Kirkwall's nightlife at venues like The Reel and The Orkney Brewery, where friendly locals gather for live music and local brews. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, perfect for socialising and enjoying the unique charm of Orkney's capital.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Kirkwall

Kirkwall, Scotland, is perfect for a culture-themed vacation with outdoor and beach activities. Explore historic sites, ruins, and castles, while enjoying the romantic atmosphere. Key attractions include the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall Harbour, and stunning views of Kirkwall Bay. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences or picturesque landscapes, Kirkwall offers a delightful blend for every traveller.

  • St. Magnus Cathedral: A stunning example of Norman architecture, this cathedral boasts intricate stone carvings and vibrant stained glass. Its serene atmosphere is perfect for reflection, while its rich history dating back to the 12th century offers a glimpse into Orkney's cultural heritage.
  • Orkney Wireless Museum: This unique museum showcases the fascinating history of wireless technology, featuring vintage radios and telecommunication equipment. Engaging exhibits highlight the significance of Orkney in the development of communications, making it a delightful educational experience.
  • Balfour Castle: Nestled in picturesque surroundings, this romantic castle is steeped in history. With its stunning gardens and enchanting architecture, Balfour Castle provides a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and offers a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of the past.

Best time to go to Kirkwall

The best time to visit Kirkwall can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kirkwall falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kirkwall falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June52.0°F (11.1°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Kirkwall

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Kirkwall.
  • Consider traveling to Kirkwall during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Kirkwall

The Ayre Hotel

The Ayre Hotel

Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹14,202
₹17,042 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (261 reviews)
"Hotel was great"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

The Ayre Hotel
Albert Hotel

Albert Hotel

Mounthoolie Lane Kirkwall Scotland
₹19,589
₹23,506 total
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Albert Hotel
The Shore

The Shore

Shore Street Kirkwall Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹13,845
₹27,584 total
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.2/10 Very good! (187 reviews)
"Very nice accommodation, I have stayed before so I knew what i was doing into, I will be back."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2026

The Shore
See all 173 properties in Kirkwall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kirkwall attractions

A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.

St. Magnus Cathedral

9.4/10 (104 reviews)
Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral.
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An ancient stone building with arched windows and a tower in the background.

Earl's Palace

8.6/10 (46 reviews)
Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland.
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A historic stone castle surrounded by lush green trees.

Bishop's Palace

8.6/10 (44 reviews)
Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase.
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Highland Park Distillery

9.4/10 (18 reviews)
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.
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Orkney Museum

9.8/10 (16 reviews)
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.
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Orkney Wireless Museum

10.0/10 (4 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Orkney Wireless Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Discover the area's museums and cathedral.
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Scapa Beach

9.6/10 (14 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Scapa Beach during your trip to Kirkwall? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.
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Scapa Distillery

6.0/10 (1 review)
You can take time to visit Scapa Distillery during your travels to Kirkwall. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Kirkwall holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Kirkwall getaway. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will influence how much your holiday to Kirkwall costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Kirkwall?
To pick up cheap Kirkwall holiday packages, organise your trip outside of peak periods like public holidays and major festivals. You'll typically find better availability and lower prices when it's less busy.
How many days is enough for Kirkwall?
Generally, a handful of days is enough to tick off the main attractions during your Kirkwall holiday. However, if you prefer to have time to relax or take day trips, think about extending your trip.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Kirkwall?
Kirkwall has everything you need for a wonderful getaway. Begin your Kirkwall holiday on a high note by checking out popular attractions like Orkney Museum.
How to find the best Kirkwall package deals?
Start your search for a Kirkwall package deal by entering your destination and preferred trip dates under our "Packages" tab. Then add a few filters, like "Property type" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the perfect Kirkwall package deal right away, simply switch up your dates and search again. Remember that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Kirkwall getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Kirkwall holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Bundle your hotel, car rental and flight into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll usually snag a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the freedom to create a tailored Kirkwall holiday by choosing your favourite type of stay, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Kirkwall?
Enjoy amazing discounts by reserving your flights early with Expedia. If spontaneity is more your style, grab one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Kirkwall escape.
How to plan a trip to Kirkwall?
  1. Choose the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to go to Kirkwall.
  2. Plan your budget wisely: In addition to the price of your stay, you'll need to consider other expenses. These include flights, food and transportation. Also, set aside some extra funds for unexpected costs that may arise during your trip to Kirkwall.
  3. Decide your trip length: Consider how long you'd like to spend exploring Kirkwall. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the attractions and experiences you're interested in at a comfortable pace.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a customised Kirkwall holiday package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.