Kirkwall, Orkneys
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Ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history resonate here in the capital of the Orkneys.
Kirkwall feels more Scandinavian than Scottish: in fact the name comes from the Norse for “Church Bay”. The church in question is the 11th century Church of Saint Olaf of Norway. St Magnus Cathedral in the town was founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by the Norseman Earl (later Saint) Rögnvald Kali.
The Cathedral has been restored over recent years and the work is still continuing. It’s well worth visiting, as are the nearby ruins of the former Bishop’s Palace, dating from the middle of the 12th century, and Earl’s Palace, said to have been the finest Renaissance building in Scotland. Kirkwall has two excellent museums as well: Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century town-house, has historical collections of major importance; while the Orkney Wireless Museum has comprehensive displays about the history of radio.
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- TOUR A - SKARA BRAE & SKAILL HOUSE
- Kirkwall, Orkneys, United Kingdom
On this scenic circular tour we will explore the beautiful west mainland, location of one of the greatest concentrations of pre-historic, World Heritage sites in Great Britain.
- TOUR B - SOUTH ISLAND & DISTILLERY TOUR
- Kirkwall, Orkneys, United Kingdom
This excursion combines the scenic southern Orkney Islands, linked by causeways, some fascinating traces of World War II, and a visit to the northernmost whisky distillery in Scotland.
- TOUR E - ORKNEY ISLAND TOUR
- Kirkwall, Orkneys, United Kingdom
During this scenic circular tour we explore areas containing some of the most spectacular wildlife and places of botanical interest in the British Isles – amid some of its most rugged and forbidding landscape.
- TOUR D - KIRKWALL WALKING TOUR
- Kirkwall, Orkneys, United Kingdom
This is a tour for people who like to walk and explore old towns on foot at a leisurely pace and there is a chance to visit some of the most fascinating architectural sites on the Orkney Isles.
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