The medieval St. Magnus Cathedral towers over Kirkwall's cobbled streets, where you'll find Highland Park distillery tours and Viking artifacts at the museum. Ferries depart for day trips to Orkney's ancient sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar standing stones.
What a lovely stay! Albert and Aileen run a beautiful B&B - spotless, quiet, and so conveniently located. Albert was very helpful, offering to answer any questions even after we checked out. We also got to meet their dog which was very welcome after nearly two weeks away from our own.
I’m not usually a B&B person but I would definitely stay again. And I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to give it a try.
What a lovely stay! Albert and Aileen run a beautiful B&B - spotless, quiet, and so conveniently located. Albert was very helpful, offering to answer any questions even after we checked out. We also got to meet their dog which was very welcome after nearly two weeks away from our own.
I’m not usually a B&B person but I would definitely stay again. And I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to give it a try.
Holly
Reviewed November 5, 2026Reviewed November 5, 2026
We spent 3 nights at Karrawa House in mid April. The room was as described. My bed was super comfy. Our hosts were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was exceptional.
Would stay there again and would definitely recommend the place.
We spent 3 nights at Karrawa House in mid April. The room was as described. My bed was super comfy. Our hosts were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was exceptional.
Would stay there again and would definitely recommend the place.
Lovely room. Breakfast was fantastc. Hostess Debra helpful. Lovely common room with good selection of Orcadian history, bird watching and ancient sites. Mainland Orkney is an amazing place. Too much to see, too little time. Should have spent a week there. Strommness does nothave many food choices..
Lovely room. Breakfast was fantastc. Hostess Debra helpful. Lovely common room with good selection of Orcadian history, bird watching and ancient sites. Mainland Orkney is an amazing place. Too much to see, too little time. Should have spent a week there. Strommness does nothave many food choices..
The manager Bryce gave us excellent recommendations for dights to see at the south end of the island and where to park on a weekend in Kirkwall. Such a unique setting and quiet.
The manager Bryce gave us excellent recommendations for dights to see at the south end of the island and where to park on a weekend in Kirkwall. Such a unique setting and quiet.
Wayne was very accommodating. He greeted us on entering the driveway and offered us kickstand pucks to keep us from sinking in the gravel. He was very friendly and suggested places to go.
Thank you.
Wayne was very accommodating. He greeted us on entering the driveway and offered us kickstand pucks to keep us from sinking in the gravel. He was very friendly and suggested places to go.
Thank you.
Kim
Reviewed September 17, 2026Reviewed September 17, 2026
We loved the tour of the facility and our room. Help with parking was so useful for ease of getting out of the lot. My wife needed medicine kept cold and ice packs frozen and had no issues having this done for us. Because we were leaving before breakfast a to go meal was provided for us.
We loved the tour of the facility and our room. Help with parking was so useful for ease of getting out of the lot. My wife needed medicine kept cold and ice packs frozen and had no issues having this done for us. Because we were leaving before breakfast a to go meal was provided for us.
William
Reviewed September 2, 2026Reviewed September 2, 2026
Wonderful place. The staff are incredibly kind and friendly. The room had everything we needed. The restaurant was superb - a great choice for dinner. The only gripe was that it was a little hard to find - Main Street isn't terribly main.
Wonderful place. The staff are incredibly kind and friendly. The room had everything we needed. The restaurant was superb - a great choice for dinner. The only gripe was that it was a little hard to find - Main Street isn't terribly main.
We were very lucky because both times we parked at the hotel, we got one of the 2 slots in front of the hotel, so we didn't have to try and find the additional parking lot, but the staff did give us a map to find it. Keep in mind that there is no lift, so depending on your floor you need to carry your bags up. The 23kg bag was not much fun to take up and then down 2 flights of stairs. The food for breakfast was very good whether the cereal/yogurt/fruit or the from the menu. The staff in the...
We were very lucky because both times we parked at the hotel, we got one of the 2 slots in front of the hotel, so we didn't have to try and find the additional parking lot, but the staff did give us a map to find it. Keep in mind that there is no lift, so depending on your floor you need to carry your bags up. The 23kg bag was not much fun to take up and then down 2 flights of stairs. The food for breakfast was very good whether the cereal/yogurt/fruit or the from the menu. The staff in the...
What's it like to stay at an apartment in Kirkwall?
There are 8 apartments to choose from in Kirkwall for your stay. Any visit to a new destination can be a culinary trip so why not visit the local bars?
How do you know if an apartment is the best choice for your stay?
An apartment comes equipped with a kitchen, so you can cook some of your meals, and is often more spacious than a traditional hotel room. Apartments are a good option for solo travelers who want to live like locals, and also for families wanting the conveniences of home.
What's the best apartment I should consider for a stay in Kirkwall?
Castleyards Apartment 1: Includes free WiFi and separate dining areas. Free parking and onsite laundry facilities are on site. Castleyards Apartment 12: Includes laundry facilities, free WiFi, and separate dining areas. Access to free parking is available on site.
How many apartments should I expect to find in Kirkwall?
Expedia has 8 apartments to book in Kirkwall.
What can I expect from the weather during my trip to Kirkwall?
Weather is only one factor, but it can really affect your travel plans, especially when you're planning an extended stay in Kirkwall. The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 55°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 44°F. Average annual precipitation for Kirkwall is 43 inches.
What should I see and do in Kirkwall?
Kirkwall is known for its bars. Enjoy the outdoors at Scapa Beach and Peedie Sea, or simply take in cultural attractions like Orkney Museum and Orkney Wireless Museum. Other places in town to visit include Highland Park Distillery and The Orkney Library & Archive.
What's the best way to get to and around Kirkwall?
Knowing a bit about the transportation options can make your trip smoother when you get to your destination. Fly into Kirkwall (KOI), which is located 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away from the city center. If you'd like to explore around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.