Kirkwall, Scotland – Port Details and 3 Options When You Have Limited Port Time!
Kirkwall, the largest town in the Orkney Islands, may not have an endless list of attractions, but it certainly has its quirks and charms—especially if you're short on time. We scouted the town and gathered the essential details for those who want a bit of freedom mixed with unique experiences. Here’s our guide, packed with three great options for making the most of your time in this charming Scottish town.
Kirkwall: An Overview
Nestled at the northern tip of Scotland, Kirkwall offers some incredible Neolithic sites within a short drive. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and Skara Brae—some of the best-preserved and most famous prehistoric sites in Europe. Kirkwall itself has plenty to see, from historic landmarks to quirky local shops, making it a fascinating place to explore.
The port, Kirkwall Orkney Hatston, is located about 5 minutes from the town center, and it’s a straightforward no-frills setup that serves regional ferries. Despite its simplicity, the port is equipped with a funky gangway and free Wi-Fi, though there are no restrooms in this area. If you're not on an arranged tour, the port's free shuttle buses are the best way to get to the town center. These shuttles run regularly and are spacious, comfortable, and even accommodate those with disabilities.
Kirkwall Town Center: A Compact & Walkable Spot
Once you reach the Visit Scotland Kirkwall iCentre, you'll be greeted with a wealth of information. Staff provide helpful bus schedules, and the center even offers some tourist shopping and decent bathrooms. From here, you can catch buses to various Neolithic sites, including Skara Brae. However, the bus option requires patience as you’ll need to deal with specific schedules, wait times, and stops along the way. A round-trip to Skara Brae costs about £12-14, and payment is made directly on the bus.
For car rental, there are two offices just outside the iCentre, and a bike rental shop is nearby. If you prefer a more active mode of transportation, there are also several taxi services offering island tours.
The heart of Kirkwall is compact and walkable, so if you’re short on time, it’s easy to see the main attractions. Albert Street is a great place to explore, with shopping, food, and a Boots pharmacy, plus a variety of ATMs. A quick walk down Castle Street leads you to St Magnus Cathedral, founded by Vikings in the 12th century, as well as the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces and the Orkney Museum, which focuses on the island’s rich archaeological history.
Must-Do Activities in Kirkwall
Two things really stood out to us during our time in town:
1. The Orkney Wireless Museum
Just a 5-minute walk up Junction Road, the Orkney Wireless Museum is a quirky, fun spot filled with fascinating historical electronics and wireless equipment—many of which were used in classified military service during WWII. It’s a nostalgic trip through time, and for a donation, it’s worth spending about 30 minutes to explore and even play with some of the gadgets.
2. Albert Street’s Food and Shopping Scene
Albert Street isn’t just for shopping—it's also a food lover’s paradise. While you can check out second-hand stores or pick up whisky from Highland Park, it’s the food that steals the show. The Brig Larder has some of the most unique products we’ve seen anywhere, especially Orkney cheese. If you love trying local flavors, this store is a must-visit. You’ll also find traditional savory pies, perfect for lunch or a snack on the go.
Three Suggested Options for DIY Travelers
Now that we’ve scouted the town, we have three options for how you can spend your time in Kirkwall:
Option One: Rent a Car
If you want maximum time efficiency and the ability to explore at your own pace, renting a car is your best bet. The car rental offices are conveniently located near the iCentre. With a car, you can easily visit multiple Neolithic sites without being tied to a bus schedule. After touring, you can return the car and still have time to visit the Wireless Museum and pick up some unique food from the Brig Larder. If you prefer, you can even grab food from Albert Street and make a picnic out of it.
Option Two: Take the Bus, but Pick One Destination
If you’d prefer to stick with public transportation, opt for the bus—but choose just one destination. Skara Brae is the most popular and iconic of the Neolithic sites, and visiting it will give you a good taste of the island’s ancient history. After your visit, head back to town for a trip to the Wireless Museum and a snack at the Brig Larder.
Option Three: Rent a Bike
For the more active traveler, renting a bike is a great way to explore both the town and the surrounding areas. Kirkwall has mostly flat roads, making it perfect for cycling to Neolithic sites or taking a scenic ride around the town. The bike rental shop is friendly and offers plenty of support for picking out routes. We recommend checking out bike routes on bikemap.net, which has specific paths for Kirkwall.
Should You Just Stroll the Town?
While strolling around Kirkwall’s main town area is enjoyable, we wouldn’t recommend it as the best option for a limited visit. While we did take a leisurely walk to cover the basics for this post, we missed out on the Neolithic sites—which, given their historical significance, we regretted not exploring more.
Final Thoughts
If we could do it again, we’d rent a car, load up on food from Albert Street, and tour the island at our own pace. This would give us the flexibility to see the Neolithic sites, enjoy the local food, and still have time for quirky finds like the Wireless Museum.