Orkney Islands Accommodation

St Magnus Cathedral towering over Kirkwall town centre

Orkney Ferries depart from Kirkwall harbour

Ferries to the Orkneys also run to the ferry terminal just outside the town centre

Shopping in Kirkwall town centre

Kirkwall Airport a short drive to the east of the town

Kirkwall Tourist Information Centre

Kirkwall still retains its traditional character

Kirkwall Tourist Information Ferries Kirkwall Airport Orkney Islands B&B Accommodation

Being the main town on Mainland Orkney Kirkwall has plenty of accommodation options as well as a town centre full of shops, cafes, restaurants. There are several sights not to be missed in the town such as the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral around which the town grew and for malt whisky lovers, the Highland Park Distillery on the outskirts of town.

It is also a main transport hub with ferries and buses linking Kirwall to the rest of the Orkney Islands. The main airport for the Orkneys is also near Kirkwall just a few miles east of the town.

Kirkwall Orkney Tourist Information

Kirkwall is the main town for the Orkney Isles and is situated on the eastern side of Mainland, the largest island of the Orkney Isles. Kirkwall is a functional centre with high street chain stores, independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and a supermarket. Check the link right for a downloadable map for Kirkwall. The town is also served by a harbour where ferries to Shapinsay, Westray, Stronsay and Sanday depart and the main ferry terminal for ferries from Aberdeen is just two miles from the town centre.

The huge red sandstone cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral, pinpoints the town centre and can be seen from anywhere in and around Kirkwall. Just along from the cathedral is the Tourist Information Office in Kirkwall Visitor Information Centre, 6 Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1NX. Tel:01856 872856. Fax: 01856 875056. Email: info@visitorkney.com.

Orkney is well geared up for tourists and produce a huge amount of useful leaflets on every aspect of Orkney - ancient historic sites, World War II history, wildlife, walking, arts and crafts and shop trails, and so on. The helpful, friendly staff are well worth consulting to narrow down the information you require.

Buses shuttle ferry passengers from Stromness and Burwick on South Ronaldsay to Kirkwall. The journey takes about 45 minutes. If you're arriving by plane the airport is only 3 miles to the east of Kirkwall and is about a 5 minute drive. There are regular bus services to and from Kirkwall or for more freedom it's easy to hire a car. Check our page on car hire in the Orkneys for more information.

Kirkwall Airport Flights to Orkney

Kirkwall Airport is 3 miles east of Kirkwall itself. Scheduled flights largely by Loganair/British Airways to and from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Sumburgh on Shetland are serviced by Kirkwall Airport. Inter-island flights are also available serving Eday, PapaWestray, Westray, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, Stronsay. These are operated by Loganair who can be contacted on tel: 01856 872494 or by checking the "Scheduled Flight Finder" on the Highland Airways website. The flight between Papa Westray and Westray is the shortest scheduled flight in the world lasting a mere 2-3 minutes!

There is a shop, bar and caf in the main terminal building selling souvenirs and refreshments. Payphones are found throughout the terminal. There are two televisions in the main terminal building and in the departure lounge. Broadband is available in the terminal building for a fee.

There are disabled facilities including toilets and wheelchairs. Ambulift facilities are available to assist passengers with impaired mobility during embarkation and disembarkation from aircraft and there are ramp facilities at the entrance. If you require assistance make any necessary arrangements prior to arriving at the airport either through your flight operator or by contacting the airport administration staff on telephone: 01856 886210.

The terminal building is open Mon-Fri 6.15am-7.45pm, Sat 6.15am-6.45pm and Sun 9am-7.45pm. Charter flights can also be arranged from Kirkwall direct. Loganair 01856 872420 or Tayflite Executive Air Charter. Tel: 01738 550088. Fax: 01738 553542.

Northlink Ferries to Kirkwall Orkney

Northlink Ferries' car passenger service from Aberdeen to Lerwick in Shetland stops off at Kirkwall four times a week between April to October.

The journey from Aberdeen to Kirkwall takes 6 hours. The new terminal for the ferry is actually 2 miles out of town at Hatson. Check their website, link right, for journey times and prices. It is best to check for the latest sailing information for Kirkwall direct in case departure or arrival times have changed on Tel: 0845 6000 449.

Most other ferry connections arriving in Stromness or Burwick on South Ronaldsay connect to Kirkwall via bus.

Orkney Ferries Inter-Island Ferries

It is tempting to try and visit islands in a day trip. In reality this is often difficult as the earlier and later sailings get booked up quickly as the ferries can only take up to 12 cars and 91 passengers. To fully explore the islands you invariably need you're your own car as public transport can be limited and there are few services on the islands themselves. It is far better to at least stay overnight on the islands and make sure you book your ferry crossing well in advance, even before you arrive in Orkney - staff manning the booking office can be a bit thin on the ground if you're trying to organise ferry trips once you arrive in Orkney.

Check the Orkney Ferry website for up-to-date timetables and prices. An online booking system is being developed but for the moment you are better ringing up or emailing your booking enquiry. Shore Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1LG. Tel: 01856 872044 Fax: 01856 872921. Email:info@orkneyferries.co.uk

Orkney Ferries run services from Kirkwall to most of the larger Orkney Islands including Shapinsay, Westray, Stronsay and Sanday. The Shapinsay Ferry leaves Kirkwall harbour from the slipway on the west side of Kirkwall's pier near the lifeboat station. There are around six sailings during the week in the summer with fewer in winter. The journey takes around 25 minutes and lands at Balfour, Shapinsay's main village.

Ferry crossings to Stronsay, Sanday and Westray vary during the week so consult the most up-to-date timetables for timings. Sailings may not serve the islands every day of the week. Again space is limited so it is best to book journeys well in advance. Check the Orkney Ferries website for up-to-date information.

Bike Hire Orkney Islands

Crossing to Orkney and its islands by ferry and exploring them by bike appears to be an attractive way to travel. Be warned though - cycling can be difficult on the Orkney Islands as their exposed and undulating nature means they're subject to strong winds and the hills which at first sight might seem relatively flat are actually long and gradual which can make it hard going. However, if you're not put off you can hire bikes at the following places:

Paterson's Cycle Centre Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, Orkney, Tel: 01856 873097

Orkney Cycle Hire 54 Dundas Street, Stromness, Orkney, Tel: 01856 850255

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