Kirkwall Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Stevekeiretsu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; arko roy, Zdenka, Monika und Coolio R, Vilivoker · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United Kingdom
- Region:
- British Isles
- Coordinates:
- 58.9811° N, 2.9600° W
About Kirkwall
Kirkwall stands as the principal port in the British Isles, serving as the gateway to Orkney's rich history and culture. Located approximately 210 miles north of Edinburgh, 221 miles north-northeast of Glasgow, and 124 miles north-northwest of Aberdeen, this historic royal burgh had a population of 7,390 in 2022, making it the largest town in Orkney.
The port itself sits within easy reach of several significant attractions. St Magnus Cathedral stands at the heart of Kirkwall, just steps from the waterfront, whilst The Orkney Museum is equally accessible. For those seeking outdoor experiences, Scapa Beach lies 2.3 km away, offering coastal views and recreational opportunities.
What to explore in Kirkwall
Beyond the immediate port area, visitors can discover archaeological treasures including Wideford Hill Cairn, Grain Earth House and Rennibister Earth House, all within a few kilometres of the town centre. Further afield, The Gloup, located 14.5 km from the port, provides dramatic natural scenery for those with time to venture further into the Orkney archipelago.
Kirkwall's position as a cruise destination connects naturally with other ports including Amsterdam, Belfast, Cherbourg and Cork, making it part of broader itineraries throughout the region.
Kirkwall is a port town and historic royal burgh in Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. It is approximately 210 miles north of Edinburgh, 221 miles north-northeast of Glasgow, and 124 miles north-northwest of Aberdeen. It had a population of 7,390 in 2022, making it the largest town in Orkney.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Kirkwall on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: St Magnus Cathedral · via Google Maps Church
St Magnus Cathedral
4.7 (2,346) 0.0 km from port
Soaring, multi-hued sandstone originally founded by the Vikings, Britain's most northerly cathedral.
Near: Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces (65 m) · Strynd Nursery (74 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “An absolute must see. One of the best cathedrals I’ve seen in a long time. Built in the 12 century…” — Corbett Fertig
- 5 · “Impressive sandstone building. Massive pillars inside. A long history. We found two CWGC war graves, but there may have been…” — Chris F
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Photo: Wendies Cards · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Scapa Beach
4.7 (613) 2.3 km from port
Near: Some Good Cuppa (36 m) · Orkney Sea Cadets (47 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Great beach ⛱️ would definitely recommend...very shallow water and easy access.There is now a takeaway coffee and cake van there…” — Ellen Kesterton
- 5 · “Lovely deserted beach with view of the spaceport” — Andy Hall
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Photo: Samantha Davies · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
The Gloup
4.7 (446) 14.5 km from port
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “If you're into geology, or amazing vistas, this is the place! The sea was calm when we visited, but it…” — Susan Devey
- 5 · “Not too far a walk from The Mull Head carpark. Great natural sea cave, stunning views and wildlife.” — Barbara Bowen
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Photo: The Orkney Museum · via Google Maps Museum
The Orkney Museum
4.6 (240) 0.1 km from port
Exhibits & artefacts on the area's history from the Stone Age to present day in a 1570s townhouse.
Near: Judith Glue (24 m) · Kirkwall & St Ola Community Centre (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “So much info packed into this museum, allow plenty of time! Did recommend to them a one way system though…” — Abi Rickards
- 5 · “A wonderful small museum that offers a great introduction to Orkney’s fascinating history. The exhibits are thoughtfully presented, and I…” — Grace Xiao
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Archaeological site
Wideford Hill Cairn
4.6 (77) 4.2 km from port
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Great day! Rented an ebike and took it up to Wideford. The self guided tour is cool. Loved it! Best…” — Cathal Flynn-Post
- 5 · “There is parking that involves a trek across the side of the hill to get to the site (c. 15mins…” — Peter Moore
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Historical landmark
Grain Earth House
4.3 (58) 1.1 km from port
Near: Jollys of Orkney (77 m) · Bayview Garage (190 m)
- 5 · “Free to visit, was open when we got there, so we didn't need to pick up the keys. Interesting place…” — Lenka Weingartová
- 5 · “A great option for people who want to see one of the prehistoric, underground buildings in Orkney but don't want…” — Emily Bell
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Historical landmark
Rennibister Earth House
4.3 (54) 5.5 km from port
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Loved seeing this, great to be able to get inside and see what it was like. Very good sign board…” — Lisa Cunningham
- 5 · “We popped into the rennibister earth house on the way to our tour of maeshowe. A very thought provoking site.…” — Laura Nickel
Map of Kirkwall and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Kirkwall
Deals update daily — see all British Isles cruises.
