Orkney Museum

Kirkwall


This labyrinthine display in a former merchant’s house gives an overview of Orcadian history and prehistory, including Pictish carvings and a display on the ba’. Most engaging are the last rooms, covering 19th- and 20th-century social history.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kirkwall attractions

1. St Magnus Cathedral

0.04 MILES

Constructed from local red sandstone, Kirkwall's centrepiece, dating from the early 12th century, is among Scotland's most interesting cathedrals. The…

2. Bishop's Palace

0.05 MILES

Right opposite St Magnus Cathedral, the ruined but attractive Bishop’s Palace was built in the mid-12th century for Bishop William the Old. There’s a good…

3. Earl's Palace

0.09 MILES

The intriguing Earl’s Palace was once known as the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. One room features an interesting history…

4. Orkney Wireless Museum

0.21 MILES

This curious little museum is jam-packed with old radios and war memorabilia. Mostly local in character, it's an impressive collection.

5. Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin

0.22 MILES

Opened in 2018, this distillery and visitor centre on the waterfront is a new showcase for this tasty Orkney spirit. Tours run for an hour and include an…

6. Highland Park Distillery

0.92 MILES

This distillery, South of Kirkwall's centre, is great to visit. Despite a dodgy Viking rebrand, it's a serious distillery that malts its own barley; see…

7. Scapa

1.51 MILES

Two miles south of Kirkwall's centre, on the shores of Scapa Flow, this is one of two Orcadian whisky distilleries and, though less famous than Highland…

8. Mine Howe

4.91 MILES

On a farm at Tankerness, the mysterious Iron Age site of Mine Howe is an eerie underground chamber, about 1.5m in diameter and 4m high. Its function is…