Scotland

Orkney Historic Buildings and properties

Bishop’s Palace   The Bishop's Palace is a 12th century hall house, with a tower built in the mid 1500's. You can ascend the tower for wonderful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Kirkwall. Directly opposite is the 17th century Earl's Palace. Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW15 1PD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: In the centre of Kirkwall, opposite St Magnus Cathedral. Tickets from the Earl's Palace. Website: Bishop’s Palace Phone: 01856 871 918 Historic Scotland Location map OS HY448 108 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Churchill Barriers   One of the great feats of civil engineering in history; the Churchill Barriers are a series of causeways linking South Ronaldsay to Mainland. They were erected during World War II to prevent the passage of German submarines into Scapa Flow, used as a naval base by the British. The causeways contain a total of half a million cubic yards of rock and over 300,000 tons of concrete. St Margaret's Hope, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: The barriers are located along the A961 road between St Margaret's Hope and Mainland. There are numerous parking spots along the way. OS ND480995 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Earl's Palace   The extensive remains of one of the finest examples of post-medieval architecture in Scotland, located beside the Cathedral and opposite the old Bishop's Palace. The Earl's Palace was built by Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600, using forced labour to create a grand residence in French Renaissance style. Stewart was executed in 1615 and the palace passed to the Bishops of Orkney. A must see for visitors to Orkney! Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW15 1PD Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: In the centre of Kirkwall opposite St Magnus Cathedral. Free parking at Kirkwall harbour (5 minutes walk) Website: Earl's Palace Phone: 01856 871 918 Historic Scotland Location map OS HY448 108 Photo Credit: David Ross and Breitain Express

Earl's Palace   Remains of a 16th century residence on the shores of Birsay Bay, built by Earl Robert Stewart. Extensive walls still stand, though not to any great height. Earl Robert was known for his harsh treatment of his people, and may have used forced labour to build his palace. The house was constructed around a courtyard, and several ranges of buildings around the inner yard can still be seen. The location is as impressive as the palace itself; the views across to the Brough of Birsay are superb. Birsay, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: In Birsay village, off the A966. Ample parking on the side of the roadway. Website: Earl's Palace Phone: 01856 721205 Historic Scotland OS HY 248 277 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Kitchener Memorial   In 1916 the HMS Hampshire sank off Marwick Head in mysterious circumstances. Among those who lost their lives was Lord Kitchener, minister of war at that time. Kitchener was said to be on a secret mission to Russia. A memorial was erected in honour of Kitchener and the others who lost their lives aboard the Hampshire. No access to the memorial itself, but the walks along the cliffs are spectacular. Marwick Head is also an RSPB nature reserve, home to razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and an occassional puffin. Marwick Head, Birsay, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Parking in a small parking lot at the bottom of the hill, off the minor road from Birsay. OS HY228251 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Rendall Doocot   A striking doocot (dovecote) which has been restored. The design is best described as similar to a wedding cake, rising in concentric layers. The doocot is still used by local birds, so please be careful not to alarm the birds when approaching the building. Hall of Rendall, Rendall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland Attraction Type: Historic Property Location: Down a small lane, accessed off the A966. The doocot is signposted and there is a small parking area, with a very short walk to the doocot. OS HY422000 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Orkney Attractions by type
All attractions (big page!)
Ancient/Prehistoric
Museums
Historic Properties
Countryside
Historic Churches