Kirkwall. Located in the heart of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall is a charming town that’s rich in history and culture. The town’s main attraction is the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, which boasts stunning architecture and a fascinating history. You can also visit the Earl’s Palace, a Renaissance masterpiece that’s now a ruin. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the scenic landscapes, taking a stroll along the coast, and watching the wildlife. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Kirkwall offers a unique experience that’s sure to delight you.
Independence is very much the theme here, with the town centers in Kirkwall and Stromness supporting a wonderful variety of businesses, covering everything from food and drink to jewelry, arts, crafts, fashion, and more.
You’ll find large chain stores such as Tesco, Lidl, Boots, and Superdrugs here, as well as most high street banks. But these larger shops are vastly outnumbered by excellent local options, full of hardworking and talented owners providing excellent service to the local community and visitors alike.
Outwith our larger towns, you’ll find thriving communities with excellent well-stocked shops with everything you can imagine, from groceries to toys, and hardware to fishing equipment. Shops in our islands are real treasure troves too and are famed for their incredibly varied selections.
Orkney is also home to busy cafes, hotels and restaurants too. Explore our listings below to sample some of Orkney’s shopping experiences for yourself.
The Peedie Sea is a special part of Kirkwall and the area offers a unique birdwatching opportunity in a relatively urban setting.
There aren’t many town centres that feature this kind of green, wildlife-friendly space alongside other sites, shops and supermarkets. But the Peedie Sea is a haven for wildlife, with otters seen in the area and a fantastic array of birdlife. Winter brings long-tailed ducks, mallards, mute swans, tufted ducks, goldeneyes, and more. You can see redshanks and ringed plovers in the area too, as well as the ubiquitous gulls. Keep a close eye on these flocks as you might even be able to spot a rare visitor, like an Iceland or glaucous gull
