The Bishop's palace in Kirkwall is located just across the road from St Magnus cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall, but it's a world away in terms of interest. Some rooms simply have a small plaque simply saying what it was others do have an interpretation board. The entrance kiosk is unmanned from 1-2pm so anyone visiting then simply wanders... More

Two sections to visit. The main Palace is right opposite St Magnus Cathedral. Kids get a quiz which keeps them occupid in trying to find different rooms and information contained on the Info boards in each room. We have visited several times and thoroughly recommend it.

Small building but with wonderful balcony that overlooks St. Magnus. You get an excellent eye level viewing of the upper stories with their wonderful carvings and gargoyles.

A fine building and a very knowledgeable curator on behalf of Historic Scotland.

I have visited this building twice and would visit again, but I wish in some ways that they would do a Stirling Castle type rennovation to it as I would love to get more of a feel for how the place was when it was lived in. It is such a grand home and would really benefit from being roofed... More

Right in the middle of town the old ruins just pop up like another storefront until you start exploring them. This and the earls palace are must see sights

Enjoyed walking through and finding out the history. Well worth a visit.

The lady on entry was so engaging that we finally took the step to join Historic Scotland, the site was stunning and the boys had such fun and asked so many insightful questions, it was heart warming and we shall go back again on our next visit to Orkney x

Great site, built for Bishop William the Old in the 1150s.