Highlights include Notland Castle, Knap of Howar (farmstead predating the Pyramids), Viking house, heritage center, puffins, rural life Notland Castle, Westray Island Sanday

Meanwhile, whisky lovers only have a mile or two to go to find Highland Park Distillery, to the south east of the town, and Scapa Distillery, to the south west. Both offer tastings and tours and are well worth a visit. Scapa Beach is a famous beach in Orkney and frequently sees visitors in summer. The beach overlooks the Scapa Flow, a historic area holding oil tankers, large warships, and more. Today, it’s filled with windsurfers, kayakers, and swimmers! Waulkmill Bay Other attractions in Kirkwall include the Orkney Museum and the Wireless Museum. Things to do in Orkney, Scotland – mainland attractionsThis 3000-year-old settlement is made of stone and leads into an oval home, giving you an accurate view of what life was like all those years ago. You can’t miss out on this ancient attraction on the west side of Kirkwall, found on the Hatston Industrial Estate. The Tankerness House Gardens From Aberdeen, you can also travel to Kirkwall by ferry or you can take a flight from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness or Shetland. This quaint chapel can be found just south of Kirkwall and is an attraction with a highly unique history! Video, Photos and practical information on my article about the Ring of Brodgar. The Ring of Brodgar #14 to #21 – Other West Mainland Orkney attractions Two beaches can be found in St Ola. Inganess, in the shadow of Kirkwall Airport, and Scapa, with its views over Scapa Flow, offer fresh sea air within walking distance of your traditional town amenities. Scapa beach

Italian chapel: located on Lamb Holm, a small island between Mainland and South Ronaldsay – built by Italians during the Second world war These twin palaces are stunning to behold and are evidence of Kirkwall Harbour being a bustling Norweigan port before it joined Scotland. You can experience their audiovisual interactions and learn the histories of some of Orkney’s most prominent heroes. Nearby, you can explore a Norse community’s Round Church and ruins. Italian Chapel

The Maphill difference

Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more! Kirkwall is the administrative centre of Kirkwall and a cultural melting pot with influences from the Scottish Mainland and Norse heritage. It’s not uncommon to stumble across beautiful buildings or streets and discover that it’s from the age of the Vikings! When it comes to accommodation in Scotland, there's a fantastic choice of amazing stays from luxury hotels to glamping getaways. Kirkwall’s harbourfront is another spot to stop and see the world go by. Overlooked by some of the town’s best restaurants and pubs, you can watch the local fishing fleet heading in and out of Kirkwall bay. Nearby, the Orkney Distillery offers award-winning gins and tours, and the Orkney Wireless Museum is a tiny treasure trove of audio equipment from years gone by. Kirkwall harbour