Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, Kirkwall

Watergate, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1PD

01856 871 918
 

Plan your visit

All areas of this site will be open with the exception of the upper floor of Great Hall and Laird's' bedchamber (Earl's Palace) and the upper level of Moosie Tower (Bishop's Palace). 

Book tickets

We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry.

If you are a Member your ticket will be free, but to guarantee entry please book in advance. Not a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits

Admission Tickets Historic Scotland Member Tickets English Heritage, Cadw & Manx Member Tickets Young Scot Tickets (pay only £1)

Face coverings

In line with Scottish Government guidance, we strongly encourage visitors to continue to wear face coverings in interior spaces.

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Opening times

We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry.

1 Apr to 30 Sept: 
Sun to Fri, 9.30 to 5.30pm
Last entry 5pm

Sat, 10am to 5pm
Last entry 4.30pm

Closed for lunch 12 noon to 1pm.

Check for unexpected closures

Facilities

Read reviews for Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, Kirkwall

Awards & Accreditations

A graphic of a green circle with the words "Green Tourism gold award" Scottish Tourist Board four star historic attraction badge
A view of the inside of an earth house

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Grain Earth House
A three layered stone cairn, covered by grass

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Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn
The interior of Rennibister earth house. The stone ceiling is held up by a wooden beam.

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Rennibister Earth House
The foundations of the castle show a ditch, rampart and square tower

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Cubbie Roo's Castle and St Mary's Chapel
A brick wall chamber inside the cairn with two openings in its walls

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Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
A grass-covered burial cairn on a field close to the sea

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Taversöe Tuick Chambered Cairn
Several slabs of stone being stored in a concrete room

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Blackhammer Chambered Cairn
The underground remains of a stone cairn covered by a modern ceiling

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Knowe of Yarso Chambered Cairn
Daffodils along a stone wall leading to the ruins of Earl

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Spynie Palace
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Scalloway Castle

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Stirling Castle
A general view of Salisbury Crag, looking out to Edinburgh’s Old Town, in Holyrood Park.

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Holyrood Park
A general view of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock, as seen from the north.

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Edinburgh Castle
A wintry view across the loch to Linlithgow Palace.

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Linlithgow Palace

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