Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, Kirkwall

Visitors can explore the vast majority of the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace ruins, including the main halls, courtyards and lower tower levels.

The upper level of the Moosie Tower in the Bishop’s Palace is currently closed to visitors. All other areas of the site are open and accessible.

How we look after our sites

Bishop's and Earls Palace is located beside St Magnus Cathedral in the historic centre of Kirkwall.

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By Bus

Direct bus services to Kirkwall are available from St Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, Houton, Tingwall, and various other locations across the Orkney Islands. The site is a short walk from Kirkwall Travel Centre.

By bike

National Cycle Route EV12 passes the palaces. There are no cycle racks but staff are happy to accommodate bikes.

Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

By Car

On-street parking is available nearby and a free car park is available on Great Western Road.

Plan and save with Good Journey

Plan your journey by public transport using Good Journey. Book a car-free visit online with the code GOOD25 and receive a 25% discount.

Carers' tickets

Visitors with disabilities are charged standard admission rates (adult/concession/child). Proof of disability is not required. Up to two accompanying carers receive free entry per transaction.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Parking

On-street parking is available about 350m away, on Thomas Street.

Approach to the site

Entry to the Bishop’s Palace is direct from the street through an iron gate and down some wooden steps.

Both routes to the Earl’s Palace involve steps. The path from Palace Road has 2 steps up and 1 step down, followed by 1 step into the monument. From Watergate there are 3 steps up, a short path and 2 steps down, followed by 1 step into the monument.

What to expect at the site

Once within the grounds of the Earl’s Palace, there is step-free access to the visitor centre. Access to the first floor of the tower is up wooden steps followed by narrow stone steps with a rope handrail. 

The ground floor of the Earl’s Palace includes the kitchen and an interpretive display. These are reached by 2 wide stone steps. The first floor includes the great hall and bedchambers and is reached by a wide stone staircase without a handrail. Access to the second floor is via a narrow stone spiral staircase.

Toilets

The nearest adapted toilet is at the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Centre, Broad Street, about 120m away.

View Bishop's and Earl's Palace on Euan's Guide

• Accessible by public transport
• Shop
• Water bottle refill
• Dogs welcome in outdoor areas