Things To Do in The Orkney Islands

Kirkwall

For the most scenic walk in town, providing views of Kirkwall and the North Isles, head up Wideford Hill, about 3km (1 3/4 miles) west of town. On the western slope of this hill, 4km (2 1/2 miles) west of Kirkwall, is the Wideford Hill Cairn, a trio of concentric walls built around a passage and a megalithic chamber.

The "Pride of Orkney" is St. Magnus Cathedral, on Broad Street (tel. 01856/874-894). Jarl Rognvald, nephew of the martyred St. Magnus, the island chain's patron saint, founded the cathedral to honor him in 1137, and the remains of the saint and Rognvald were interred between the two large East Choir piers. The cathedral is a "Norman" building, constructed of gray and pinkish rose sandstone. Work went on over centuries, and additions were made in the transitional and very early Gothic styles. It's still in regular use as a church. You can visit from April to September, Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 2 to 6pm; and October to March, Monday to Saturday 9am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm.

Across from the cathedral are the ruins of a 12th-century Bishop's Palace, Broad Street (tel. 01856/875-461), with a round tower from the 16th century. King Haakon came here to die in 1263, following the Battle of Largs and his attempt to invade Scotland. The palace was originally constructed for William the Old, a bishop who died in 1168. An easy scenic walk will take you to the impressive ruins of Earl Patrick's Palace, on Watergate (tel. 01856/721-205). Built in 1607, it has been called the most mature and accomplished piece of Renaissance architecture left in Scotland. Earl Patrick Stewart was the son of the illegitimate brother of Mary Queen of Scots, and the palace figured in Sir Walter Scott's The Pirate. Both the Bishop's Palace and Earl Patrick's Palace are open April through September, daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm. Admission covering both palaces is £2 for adults, £1.50 for seniors and students, and 75p for children 5 to 16.

Nearby is the 1574 Tankerness House (also known as the Orkney Museum), on Broad Street (tel. 01856/873-191), an example of a merchant laird's mansion, with crow-stepped gables, a courtyard, and gardens. The museum depicts life in the Orkneys over the past 5,000 years. Exhibits range from the bones of the earliest prehistoric inhabitants and Neolithic pottery to Pictish stone symbols and domestic utensils. It's open Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 5pm. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

Orkney Wireless Museum, Kiln Corner, Junction Road (tel. 01856/871-400), is a museum of wartime communications used at Scapa Flow, which was a major naval anchorage in both world wars. Today, this sea area, enclosed by Mainland and several other islands, has developed as a pipeline landfall and tanker terminal for North Sea oil. You can also see a large collection of early domestic radios. It's open from April to September, Monday to Saturday 10am to 4:30pm and Sunday 2:20 to 4:30pm. Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for children 5 to 15.

In the environs are the Grain Earth Houses at Hatson, near Kirkwall. This is an Iron Age souterrain (underground cellar), with stairs leading down to the chamber. Another Iron Age souterrain, Rennibister Earth House, is about 7km (4 1/3 miles) northwest of Kirkwall. This excavation also has an underground chamber with supporting roof pillars.

Kirkwall

The Longship, 7-15 Broad St. (tel. 01856/888-790), is the retail outlet of Ola Gorie for Orkney jewelry in Kirkwall. This family business has a wide range of high-quality pieces, including some inspired by stone carvings found at archaeological digs and others by the rich flora and fauna of the islands. A collection based on Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs has proved popular. The Longship also offers a variety of gifts, including fashion and furnishing accessories by Orkney-based Tait & Style.

Sheila Fleet, 30 Bridge St. (tel. 01856/876-900; www.sheila-fleet.co.uk), is the leading competitor to Ola Gorie, and is also acclaimed as one of the best jewelry designers in Scotland. Her designs reflect the sea, the sky, and the landscape colors of the Orkneys. Some of her designs show a Scandinavian influence.

Ortak Jewelry, 10 Albert St. (tel. 01856/873-536), is the main shop of the famous jewelry studio that produces a wide range of silver and gold pieces featuring Celtic, traditional Orcadian, Victorian, and Art Nouveau designs. The shop also sells items such as pottery, barometers, and crystal made by other local artists. The Ortak Factory Shop, Hatson Industrial Estate (tel. 01856/872-224), is adjacent to the Ortak factory, and is the only shop that carries the complete Ortak line. A visitor center shows videos on jewelry making, and free factory tours are offered Monday to Friday in July and August. In winter, the shop and visitor center are open by appointment only.

Judith Glue, 25 Broad St. (tel. 01856/874-225; www.judithglue.com), produces hand- and machine-made knitwear for the entire family. The artisans tend to favor old-fashioned island patterns, handed down over the generations. Also available are wares of other local artists, along with an interesting selection of handmade pottery, jewelry, greeting cards, soaps, and island music.