Emily's Guidebook to Orkney
Food Scene
Helgi's
14 Harbour StHelgi's serves delicious pub food, with views of Kirkwall Harbour.
Lucano's Italian restaurant is a two minute walk from your holiday home along Victoria Street, a quick bite to eat or take away, after a busy day sightseeing
6 locals recommend
Lucano
31 Victoria StLucano's Italian restaurant is a two minute walk from your holiday home along Victoria Street, a quick bite to eat or take away, after a busy day sightseeing
Archive coffee is a cafe and music venue, situated in the middle of Kirkwall, 5 mins walk from the house, they serve speciality coffee alongside delicious food and cakes.
I find their monte Christo sandwich delicious! and the atmosphere is lovely.
8 locals recommend
Archive Coffee
8 Laing StArchive coffee is a cafe and music venue, situated in the middle of Kirkwall, 5 mins walk from the house, they serve speciality coffee alongside delicious food and cakes.
I find their monte Christo sandwich delicious! and the atmosphere is lovely.
Busters Diner
1 Mounthoolie PlaceDelicious American style cuisine, with American decor.
Polly Kettle is our local café and shop in Burray where I live with my husband and 3 sons.
They serve delicious hot chocolate, coffees and teas, the owners are this April serving tasty dishes, we especially like the cakes!
6 locals recommend
Polly Kettle
Polly Kettle is our local café and shop in Burray where I live with my husband and 3 sons.
They serve delicious hot chocolate, coffees and teas, the owners are this April serving tasty dishes, we especially like the cakes!
Sightseeing
Bishop's and Earl's Palaces
WatergateBeautiful historical architecture. In Kirkwall
Birsay Earl's Palace
Fantastic historical architecture, next to stunning Birsay ocean views.
Stunning historical architecture.
The 13th century St. Magnus cathedral is a five minute walk along the road from the house.
38 locals recommend
Saint Magnus Cathedral
Broad StreetStunning historical architecture.
The 13th century St. Magnus cathedral is a five minute walk along the road from the house.
A must see for tourists interested in the makings of a world renowned whisky.
19 locals recommend
Highland Park Distillery
Holm RoadA must see for tourists interested in the makings of a world renowned whisky.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/maeshowe-chambered-cairn/
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Stoneyhill Roadhttps://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/maeshowe-chambered-cairn/
Broch of Gurness
AikernessAbsolutely stunning views!
We love visiting the Fossil centre from mid April-Sept we especially love the cakes on offer and my children love refreshing their knowledge on fossils and the local history.
13 locals recommend
Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre
We love visiting the Fossil centre from mid April-Sept we especially love the cakes on offer and my children love refreshing their knowledge on fossils and the local history.
The Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities that has been entertaining for myself, husband and 3 sons.
10 locals recommend
The Orkney Museum
Broad StreetThe Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities that has been entertaining for myself, husband and 3 sons.
FOOD/ INDOOR PLAY/ SHOP
Within 20 minute walk from the accommodation Wellpark garden centre is a lovely place to visit, their coffee shop Willows serves delicious cakes and lunches.
Also onsite they have a large indoor soft play area called PLAY, for ages 0-12 years, perfect for rainydays.
8 locals recommend
Well Park Garden Centre
Mill StreetWithin 20 minute walk from the accommodation Wellpark garden centre is a lovely place to visit, their coffee shop Willows serves delicious cakes and lunches.
Also onsite they have a large indoor soft play area called PLAY, for ages 0-12 years, perfect for rainydays.
City advice
Getting around
Buses are frequent
Catch a bus to anywhere around the island at the central bus station in Junction Road, Kirkwall
Don't miss
The Ring of Brodgar Stenness
The Ring of Brodgar Neolithic stone circle and circular ditch in Stenness, is older than Stonehenge. Located on the B9055. Beautiful scenery.
Don't miss
The Italian Chapel
Catholic Chapel built by Italian POW's in 1940s using scavenged materials like old ship timbers.
Stunningly decorated. purchase ticket for entry.
The Italian Chapel Lamb Holm, Orkney KW17 2SF
What to pack
Bring clothes for all seasons.
In 1 day you could have wind, rain, sunshine and snow, so I'd recommend bringing a variety of clothing.