In desperate need of some rest and relaxation, but scared of leaving your city comforts behind? This charming little seaside town is the epitome of peace and quiet, but there’s so much to do you’ll forget you’re not in a city
Peace and quiet with the convenience of a city? This stunning seaside town has managed to find the perfect balance.
With a bustling high street, you’ll not struggle to find a perfectly poured Flat White or an Instagram-worthy Avocado and Toast brunch in Kirkwall. If you’re after a cosy pub, a mouth-watering restaurant you’ll remember forever, or fancy getting merry at a whiskey distillery – this seaside resort has also got you covered.
And yet, located in Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland, Kirkwall offers that remote stillness most of us could only dream of experiencing – with a population of just 10,000. There are secluded beaches and an abundance of wildlife including puffins. Kirkwall is also an ideal spot to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. Seriously, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but will find everything you need is nearby.
Kirkwall is a must-visit for history buffs, with stellar attractions like the 1137 St Magnus Cathedral which dominates the skyline and is breathtakingly beautiful on both the inside and out. There’s also the Orkney Museum a 1570s townhouse filled with artefacts on the area’s history from the Stone Age to present day; and Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces – the enduring stone ruins of two ornate palaces built in the 1100s and in 1606 in the Renaissance-style.
Wildlife hotspot
Despite its built-up areas and increasing tourist population, Kirkwall has remained a hotspot for getting up close and personal with wildlife. “The Peedie Sea is a special part of Kirkwall and the area offers a unique birdwatching opportunity in a relatively urban setting,” explains Orkeny.com. “There aren’t many town centres that feature this kind of green, wildlife-friendly space alongside other sites, shops and supermarkets. But the Peedie Sea is a haven for wildlife, with otters seen in the area and a fantastic array of birdlife.”
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Surprisingly, Kirkwall does actually have an airport – which is great for travellers not-so-fond on the idea of catching a ferry over Scotland’s choppy waters. Loganair offers direct routes from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness – with some routes taking just 50 minutes.
“There are three main ferry routes to and from Orkney,” explains the island’s tourist board. “NorthLink Ferries sail between Aberdeen and Kirkwall, with an onward connection to Lerwick in Shetland too. The company also operates a shorter crossing between Scrabster and Stromness.”
Kirkwall is perhaps slightly more expensive compared to other UK staycation destinations when it comes to accommodation. For example, a weekend stay next month (Friday, April 11 – 13) at a three-star hotel will set you back £287. Kirkwall Youth Hostel is a good alternative for those on a budget, with a double room costing just £118 for the exact same dates.
*Prices based on booking.com listings at the time of writing
What’s your favourite staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below
