Title: Earl's Palace in Kirkwall - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Earl's Palace Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Earls-Palace-Hotels.0-l6089055-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Kirkwall](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Kirkwall.d1883.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Kirkwall](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Kirkwall.d1883.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Earl's Palace Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Earls-Palace.d6089055.Car-Rental-Guide)[Kirkwall Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall.d1883.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Earl's Palace Tours and Activities ![Earl\'s Palace which includes building ruins, heritage architecture and château or palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089055/7d2cc554-853b-418a-82ee-7dd064fef261.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Earl\'s Palace which includes building ruins, heritage architecture and château or palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089055/7d2cc554-853b-418a-82ee-7dd064fef261.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Earl\'s Palace showing heritage elements, a ruin and a castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089055/ef59a0f4-8e9a-4e20-9118-4a648d40a614.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Earl\'s Palace showing heritage architecture, a ruin and château or palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089055/9a2a38d4-fb39-4ddc-901f-d41b22e47364.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Earl\'s Palace showing building ruins, heritage architecture and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089055/7879f04a-cef7-48a1-93b9-0a61f41380fa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Earl's Palace Activities [Kirkwall travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall.dx1883) --- --- #### Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. With only a two-story section left standing, the Earl’s Palace lies mostly in ruins today, but it was once considered to be one of Scotland’s most remarkable Renaissance buildings. Discover the remnants of the palace’s beautiful entrance decorations and step inside to see its spectacular fireplace. The palace was built in the early 17th century for Earl Patrick Stewart, son of the illegitimate brother of Mary Queen of Scots. The much-loathed Earl of Orkney and Shetland is said to have used slave labor in the construction of this building as well as his other residences. After the Earl’s execution in 1615, the palace became the residence of Orkney’s bishops before eventually falling into disuse in the 18th century. Visit here today and you’ll find just a small portion of the building still standing, consisting of two rectangular sections that together form an “L” shape. Admire the palace’s ornately decorated front façade. Weather has eroded the soft stone used to create the façade’s adornments, but you can spot the faded remains of several heraldic panels. The palace’s roof slates were stripped and sold when the building was abandoned, and it remains roofless to this day. View the ruins of the palace’s cellars, kitchen and well on the ground floor. A wide stone staircase leads up to the first floor, main apartments and great hall. The Earl’s apartment was set at the top end of the great hall, as far as possible from his guests and household officials, reflecting his obsession with security. Don’t miss the great hall and its grand, 16-foot (5-meter) wide fireplace. This splendid room once featured high vaulted windows and intricately painted decorations. Earl's Palace is located nearby Bishop’s Palace and St. Magnus Cathedral, a short walk from Kirkwall’s bus station. Admission includes entrance to Bishop’s Palace. Both buildings can also be visited using the Orkney Explorer Pass. The palace is open from April to September. Imagine how the building might have looked in its prime as you explore the ruins of this once stunning palace. ### Popular places to visit ![Bishop\'s Palace which includes a ruin, heritage architecture and château or palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089051/b66db75d-9f7e-40a6-8b70-9f082a7191ec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Bishop's Palace Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase. [](https://expedia.ca/Bishops-Palace-Kirkwall.d6089051.Vacation-Attraction) ![St. Magnus Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089049/f2909a82-47e2-424c-b479-f1f6af23de67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### St. Magnus Cathedral Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral. [](https://expedia.ca/St-Magnus-Cathedral-Kirkwall.d6089049.Vacation-Attraction) ![Italian Chapel Orkney ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089061/8433486c-26e1-4508-9cb7-037138e67812.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Italian Chapel Learn about the local history of Holm when you spend time at Italian Chapel. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Italian-Chapel-Holm.d6089061.Vacation-Attraction) #### Orkney Museum You can spend time exploring the galleries in Orkney Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums. [](https://expedia.ca/Orkney-Museum-Kirkwall.d6089053.Vacation-Attraction) #### Orkney Wireless Museum You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Orkney Wireless Museum during your trip to Kirkwall. Discover the area's museums and cathedral. [](https://expedia.ca/Orkney-Wireless-Museum-Kirkwall.d553248621532495075.Vacation-Attraction) #### Highland Park Distillery Find out about the history of Kirkwall when you spend time at Highland Park Distillery. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the cathedral while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Highland-Park-Distillery-Kirkwall.d553248621533025468.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Earl's Palace ## Check availability on hotels close to Earl's Palace [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089055&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089055&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089055&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089055&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089055&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089055&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![The Ayre Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/15000000/14940000/14937100/14937099/17198405_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Ayre Hotel Ayre Road Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-The-Ayre-Hotel.h14937099.Hotel-Information) ![Albert Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2250000/2241300/2241210/6e6089a8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Albert Hotel Mounthoolie Lane Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Albert-Hotel.h2241210.Hotel-Information) ![The Shore](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4480000/4478300/4478238/2ec90656_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Shore Shore Street Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-The-Shore.h4478238.Hotel-Information) ![The Orkney Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21320000/21312600/21312501/ac0edba1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Orkney Hotel 40 Victoria Street Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-The-Orkney-Hotel.h21312501.Hotel-Information) ![Royal Oak Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88350000/88345700/88345694/e9c10997_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Royal Oak Guest House Holm Road Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Royal-Oak-Guest-House.h88345694.Hotel-Information) ![Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121100000/121096900/121096893/39564a7d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cosy House in the heart of Kirkwall Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Cosy-House-In-The-Heart-Of-Kirkwall.h121096893.Hotel-Information) ![Kirkwall Youth Hostel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19370000/19364700/19364683/b5bb9226_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kirkwall Youth Hostel Old Scapa Road Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Kirkwall-Youth-Hostel.h19364683.Hotel-Information) ![Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95400000/95396800/95396775/d18c4773_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cosy Studio In The Heart Of Kirkwall Kirkwall [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Cosy-Studio-In-The-Heart-Of-Kirkwall.h95396775.Hotel-Information) ![Karrawa Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10570000/10562000/10561983/97974ae4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Karrawa Guest House Inganess Road Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Karrawa-Guest-House.h10561983.Hotel-Information) [See all 149 properties in Earl's Palace](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6089055) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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