Title: Bishop's Palace in Kirkwall - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Bishop's Palace Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Bishops-Palace-Hotels.0-l6089051-0.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)[Bishop's Palace Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Bishops-Palace.d6089051.Car-Rental-Guide)[Kirkwall Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall.d1883.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Bishop's Palace Tours and Activities ![Bishop\'s Palace which includes a ruin, heritage architecture and château or palace](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138321-Kirkwall.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bishop\'s Palace featuring heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138998-Bishops-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bishop\'s Palace which includes château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/139000/139000-Bishops-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bishop\'s Palace which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a ruin](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138999-Bishops-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bishop\'s Palace showing building ruins, heritage architecture and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138320-Kirkwall.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Bishop's Palace Activities [Kirkwall travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall.dx1883) --- --- #### Explore the ruined remains of this 12th-century palace and see the views from the top of its spiral staircase. The Bishop’s Palace was the traditional residence of the Bishop of Orkney. Although little of the original 12th-century palace remains today, you can stroll through the remains of its Great Hall and climb to the top of its round tower for lovely vistas over nearby St. Magnus Cathedral and all of Kirkwall. The Bishop’s Palace was originally built in the 12th century for William the Old, at the same time as St. Magnus Cathedral. The Norwegian King Haakon infamously died here in 1263 after returning from defeat at the Battle of Largs, marking the end of Norway’s rule over Sudreyjar (the Southern Hebrides). Much of the palace was rebuilt in the 16th century by Bishop Robert Reid, the founder of Edinburgh University. Look for the palace’s distinctive round tower, called Moosie Toor, one of the many additions made by Reid. The two-story hall house you see today only comprised a small part of the building in its heyday. But after the final abolition of the Episcopacy in the late 17th century, the palace gradually fell into ruin. Walk around the ground level hall, which is still partially intact. Notice the narrow windows along the west wall, which feature alternating red and yellow stones. These windows match those found in St. Magnus Cathedral, which is located directly opposite the palace. Climb the narrow spiral staircase leading to the top of the tower the view from here is the highlight of any visit. The platform at the top is only protected by a low barrier, so you may want to skip this part of the tour if you’re uncomfortable with heights. From this angle, the spire of St. Magnus’ Cathedral seems to rise from the ruins of the palace. You’ll also enjoy a gorgeous perspective of the town of Kirkwall. The Bishop’s Palace is just a 3-minute walk from the Kirkwall bus station. The palace is open from April to September, and there is an admission fee. Admission is also included in the Orkney Explorer Pass. Take in wonderful vistas over the surrounding region from the tower of Bishop’s Palace. ### Popular places to visit ![Earl\'s Palace which includes building ruins, heritage architecture and château or palace](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138798-Earls-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Earl's Palace Take a tour of this impressive 17th-century ruin, considered to be among the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. [](https://expedia.ca/Earls-Palace-Kirkwall.d6089055.Vacation-Attraction) ![St. Magnus Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138658-St-Magnus-Cathedral.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) #### 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) #### Scapa Beach Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Scapa Beach during your trip to Kirkwall? You can enjoy the bars while in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Scapa-Beach-Kirkwall.d553248635977468237.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Bishop's Palace ## Check availability on hotels close to Bishop's Palace [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=2025-12-17&endDate=2025-12-18)[Dec 17 - Dec 18](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=2025-12-17&endDate=2025-12-18) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=2025-12-18&endDate=2025-12-19)[Dec 18 - Dec 19](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=2025-12-18&endDate=2025-12-19) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 26 - Dec 28](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089051&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025) ![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) ![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) ![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) ![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) ![Castleyards Apartment 12](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34090000/34080200/34080146/6e9b474c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Castleyards Apartment 12 12 Castleyards Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Castleyards-Apartment-12.h34080146.Hotel-Information) ![Castleyards Apartment 1](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18530000/18524100/18524014/77d7d3b1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Castleyards Apartment 1 1 West Castle Street Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Castleyards-Apartment-1.h18524014.Hotel-Information) [See all 162 properties in Bishop's Palace](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6089051) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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