Title: St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [St. Magnus Cathedral Hotels](https://expedia.ca/St-Magnus-Cathedral-Hotels.0-l6089049-0.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)[St. Magnus Cathedral Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-St-Magnus-Cathedral.d6089049.Car-Rental-Guide)[Kirkwall Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall.d1883.Destination-Travel-Guides) # St. Magnus Cathedral Tours and Activities ![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=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![St. Magnus Cathedral featuring a cemetery, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138304-Kirkwall.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![St. Magnus Cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138318-Kirkwall.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![St. Magnus Cathedral showing interior views, a statue or sculpture and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138665-St-Magnus-Cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![St. Magnus Cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/138000/138314-Kirkwall.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit St. Magnus Cathedral Activities [Kirkwall travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall.dx1883) --- --- #### Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral. St. Magnus Cathedral is among Orkney’s most recognizable and striking landmarks. Known as the “Light in the North,” this medieval cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall. Inside are memorials to a number of prominent Orcadians. Take a guided tour of the building’s upper levels for wonderful views over the cathedral itself and the surrounding landscape. The cathedral was built beginning in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald and named for his martyred uncle, Magnus Erlendsson, patron saint of the Orkneys. Look for the remains of St. Magnus and Rognvald, which are interred between the cathedral’s East Choir piers. Constructed using red and yellow sandstone, the cathedral’s design is primarily Norman. Work continued on the building for more than three centuries, and therefore you’ll also notice elements of transitional and early Gothic styles. Much of the cathedral’s soft sandstone details have worn away over the centuries. Notice how the capitals around the main doors, for instance, have been eroded down to twisted stumps. Step inside and admire the cathedral’s towering sandstone columns, which are supported by exposed brickwork arches. Inspect the 17th- and 18th-century epitaphs that line the walls, mainly along the north and south aisles. Many tombs feature intricate ornamentation, including skull and crossbones emblems. The west side of the building features a gorgeous stained-glass window, which was commissioned for the cathedral’s 850th anniversary in 1987. Head to the far left of the cathedral to find the tomb of Victorian-era Arctic explorer Dr. John Rae, who discovered the final section of the Northwest Passage in Canada. The tomb of Scottish missionary explorer William Baikie is also located here. Book a tour of the cathedral’s upper levels, which includes a visit to its tower. The upper levels offer magnificent views of the building’s interior as well as over all of Orkney. You’ll also have an opportunity to get a closer look at the beautiful west window, clock and three tower bells. St. Magnus Cathedral is located in central Kirkwall and admission is free. Tours of the upper levels have a fee and must be arranged in advance. Opening hours vary by season. See the impressive artifacts housed inside this fine cathedral. ### 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) ![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=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) #### 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 St. Magnus Cathedral ## Check availability on hotels close to St. Magnus Cathedral [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=2026-01-08&endDate=2026-01-09)[Jan 8 - Jan 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=2026-01-08&endDate=2026-01-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=2026-01-09&endDate=2026-01-10)[Jan 9 - Jan 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=2026-01-09&endDate=2026-01-10) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=09%2F01%2F2026&endDate=11%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 9 - Jan 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=09%2F01%2F2026&endDate=11%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 16 - Jan 18](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6089049&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%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) ![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) ![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) ![Grainbank Mews](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101210000/101207500/101207461/7ae40bb8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grainbank Mews Grainbank House Kirkwall Scotland [](https://expedia.ca/Kirkwall-Hotels-Grainbank-Mews.h101207461.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 146 properties in St. Magnus Cathedral](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6089049) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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