Bishop's Palace Kirkwall
Ancient stone ruins of two ornate palaces, the 12th-century Bishop's Palace and the 17th-century Earl's Palace, steeped in Orkney's history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos.
Bishop's Palace Kirkwall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient stone ruins of two ornate palaces, the 12th-century Bishop's Palace and the 17th-century Earl's Palace, steeped in Orkney's history.
"Amazing historic place, not too many tourists around and you can take amazing photos."
🎟️ Buy Tickets on Earl's Side
Purchase tickets from the hut on the Earl's Palace side, not the Bishop's.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of spots for amazing photos, especially from Bishop Reid's Tower.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bishop Reid's Tower
Bishop's Palace
Offers fantastic panoramic views of Kirkwall and St. Magnus Cathedral. A must-see for photographers!
Renaissance Architecture
Earl's Palace
Admire the romantic, fairy-tale ruin feel of the Earl's Palace with its intricate nooks and crannies.
Historic King Haakon's Room
Bishop's Palace
Imagine King Haakon IV of Norway's final moments in this historically significant room.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tickets & Access
Explore Both Palaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets on Earl's Side
Purchase tickets from the hut on the Earl's Palace side, not the Bishop's.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of spots for amazing photos, especially from Bishop Reid's Tower.
🚶♀️ Walk Between Palaces
The palaces are across the street; enjoy exploring both sides of history.
🗣️ Chat with Guides
Knowledgeable guides have great stories about the buildings' past.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets on Earl's Side
Purchase tickets from the hut on the Earl's Palace side, not the Bishop's.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of spots for amazing photos, especially from Bishop Reid's Tower.
🚶♀️ Walk Between Palaces
The palaces are across the street; enjoy exploring both sides of history.
🗣️ Chat with Guides
Knowledgeable guides have great stories about the buildings' past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Bishop's Palace Kirkwall an interesting and atmospheric historical site, with many praising the photo opportunities and the stories shared by knowledgeable guides. While some note minimal interpretation, the impressive ruins and the chance to explore both the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces make for a worthwhile and relatively quick visit. +1
"had a quick tour round both palaces after buying tickets from the knowledgable guide in his wee box,not much info boards in place but plenty of places to take great pics most of which didnt come out for me because tech issues so heres a few taken from the top of St Magnus"
Tork Mackenzie
"Interesting place if relatively minimally interpreted, so quite a quick experience. Good view from top of bishop's palce in cathedral"
Henry Gayfer (Harry)
"Amazing historic place, not too many turists around and you can take amazing photos."
César Ramírez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bishop's Palace Kirkwall is centrally located in Kirkwall, Orkney, just a short walk from the town center and St. Magnus Cathedral. It's easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in Kirkwall.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the palaces, there are public car parks available in Kirkwall town center, which is a short walk away.
Yes, if you are staying in Kirkwall, you can easily walk to the Bishop's Palace. If arriving in Orkney by ferry or plane, local buses and taxis can take you to Kirkwall town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for both the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces are purchased from a small ticket hut located on the Earl's Palace side of the street, not directly at the Bishop's Palace. +1
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the Historic Scotland website or inquire locally upon arrival for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is an admission fee to visit both the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. The ticket covers access to both sites.
You can explore the palaces freely at your own pace. However, engaging with the knowledgeable guides can enrich your experience with stories and historical context.
As historic ruins, accessibility can be challenging. Some areas may have uneven surfaces or stairs. It's advisable to contact Historic Scotland for specific accessibility details.
📸 📸 Photography
Bishop Reid's Tower offers stunning panoramic views, making it a prime spot. The ruins themselves, with their Romanesque and Gothic elements, provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally permitted within the accessible areas of the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace. Be mindful of any signage regarding restricted areas.
Late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the atmospheric ruins.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with Historic Scotland for their specific drone policy.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Bishop's Palace was originally built in the 12th century, around the same time as St. Magnus Cathedral. It was later expanded in the 15th century.
It was the residence of the Bishops of Orkney and notably hosted King Haakon IV of Norway before his death in 1263.
The palace showcases Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, reflecting its medieval origins and later expansions.
The Bishop's Palace dates back to the 12th century and served as a bishop's residence, while the Earl's Palace is a later Renaissance-style building constructed in the 17th century.
Bishop's Palace Kirkwall exists as impressive stone ruins, with significant portions still standing and offering a glimpse into its past grandeur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a relatively quick visit, making it suitable for shorter attention spans. The proximity to St. Magnus Cathedral also allows for a combined historical outing. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and keep a close eye on younger children as they navigate the historic site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The architectural details of the ruins themselves are also highly photogenic. The weathered stone, the play of light and shadow, and the remnants of medieval and Renaissance design provide endless opportunities for creative shots. Visiting in the late afternoon can yield particularly atmospheric images due to the softer light.
🚶 History Buffs
+1 The Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the Bishop's Palace offers insights into medieval construction, while the adjacent Earl's Palace showcases later Renaissance design. +1While on-site interpretation may be minimal, the ruins themselves are evocative. Engaging with the ticket sellers, who often have stories to share, can greatly enhance the historical understanding of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tale of Two Palaces: Bishop's and Earl's
+1Across the street, the Earl's Palace presents a different era. Built in the 17th century, it embodies the Renaissance style and was the residence of the Earls of Orkney. While the Bishop's Palace offers a glimpse into ecclesiastical power and royal history, the Earl's Palace showcases the grandeur of later secular lordship. Exploring both provides a comprehensive understanding of Kirkwall's medieval and Renaissance past, with the Earl's Palace often described as having a romantic, fairy-tale ruin feel.
+1Visitors often note that while the interpretation on-site might be minimal, the sheer presence of these ruins and the stories they hold are captivating. The ability to walk through these historic spaces and imagine life centuries ago is a key part of the experience.
Photography Opportunities at Bishop's Palace
Beyond the grand vistas, the ruins themselves offer numerous compelling photographic subjects. The weathered stone, the interplay of light and shadow on the ancient walls, and the architectural details provide ample opportunities for creative shots. Whether you're drawn to the Romanesque arches of the Bishop's Palace or the more elaborate Renaissance features of the Earl's Palace, there are countless angles to explore. Many visitors find that even with technical issues, the inherent beauty of the sites shines through.
To make the most of your photography, consider visiting during the late afternoon. The softer light can enhance the textures of the stone and create a more atmospheric mood. While the sites are generally open for exploration, always be mindful of any restricted areas and respect the historical integrity of the structures.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit