Bishop’s Palace
Bishop’s Palace in Kirkwall is one of Orkney’s most atmospheric medieval landmarks, standing beside St Magnus Cathedral as part of a powerful ecclesiastical complex. Built in the 1100s for the Norse bishops who ruled the islands, it later became the residence of the Scottish bishops after Orkney passed to the Crown. One of its most striking historical moments came in 1540, when King James V stayed here during his northern voyage, highlighting the palace’s political importance. Inside the ruin, you can explore the remains of the great hall, once the centre of ceremonial life. Its tall window openings and surviving stone arches hint at the grandeur that once filled the space. The most impressive feature is the adjacent Earl’s Palace tower, built later by Earl Patrick Stewart, which is often visited together with the Bishop’s Palace. From the tower’s upper floors you can enjoy sweeping views over Kirkwall, the cathedral and the harbour. Although roofless, the Bishop’s Palace retains a strong sense of medieval authority. Wandering through its chambers and stairways, you can trace the layers of Norse, Scottish and Renaissance influence that shaped Orkney’s history.
Kirkwall Scotland
The Bishop's Palace is right in the centre of Kirkwall, the main town of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It's one of the oldest buildings in town, built in the 12th century at the same time as the cathedral next door. The address is Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, Watergate, Kirkwall KW15 1PD. Some listings also show it as Palace Road, Kirkwall KW15 1PD. It's impossible to miss because it sits directly opposite St Magnus Cathedral, the big red sandstone cathedral that dominates Kirkwall. Even as a ruin it is impressive, with the old great hall and the round tower you can climb for views over the town and harbour. Because it's in the middle of Kirkwall, everything else is on your doorstep. St Magnus Cathedral itself is the star, a stunning 12th century cathedral still in use. Right next to the Bishop's Palace is the Earl's Palace, a much grander Renaissance ruin built by Earl Patrick Stewart. A few minutes walk away you have The Orkney Museum in Tankerness House, full of island history, and the Orkney Wireless Museum which tells the wartime story of wireless in Orkney. If you want more castles and palaces, the harbour is close by for boat trips to other islands, and just outside town you have Highland Park Distillery and wide views over Scapa Flow.
Museum
Museum