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St. Magnus Cathedral & Earl's Palace Walk
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Meet your guide and transfer by shuttle to Kirkwall's harbor front where you begin your tour of the historic old town. This area was once known as The Ramparts, which protected Kirkwall from seaborne attack. As you continue along Bridge and Albert Streets, you'll discover these ancient roads are now Kirkwall's main shopping streets.
Stroll along Broad Street to Mercat Cross and St. Magnus Cathedral. Founded in 1137, St. Magnus is one of the best-preserved cathedrals in Scotland. The building took three centuries to complete and features three different architectural styles: Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic.
Along the route, other points of interest include: Mercat Cross, dating from 1621, people swore on the cross to seal verbal contracts. It was also the site of public announcements, and disturbingly, said to have been used as a pillory. Earl's Palace, built in 1600 by Patrick Stewart, the Earl of Orkney. This palace is probably the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Bishop's Palace, built of 12th-century architecture and features a hall and a tower house.
At the conclusion of the tour, enjoy an independent visit to Tankerness House. Originally consisting of two residences for cathedral clergy, Tankerness House was restored in the 1960s. Today it houses a small museum with exhibits on Orkney life. Return to the ship at your leisure, travelling back on the shuttle bus from town.
Points of interest
St. Magnus Cathedral
Schedule
Special Notes
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and dress warmly in layers. Bring a waterproof jacket. Cellular telephones must be switched off while in the Cathedral.
Bring local currency or credit cards for additional purchases.
Please note that a shuttle is used for part of this tour. As such a seat not may be available and you may be asked to stand.
St Magnus Cathedral can be closed at short notice from Funerals
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Meet your guide and transfer by shuttle to Kirkwall's harbor front where you begin your tour of the historic old town. This area was once known as The Ramparts, which protected Kirkwall from seaborne attack. As you continue along Bridge and Albert Streets, you'll discover these ancient roads are now Kirkwall's main shopping streets.
Stroll along Broad Street to Mercat Cross and St. Magnus Cathedral. Founded in 1137, St. Magnus is one of the best-preserved cathedrals in Scotland. The building took three centuries to complete and features three different architectural styles: Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic.
Along the route, other points of interest include: Mercat Cross, dating from 1621, people swore on the cross to seal verbal contracts. It was also the site of public announcements, and disturbingly, said to have been used as a pillory. Earl's Palace, built in 1600 by Patrick Stewart, the Earl of Orkney. This palace is probably the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Bishop's Palace, built of 12th-century architecture and features a hall and a tower house.
At the conclusion of the tour, enjoy an independent visit to Tankerness House. Originally consisting of two residences for cathedral clergy, Tankerness House was restored in the 1960s. Today it houses a small museum with exhibits on Orkney life. Return to the ship at your leisure, travelling back on the shuttle bus from town.
Points of interest
St. Magnus Cathedral
Schedule
Special Notes
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and dress warmly in layers. Bring a waterproof jacket. Cellular telephones must be switched off while in the Cathedral.
Bring local currency or credit cards for additional purchases.
Please note that a shuttle is used for part of this tour. As such a seat not may be available and you may be asked to stand.
St Magnus Cathedral can be closed at short notice from Funerals