Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Watergate, Kirkwall KW15 1PD
Telephone 01856 871918
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
The earliest surviving episcopal palace in Norse Scotland, built around the 1100s beside Kirkwall's St Magnus Cathedral - King Haakon IV of Norway died here in 1263. It stands paired with, but architecturally distinct from, Kirkwall's separate Earl's Palace across the road.
Worth the trip
The Haakon IV connection - a Norwegian king's death here in 1263 ties the ruin directly to the Norse history of Orkney.
Before you go
A single ticket from the small hut on site covers both the Bishop's and Earl's Palace across the road - reviewers recommend doing both together.
Reviewers consistently recommend visiting the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces together, since a single ticket bought from the hut on the Earl's Palace side covers both sites across the street from each other. The audio tour and on-site information boards are praised for making sense of the ruins, and the ongoing restoration work is noted approvingly rather than seen as a downside. Several visitors recommend a Historic Environment Scotland membership card if visiting multiple sites in Orkney.
Earliest surviving episcopal palace in Norse Scotland, built c.1100s; King Haakon IV of Norway died here in 1263.
“Getting tickets was easy and the people selling the tickets care about the buildings. They had stories to tell. The restoration is in progress but the ruins that remain are very impressive and caused us to talk about…”- rick carter, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking is a bit limited on the road.” - Steven Redmond
- Terrain & accessibility
- “You explore most areas of the castle, including climbing the winding steps of the partially standing tower.” - Steven Redmond
Common questions about Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall
Do you need a ticket to visit Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall?
Yes - Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall?
The Haakon IV connection - a Norwegian king's death here in 1263 ties the ruin directly to the Norse history of Orkney.
Where is Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall?
Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall is in Orkney, Scotland, at Watergate, Kirkwall KW15 1PD.
Is Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall a ruin or still intact?
Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall is a ruin - Earliest surviving episcopal palace in Norse Scotland, built c.1100s; King Haakon IV of Norway died here in 1263.
