Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Kirkwall is highly walkable, making the cathedral easy to reach. Prepare for uneven floors and changing weather.
Getting there
How to reach the center of Kirkwall.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Walk from the Kirkwall Travel Centre, cruise shuttle drop-offs, or the harbour. | 5 minutes | Free | The cathedral is centrally located on Broad Street and its spire is visible from almost anywhere in town. |
| Bus: Direct public buses run to Kirkwall from Stromness, St Margaret's Hope, and the airport, stopping at the Travel Centre. | 20-40 minutes depending on origin | £3-£5 | Operated by Stagecoach; an excellent option if staying elsewhere on the Orkney Mainland. |
| Car: Drive into Kirkwall and use nearby public parking. | 20 minutes from Stromness | Free or low-cost parking available | On-street parking is limited, but public car parks such as the one on Great Western Road are a short walk away. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Open every day from April to September. From October to March it opens Monday to Saturday, 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00, and is closed to visitors on Sundays. A Church of Scotland service is held every Sunday at 11:15.
What to bring
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Pack a small torch.
Helpful for reading 12th-century graffiti.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules for your visit.
See the main highlights of the ground floor.
- Arrive on Broad Street
Walk from the Kirkwall Travel Centre.
- The Choir
Find the pillar holding the relics of St Magnus.
- HMS Royal Oak Memorial
See the ship's bell and pay your respects.
- 17th-Century Gravestones
Look for memento mori symbols along the walls.
What to bring
Bring comfortable, flat walking shoes. The stone floors are uneven, and the spiral stairs are narrow. Warm layers are recommended because the ancient stone building stays chilly.
Carry a smartphone and headphones to use the free audio-visual St Magnus App. You can access it via the cathedral's WiFi. A rainproof jacket is essential for unpredictable local weather.
Easiest way to do it
Kirkwall Private Walking Tour
4 h 5.0 (4)
- St. Magnus Cathedral Ticket
- Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace Ticket
- Private Tour
- Professional Local Guide
From$214per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is St Magnus Cathedral free to enter?
Yes, entry to the main cathedral floor is completely free. Guided tours of the upper levels cost £15.60.
Are dogs allowed in St Magnus Cathedral?
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the building. Pet dogs must stay outside.
How long does it take to visit St Magnus Cathedral?
A basic visit to the main floor takes 20 to 30 minutes. The upper levels guided tour takes exactly 75 minutes.