Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces (Kirkwall, Orkney) – Tips + Photos

In the heart of Kirkwall, Orkney, are located the ruins of 2 fortified medieval and renaissance residences: the Earl's Palace Kirkwall and the Bishop's Palace. 
Today you can walk around, imagine the lifestyle and learn about their turbulent history.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.

Why visit the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces in Kirkwall?

The Earl's Palace Kirkwall and the Bishop's Palace are what remain of the Orkney's beautiful medieval and renaissance residences.
Located right next to the St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall, they are in the center of the Orkney capital.
It is fun to explore the grounds and imagine how life was in these northern territories.

Below is a short video to give you an idea what a visit to the Bishop and Earl's Palaces can look like:

It is one of the best places to visit in Orkney.

More photos after the planning tips.

PLANNING TIPS - Bishop & Earl's palace Kirkwall

How to get to Earl's Palace in Kirkwall

• Located in Kirkwall, the main town on Mainland Orkney
• Near the St Magnus Cathedral
• Stromness to Kirkwall = 20 min drive 
• No dedicated carpark
• There is another Earl's Palace on Mainland Orkney: The Earl's Palace Birsay. Do not mix them up! The other one is near the Brough of Birsay and is far less impressive.
• These sites in Kirkwall are included in my travel guide eBook to help you plan your Scotland itinerary:

Visit tips

• Earl's Palace Kirkwall opening times - Apr to Sept 9:30am to 5:30pm - closed between October and March - check latest
• Enter the garden and go to the ticket booth before proceeding to visit
• Ticket price - £6 - includes entrance to both the Earl's Palace and the Bishop’s Palace across the street - It is included in the Orkney Explorer pass
• Souvenir shop - no other facility
• Plan 1 to 2 hours (depending on how much you read on the displays)
• Easy stairs in the Earl's palace
• Small staircases in the Bishop’s palace specially to reach the view from the tower.

The Earl's Palace, Kirkwall - Outside

History and architecture

The Earl's Palace was built around 1601 to 1606 by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney.
He wanted a new complex incorporating the older Bishop's Palace (but it never happened). He wanted to impress.
Although a beautiful piece of architecture, the people of Orkney consider it as a memorial to the dark period that was the ruling of the Stewart Earls.

Below is a drawing of what it may have been if the construction has been completed:

Outside view

The palace entrance used to be grand with lots of ornaments.
However, the harsh weather of the Orkney islands has badly damaged the soft stone.
From the outside you can still see the refined facade with the rounded towers.
It is considered "the finest example of French Renaissance Architecture in Scotland".

Why is it in ruins?

The Earl's Palace was completed in 1607.
However, not long after, Patrick Stewart was arrested and executed in 1615.
Projects were abandoned, and the portion of the Earl's Palace already built became the residence of the Orkney Bishops.

By 1705, the palace which had not been maintained was no longer fit for habitation.
And by 1745, the roof had been stripped and sold. 

Exploring the Earl's Palace - Interior

There are 2 main sections to explore in the Earl's Palace Kirkwall.

The Great Hall

First you use the large staircase to discover the impressive Great Hall.
It is said that the Great Hall used to be one of the finest rooms in any castle in Scotland due to its length of 16 meters (52ft), vaulted windows and 5m (16ft) wide fireplaces.
 It used to be heavily decorated.
The displays have drawings to help up imagine how it was...

Because there is not much left...

Ground floor

But my favorite part was the ground floor.
I loved the long corridor with the old stones and series of small rooms. There is a special atmosphere in this section.
It consists of cellars, kitchen and a well.

In the last one they have set up historical displays with explanations about the Earls and the history of the Palace.

Visiting the Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall

Then you can cross the street to visit the Bishop's Palace Kirkwall.
It is included in your ticket.

History and Architecture

It was built around the same time as the St Magnus Cathedral, at the beginning of the 12th century.
At the time, it was for Bishop William the Old who was a friend of Earl Rognvald Kolsson who founded the cathedral. It was to provide him and his entourage accommodations (replacing their old seat of power in Birsay).
In 1263, the Norwegian King Haakon, who was trying to maintain Norse rule over the island, died in the palace.
After being left to despair, it was restored and modified in the 16th century by Bishop Robert Reid.

Again, drawings help you imagine what it looked like...

Because not much remains... the 2-story hall house (although inside only the ground floor remains) and the tower.
They are far from what the palace was like during its best time.

Tower of Kirkwall Bishop Palace & view of the cathedral

The most interesting part of the Bishop's Palace Kirkwall is that you can access the top of the tower from which you have a nice view of the town of Kirkwall and the St Magnus Cathedral. Definitively the best part of this visit.

And from the tower, you can see the beautiful pink Kirkwall St Magnus cathedral:

Want to see more? Here are other amazing things to do in Orkney:

• The fascinating Ring of Brodgar - read article
• The impressive Standing Stones of Stenness - read article
• The pink St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall - read article
• The Earl's and Bishop's palaces - read article
• The Broch of Gurness by the sea - read article
• The ancient village of Skara Brae - read article
• The beautiful Yesnaby Cliffs - read article
• Or enjoy my complete article about the best things to do in Orkney

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out my travel guide to help you plan it:

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.

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