Bellavista Guest House

Bellavista is a friendly Orkney bed and breakfast on Carness Road, on the northern edge of Kirkwall where the town meets open ground and the sea. It's an honest pebble-dashed house with solar panels on the roof, a bench out front and a lifebuoy by the door — a place run with care rather than fuss, and an easy walk or short drive from the harbour and town centre.

Rooms & comfort

The bedroom we saw is bright and nicely kept, with twin beds dressed in crisp white, soft blue curtains and a cheerful puffin theme running through the cushions, lampshade and pictures. Reading lights flank the beds, fresh towels are laid out for you, and a window looks onto the garden. It's a comfortable, well-presented room sleeping two.

The location

Carness Road puts you on the quiet seaward side of Kirkwall, with the marina, St Magnus Cathedral, shops and restaurants all close by. Evening walks along the shore turn up sunsets over the boats in the harbour, and the ferries north are within easy reach — handy if you're island-hopping.

Good to know

There's private parking and Wi-Fi, a garden to sit out in, and the puffin touches show the local feel of the place. The setting is well suited to families, and being on the edge of town you get both the convenience of Kirkwall and a bit of breathing space.

Perfect for

Couples and families using Kirkwall as a base for exploring Orkney — anyone who wants a warm, well-kept B&B with parking and the harbour and cathedral only minutes away.