Kirkwall Flat 1

Kirkwall Flat 1 is a compact self-catering flat right in the middle of town at 86 Victoria Street, one of two flats behind a smart wooden front door just off Kirkwall's main shopping street. You can leave the car and have the cathedral, the shops and the harbour all within a short stroll — about as central as it gets. It's a neat, easy base for two.

Inside

The living space is open and uncluttered, with a black leather sofa dressed with green cushions, a wall-mounted TV and a wooden dining table with chairs tucked in alongside the kitchen. A jute rug warms the wood-effect floor and a round mirror keeps the room feeling open. The kitchen runs along one wall with the worktop, oven and the essentials for cooking and eating in. A welcome touch is the basket of Orkney treats laid out for guests — local biscuits, fudge and the like — with fresh flowers to greet you on arrival.

Where you'll sleep

The flat sleeps two in one bedroom. There's a separate shower room with a generous walk-in glass shower, basin, WC and that same hard-wearing wood-effect flooring, plus a handy cloakroom with a second WC and basin under a mirror — useful in a small flat. Little decorative touches, like the ceramic hare by the window, give it a homely lift.

The setting

You're in the beating heart of Orkney's capital, with St Magnus Cathedral, the Orkney Museum, cafes, pubs and independent shops all on the doorstep. The bus station and the ferry terminals are within easy reach too, so it's a strong base for exploring the wider islands by day and walking home to the centre at night.

Perfect for

Couples or solo travellers wanting a low-fuss, walk-everywhere town base — with parking, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a washer and a hot tub, and Kirkwall's sights just outside the door.