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Kirkwall Youth Hostel
About this property
Welcome to Kirkwall Youth Hostel!
Nestled just a breezy 13 minutes from the stunning St Magnus Cathedral, the Kirkwall Youth Hostel is your perfect home base for exploring the wonders of Orkney! This charming spot, once a World War II base and school, is quietly tucked away on the edge of Kirkwall, making it an ideal retreat after a day of adventure.
Here, you’ll find free onsite parking and a self-catering kitchen that’s fully equipped for whipping up your favorite meals. Each private room comes with access to shared bathroom facilities, and you’ll love the convenience of laundry facilities and a spacious drying room—perfect for those outdoor excursions!
Feeling hungry? While you can cook up a storm in the kitchen, the surrounding area is brimming with delightful restaurants and pubs just waiting to be explored. And let’s not forget the rich history that Orkney has to offer! From the ancient wonders of Skara Brae and Maes Howe to the mystical Ring of Brodgar, there’s no shortage of sights to see. Plus, the historic Scapa Flow is a mere 1 mile away, and you can catch ferry trips to the Northern Isles right from Kirkwall Harbour.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner (couples love our location, rating it 8.1 for a two-person trip!), you’ll find that this is one of the best places to stay in Kirkwall. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at one of the top youth hostels in the area!
What this place offers
Bathroom
Outdoors
Kitchen
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Location
Old Scapa Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, Kirkwall, KW15 1BB, United Kingdom
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Property highlights
Bookable experiences
Bookable experiences nearby
The four closest things to do, see and book — all within easy reach of Kirkwall Youth Hostel.
Guided tour0.9 km away
Orkney Highlights Private Tour
A private, full-day spin through Orkney's headline acts: Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel and a side of Viking lore, with Scapa Tours doing the driving and the awkward questions.
Guided tour0.9 km away
Treasures of Orkney: Private Half-Day Tour from Kirkwall
Four hours, five thousand years and a private guide — the headline Neolithic sites of West Mainland with a vehicle to yourself, prised in around a ferry or a ship's gangway.
Guided tour0.9 km away
Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Seven hours covering all of Mainland — the misnamed largest island — from Skara Brae and Brodgar in the west to the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers in the east, with you setting the pace.
Guided tour0.9 km away
Orkney Private Tour: Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar
Six hours with an Orcadian guide through the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney — Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, at a properly unhurried pace.
Experiences are booked through Booking.com. Orkney Stays earns a small commission when you book through these links — at no extra cost to you.
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Kirkwall Youth Hostel pinned in its neighbourhood, with the closest other stays for context, plus bookable experiences and free things to do nearby. Toggle the layers to focus.
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