West End Guest House

The West End is a long-established guest house on Main Street in Kirkwall, set in a cheerful yellow-rendered building with crow-stepped gables, tall chimneys and its own private car park — a real bonus in the town centre. There's a sociable feel to the place, helped along by a sunny back garden with picnic benches where guests can sit out with a drink on a fine evening.

Rooms & comfort

Bedrooms are traditional and comfortably furnished, with warm tartan curtains, framed prints and good natural light from the sash windows. You'll find both twin and double rooms — one with a brass bedstead and a wall light, another with a navy feature wall and a leather tub chair by the window. Each room comes with a wall-mounted TV, a tea and coffee tray with kettle, and a tub chair or seating to relax in. Fresh towels are laid out ready on the beds.

The location

You're right in the heart of Kirkwall, within an easy walk of St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, the harbour and the town's shops, pubs and restaurants. It's the ideal base for catching ferries to the north isles or heading out to explore the Mainland's archaeology by day.

Good to know

Private on-site parking is included, which makes arriving and exploring straightforward. The shared back garden with picnic tables is a pleasant spot for relaxing, and external stairs lead up to some of the rooms. With its town-centre position, everything you need is just steps from the door.

Perfect for

The West End suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who want a friendly, traditional guest house in the centre of Kirkwall, with parking sorted and the cathedral, harbour and ferry connections all close by.