Kirkwall Youth Hostel

We welcome the recent announcement by the Scottish Government on the responsible lifting of restrictions and are delighted to be able to plan for the re-opening of our self-catering kitchens from 1st November. Drying room facilities are now available at many of our hostels but we would ask you to please contact the hostel team directly to allow them to manage your access. The health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, employees and the communities in which we operate remains our main priority at this time. For more information on what to expect when staying with us please visit the FAQ's section of this website.

As you’ll appreciate, advice on Covid-19 is constantly changing and we would ask all our guests to continue to refer to Scottish Government guidelines and Transport Scotland advice on travel and social distancing when making their booking. Please remember, this guidance may be different in England and Wales.  

Friendly and welcoming, in a quiet location 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre, Kirkwall Youth Hostel is the perfect base for exploring the historic sights and wonderful wildlife of Orkney.

Perfect for groups, families and individual travellers, this warm and welcoming youth hostel offers a wide range of room types, all available to be booked as private rooms. The hostel has 2 en-suite rooms and there are ample shower and washroom facilities available.

Guests can opt for a continental breakfast served in the dining room (please remember to pre-book), or take advantage of the well-equipped self-catering kitchen. Packed lunches are available for groups of 5+ if booked in advance and 'Heat it and eat it' evening meals are available to purchase for your convenience.

WiFi is available in the lounge area and is free for all guests. Other facilities include a large, comfortable lounge with TV and well-stocked library, a laundry, drying room and free onsite parking for up to 20 cars. The hostel has a sheltered external bike storage area. Guests are advised to use their own bicycle locks for security.

Basic provisions, confectionery and soft drinks are available to purchase at reception.

Orkney is a Neolithic and Viking treasure trove, with many attractions, like St Magnus Cathedral, Earls palace, Bishops Palace and the Orkney Museum all within walking distance. Highland Park and Scapa Distilleries are also within walking distance of the hostel and other attractions worth a visit include Skara Brae, Maeshowe and The Ring of Brodgar - all reached by local buses departing from Kirkwall.

Kirkwall is a dog-friendly hostel. If you would like to book yourself and your dog into the hostel, please phone the hostel direct on: +44 (0) 1856 872 243 to check availability. There is a small charge of £5 per night for your dog when staying in our hostels.

The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.

For information on hostel accessibility please click here

Why stay?

• Friendly and very helpful staff
• Central location within easy reach of the town centre
• Great breakfast
• Private rooms available

Capital of Orkney, the historic town of Kirkwall is dominated by the 12th century St Magnus Cathedral. Constructed from local red sandstone, it's one of Scotland's most interesting cathedrals.

Orkney is a Neolithic treasure trove and Kirkwall Youth Hostel is a superb base for exploring its historic sites. Many attractions, like Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar are a short distance away and the hostel is only a mile from historic Scapa Flow and a quiet sandy beach.

South of the centre, the Highland Park Distillery is well worth a visit. An hour long tour will give you the opportunity to see how they malt their own barley and use a peat kiln to dry it.

The island is famous for its hand-made arts and crafts, from exquisite designer jewellery to fine knitwear and locally inspired artwork and souvenirs.

Orkney is well known for the quality of its fresh local larder. From fine quality meats to seafood and cheese, you will have plenty of opportunities to pick up a posh picnic or take home an edible souvenir.