Seven hidden highlights of Kirkwall

But explore a little further afield and you’ll discover plenty of quirky sites, from historical locations to green spaces that are perfect for wildlife watching.

Here are seven of our favourite hidden highlights of Kirkwall.

It’s fair to say that Hatston Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the town isn’t usually top of a tourist’s to-do list. However, there is one special site in the middle of the business units here that is definitely worth seeking out.

Grain Earth House is a subterranean Iron Age structure that was first excavated in the early 1800s. Climb down two metres below ground (remember to bring a torch!) and crawl along the stone passageway to enter the main chamber, which it’s thought was used for food storage thousands of years ago.

Pick up a key from the Judith Glue shop on Broad Street to gain access.

The centre of Kirkwall is full of beautiful old buildings, but if you’re looking for a bit of greenery then you’ll find a rare patch of woodland just a few short steps from the main street.

Although relatively modest in size, the Willows is a peaceful place to sit in the shade during the summer. A burn runs through the trees and there are snowdrops and daffodils to enjoy in the spring.

Even better, Rendall’s Bakery is across the road where you can pick up all kinds of delicious sweet and savoury treats.

Staying on the nature theme, this uniquely-positioned tree is a real survivor. The 200-year-old sycamore used to be part of a private garden but became a fixture on Albert Street as the town grew.

Various plans to remove or reduce it over the years have been met with public opposition, highlighting how proud folk in the town are of ‘The Big Tree’, as it’s known locally.

These days its trunk is hollowed out and it’s supported by a metal rod, but it continues to bloom every year, adding plenty of character to the street.

If you’re visiting Kirkwall for the first time then you’ll almost certainly set foot in St Magnus Cathedral, but remember to save some time for a wander around the surrounding kirkyard.

It’s a peaceful spot in the centre of town, but it also has plenty of tales to tell. You can see the graves of prominent Orcadians, including 19^th century missionary, Samuel Baikie and Dr John Rae, Orkney’s famous Arctic explorer.

The cathedral offers guided tours of the graveyard during the summer months, and there’s a self-guide booklet available for a small donation too.

This hidden gem next to Kirkwall’s harbour is a treasure trove of radio nostalgia, from grand designs of the 1930s, to novelty radios in the shape of sauce bottles and cigarette packets.

You can listen to a 100-year-old set and tune in a 1950s valve radio. There’s also an extensive collection of wartime memorabilia, including Spitfire radios and a ‘spy suitcase’ radio.

Manned by a small team of enthusiastic volunteers, it’s the perfect place to pop in to during a walk through the town.

The Peedie Sea is found just along from Kirkwall harbour and it's an idea place for a breath of sea air and a spot of birdwatching.

In the winter you can expect to see long-tailed ducks, mallards, mute swans and much more here, and there are always plenty of gulls swooping around.

In the summer it’s home to terns and swallows, but it’s also simply a popular place for a stroll during the light nights.

This unique building has a very special history.

It was first built as a summer house for a former Town Provost, using volcanic stones taken from the ballast of the ‘Revenge’, the ship of infamous Orkney pirate, John Gow.

Known as the Groatie Hoose because of the cowrie shells – groatie buckies – that decorate its spire, the building was moved from its original location off Bridge Street to Tankerness House Gardens in 2005.

Visit our Explore Kirkwall & St Ola page to find out more about the town and surrounding area.