←United Kingdom travel guide
Scotland, United Kingdom
Kirkwall
The Orkney capital and gateway to Neolithic Scotland
CultureHistory & HeritageNature & OutdoorsScenic Views
Kirkwall is the main town of Orkney, an island group off northern Scotland. It is the gateway to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site of standing stones and chambered tombs including Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.
Check United Kingdom visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to September
Region
Scotland
Main airport
Kirkwall (KOI)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Kirkwall
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in the UK. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for the UK.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Kirkwall
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting United Kingdom
Citizens of most Western countries — including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the EU — can visit the UK visa-free as standard visitors for up to 6 months. From early 2025, travellers from these countries also need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight to the UK.
Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 6 months per visit. The specific length of stay is determined by the Border Force officer at the port of entry. You cannot normally switch to a different visa category while in the UK as a visitor.
A valid passport (or national ID card for EU/EEA nationals), a valid UK ETA or visa if required, and evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. You may also be asked about the purpose of your visit.
The UK is a safe country for tourists. The terrorism threat level is assessed by the UK government — check MI5's current assessment before travel. Standard precautions for pickpocketing in busy tourist areas apply. Emergency services are excellent.
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP, symbol £). Note that Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some Crown Dependencies have their own banknotes which are legal tender UK-wide. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
English is the primary language. Welsh is co-official in Wales. Scottish Gaelic has protected status in Scotland. Irish is spoken in parts of Northern Ireland.
May to September offers the most reliably pleasant weather, with longer daylight hours. Summer is peak season for attractions. December is magical for Christmas markets but can be cold and wet. Autumn colours (October) are beautiful across the countryside.
Explore London's world-class free museums, visit Stonehenge and Bath, hike in the Scottish Highlands, tour Edinburgh Castle, walk the Cotswolds, experience the Welsh coast and Snowdonia, attend a theatre show in London's West End, and visit a traditional English pub.
London Heathrow (LHR) is the UK's busiest international airport. London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and Birmingham (BHX) also receive international flights.
Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for lost luggage, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. The NHS provides some emergency treatment to visitors, but is not available for non-emergency care for overseas visitors.