ThingsToDoA Broad Street heritage day →
A focused museum and cathedral visit, with palace entry only on a confirmed available date.
Island history in Tankerness House / KIRKWALL
The Orkney Museum
Explore Orkney’s story from early settlement to more recent island life through the museum’s collections and changing exhibitions. The historic house setting adds character, with a garden nearby for a short outdoor pause. A focused visit gives context for wider island travel without requiring a full day of reading every display.
Before you go
Historic rooms include uneven surfaces and low doorways. Ask about the garden entrance and stairlifts if you need an accessible route.
The practical details
- Where to find it
- Tankerness House, Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1DH
Directions and arrival information ↗ - Tickets and booking
- Ordinary entry is free, with donations welcome. Current published hours are Monday–Saturday 10.30–5; check seasonal or holiday changes before travelling, and contact the museum for a group visit.
- Access and getting around
- An accessible entrance is available from Tankerness House Gardens with staff assistance. Upper galleries have stairlifts; discuss requirements before travelling. Accessible toilets and hearing support are listed, but the historic building has uneven surfaces and low doors.
Official access information ↗ - Visiting with children
- Choose objects or a few periods of history that interest the children, and check any current activities. A shorter museum visit with an outdoor pause can work better than trying to cover the whole collection at once.
Practical information checked 16 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.
Make it part of your day
Allow 1–2 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.
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