Name: The Orkney Museum
Rating: 5.0

The Orkney Museum

The Orkney Museum, Broad Street, Kirkwall, UK

1-99 Years

Description

The Orkney Museum is a fascinating historical hub that invites families to journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Stone Age to the modern day. Located in the heart of Kirkwall within the historic Tankerness House, this museum provides a captivating introduction to the islands' rich heritage through its extensive archaeology and social history collections. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Kirkwall if you are looking for an educational day out that brings the past to life through ancient treasures and engaging stories.

Admission to the museum is completely free, though donations are welcomed to help support the care of its nationally significant collections. This makes it an ideal, budget-friendly stop for families exploring the Orkney capital.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids to get to grips with the mystery of the archipelago, The Orkney Museum is a top-tier choice. The museum spans a surprising amount of space, wandering through a series of rooms that include everything from Pictish symbol stones to a beautifully kept walled garden perfect for a quiet moment outdoors.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Learning: The museum offers various activities specifically designed to amuse and educate younger visitors.
Nationally Significant Archaeology: Explore a collection of international importance, featuring artefacts from over 5,000 years of human history.
Educational Day Out: Families can follow the story of Orkney from the prehistoric era through the Viking age to recent traditions.
Historical Setting: The museum is housed in Tankerness House, a 16th-century townhouse that is an attraction in its own right.

Top 5 Highlights

Grave Goods from the Scar Viking Boat Burial: Discover the intricate artefacts found in one of Britain's most famous Viking discoveries, offering a peek into the lives of Norse settlers.
Pictish Symbol Stones: View ancient carved stones that remain some of the most mysterious remnants of the people who lived here before the Vikings.
The Baikie Library & Drawing Room: Step into the 17th century and see how a wealthy Orkney family lived when this grand building was a private home.
Bronze Age Metalwork: Marvel at the craftsmanship of early metalworkers through a variety of tools and ornaments found across the islands.
The Walled Garden: Tucked behind the museum, this peaceful, sprawling garden is a hidden gem in Kirkwall, perfect for a short stroll after exploring the exhibits.

Facilities

Museum Shop: Sells a range of books, local crafts, and unique gifts.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are located near the entrance of the building.
Accessibility: An induction loop is available at reception for those with hearing impairments.
Research Area: A small space where visitors can view historic documents, videos, and old photos.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Rainy Day Strategy: It is a popular spot for shelter during bad weather, so try arriving at opening time to avoid the busiest crowds.
Garden Break: If children get restless indoors, the walled garden is a safe and quiet place for them to move around.
School Visits: If you are visiting with a large group or school party, contact the museum in advance at [email protected] to arrange your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Orkney Museum worth it for toddlers? While the museum focuses on history and archaeology, the engaging layout and old photography are often of interest to younger children. The walled garden at the back is particularly worth it for toddlers as it offers a safe, open space to explore away from the street.
How long does a visit to The Orkney Museum take? Most families spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours exploring the various galleries. Because the museum sprawls across several floors and rooms, there is plenty to see, though you can easily tailor your visit to focus on the highlights like the Viking exhibits.
Where is the best place to park for The Orkney Museum? The most convenient parking is at the Albert Street or Castle Street car parks, both just a short walk from the entrance. These are pay-and-display car parks, though a free ticket must be displayed even during free periods.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Kirkwall for kids? The Orkney Museum is one of the best free indoor activities in the city, providing hours of entertainment without a fee. It is ideally located near other free sites like St Magnus Cathedral, making it part of an affordable "near me" family day out.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Free Admission: Families appreciate the high quality of exhibits available without an entry fee.
Surprising Size: Many are impressed by how much larger the museum is than it looks from the outside.
Local History: Parents value the clear and engaging way the story of Orkney is told through the ages.

What Visitors Don't Like

Busy Periods: The museum can feel cramped during peak tourist hours, especially when cruise ships are in port.
Restricted Access: Currently, only assistance dogs are permitted inside the building.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum’s galleries cover a vast timeline with specific items of interest:
Cache of Stone Tools: Recovered from the Isbister Chambered Cairn (Tomb of the Eagles).
Scar Dragon: A famous Viking whalebone plaque from the Scar boat burial.
Old Photography Collection: Highlighting social history and changing life in Orkney over the last few centuries.
Temporary Exhibition Gallery: Often hosts rotating displays such as photography or local craft exhibitions.
The Drawing Room: Preserved with period furniture and decor from the Baikie family era.
Pictish Symbols: A collection of stones featuring the unique "beast" and "crescent" carvings.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The museum is directly opposite St Magnus Cathedral, a stunning red sandstone landmark that is free to visit and essential for any Kirkwall itinerary. Just a few steps away, you can visit the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces for more medieval history. For those wanting a change of pace, the Kirkwall high street is filled with independent shops and cafes within a two-minute walk.

New for 2026

For 2026, the museum continues its programme of temporary exhibitions, which often include unique loans and local community heritage projects. Visitors in June can also experience the museum as a hub during the St Magnus International Festival (19th–28th June 2026), which brings multi-artform performances across the islands.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Orkney Museum does not offer standard birthday party packages. However, space within the museum can be hired for events or pop-up exhibitions. For private event enquiries, please contact: [email protected].

Monday to Saturday:10:30am – 5:00pm
Jan-Feb: Closed

Address: The Orkney Museum, Broad Street, Kirkwall, UK

Post Code: KW15 1DH

Council: Orkney Islands

County: Orkney

By Bus: Most island buses arrive at the Kirkwall Travel Centre, which is a 5-minute walk away.
By Car: Use the postcode KW15 1DH.
Car Parking: There is no on-site parking. Nearby public car parks include: Albert Street: 56 spaces (3 disabled). Castle Street: 28 spaces (3 disabled). St Magnus Lane: 19 spaces (2 disabled).