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United Kingdom
Kirkwall
The Shore
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The Shore Kirkwall Exterior photoThe Shore Kirkwall Exterior photoThe Shore Kirkwall Exterior photo

THE SHORE, Kirkwall

Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
than on Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From$104 /night
Check-in
27May
Check-out
28May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Shore Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LG
-
Next to Kirkwall Harbour
Very good
7.9
8.0
/10
4.2
4.1
/5

Loved by The Shore guests

Comfortable bed
Clean room
Kind staff
Great location
"I also liked the Harbour Lounge where I could sit and work with a fabulous view."
Alona from United Kingdom
read full review
"The Shore's location put you right on the waterfront in downtown Kirkwall so you have ready access (i.e., walking) to plenty of eateries, pubs, sights and shopping."
Evan Coopes from Australia
read full review
"Convenient location near the harbor, easy free parking and walkable to nearby restaurants and bars."
Robert from United States
read full review

Accommodations

The Shore offers 37 beautifully restored bedrooms, some with breathtaking views of Kirkwall Harbour. The King Sea View Rooms provide extra space along with premium amenities, including 400-thread Egyptian cotton sheets and luxurious goose-down duvets. Doggy beds and treats await four-legged guests, making the hotel pet-friendly.

Dining

The Harbour View Restaurant specializes in dishes that showcase Orcadian produce, allowing guests to enjoy local flavors. The Highland Park Bar features over 100 Highland Park whiskies, providing an extensive selection for enthusiasts. Guests can also savor exciting gin and beer tasting flights in a relaxed atmosphere.

Location

Situated on the harbour's edge, The Shore offers quick access to Kirkwall's historic and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore nearby landmarks such as St Magnus Cathedral, a magnificent example of Norman architecture. Daily ferries connect Kirkwall to the Outer Isles, providing opportunities for further adventure.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Family rooms, including a Junior Suite, accommodate 2 to 4 guests and include additional sleeping options. Children can enjoy a dedicated menu in the Harbour View Restaurant, tailored specifically for smaller appetites. The hotel's welcoming environment encourages family bonding through shared experiences.

Business Facilities

The Shore is well-equipped for business gatherings, offering a conference suite that accommodates up to 90 guests for meetings or events. Light, bright rooms come complete with workspaces, ensuring a productive atmosphere. Attendees also benefit from nearby local amenities for breaks.

Highlights

Location: Harbourside position with quick access to Kirkwall's attractions

Dining: Harbour View Restaurant specializing in local Orcadian produce

Bar: Highland Park Bar with over 100 whiskies

Family Rooms: Junior Suite accommodating 2 to 4 guests

Business: Conference suite for up to 90 participants

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Skara Brae for fascinating Neolithic history just outside town.
  • Taste the local Orkney cheddar at the Orkney Farmers' Market.
  • Explore the historic St. Magnus Cathedral, a true architectural gem.
  • Take a guided tour of Scapa Flow, rich in WWII maritime history.
  • Sample fresh seafood at the Shore Bistro, a local favorite.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
    Standard Single Room
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
    room details
    Twin Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
    room details
    Budget Single Room
    2 persons
    13 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
    room details
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
May 2026 - May 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

The Shore Location

Shore Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LG
Explore Kirkwall
Experience Kirkwall
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Saint Magnus Cathedral
7 minutes' walk
A stunning medieval cathedral, renowned for its striking architecture and rich history. Entry is free, with guided tours available.
The Orkney Museum
6 minutes' walk
Showcasing Orkney's heritage, this museum features fascinating artifacts from the Neolithic era to the present, with free admission.
Orkney Wireless Museum
3 minutes' walk
This unique museum features an extensive collection of wireless communication artifacts, perfect for tech enthusiasts and history buffs.
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
Known for its high-quality whisky, this distillery offers tours and tastings, showcasing its traditional production methods.
Scapa Beach
30 minutes' drive
A beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming and picnicking. Access through a short drive, with ample parking available nearby.
Royal Oak Memorial Garden
28 minutes' walk
A tranquil park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic amidst serene gardens and memorials dedicated to local history.
Hiking at Wideford Hill
45 minutes' drive
A popular spot for hikers offering stunning views of Kirkwall. Suitable for thrill-seekers looking for a challenging climb.
St Magnus Cafe
6 minutes' walk
A cozy spot offering local dishes and fresh coffee. Perfect for a casual meal, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Happy Haddock
10 minutes' walk
Famous for its fresh seafood, particularly fish and chips, enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations are recommended in peak season.
Cafe At No.65
9 minutes' walk
A delightful cafe known for its homemade pastries and hearty lunches, offering both indoor and outdoor seating for a charming experience.
Orkney Theatre
15 minutes' walk
The local theatre features a variety of performances, from drama to music, catering to all ages and interests. Check the schedule for events.
The Reel
8 minutes' walk
A lively venue for enjoying live music and quizzes, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for evenings out with family or friends.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Kirkwall 3 min  ·  200 m
  • Airports
    Kirkwall (KOI) 10 min  ·  6.1 km
    Eday (EOI) 48 min  ·  31.7 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:30
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP17.50 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
17

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Shore from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Shore enjoys a central location, especially convenient for those arriving by ferry, with the ferry terminal situated opposite the hotel. Guests frequently mention the comfortable beds and easily adjustable heating in the rooms, along with the daily housekeeping that ensures a very clean environment. Many appreciate the close proximity to the Kirkwall Hotel, just next door, where they can enjoy breakfast and bar facilities; some guests, however, have found the check-in process slightly inconvenient as it requires going to the Kirkwall Hotel. Restaurants are also conveniently nearby.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 152 verified reviews
7.6 /10
Very good
75 %
Recommend
Location
9.0/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.6/10
Facilities
8.0/10
Pros
Comfy bed
Well-appointed room
Cons
No on-site staff
Unacceptable housekeeping
Guest reviews
based on 152 reviews
7.6/10
based on 251 reviews
7.9/10
Steven from United States
Single
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 03, 2026
9.0/10

Functional Stay Near Harbour

perfect location helpful staff spacious room good food
The location was perfect. I liked that staff were generally helpful. The room was quite spacious. It accommodated my needs well. I appreciated the good food available in the linked hotel.
The room was next to the road, though decent curtains might help with noise.
Rooms
9/10
The double room included comfortable bedsheets. it was warm. The room had some thoughtful touches. A French press was provided, a nice amenity.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel links to the Kirkwall Hotel next door. It has excellent facilities. There is a Harbour Lounge. It had a fabulous view. I found the building pet-friendly.
Service
10/10
The staff were lovely. I found a wonderful, friendly lady at reception. The staff quickly found solutions to requests. They were very cute to my dog.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Samuel from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 09, 2025
6/10

adequate but with issues

plumbing issue missing amenities
the room i booked the "twin room" had a persistent plumbing issue i noticed. a loud gurgling sound occurred frequently during the night. this greatly disrupted my sleep. furthermore, the promised tea and coffee facilities were not properly stocked and needed replenishment daily. i expect better attention to detail.
0 Helpful
Joshua from Canada
Business traveller
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 24, 2025
9.0/10

Central Location with Comfortable Rooms

central location comfortable bed adjustable heating
The location was very central (opposite the ferry terminal), , made getting around very easy. The breakfast and bar facilities located next door at the Kirkwall Hotel were convenient. I found the bed really comfortable, and I appreciated the easily adjustable heating system. Housekeeping came daily. The room was very clean.
I noticed the main entrance to the accommodation was wedged open one evening, which raised security concerns. The rooms only have a basic internal lock. This situation.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast was located in the Kirkwall Hotel next door and offered a buffet (a great option). There was a nice selection of hot and cold items available. The Harbour Lounge also allowed me to work with a pleasant view.
Location
10/10
The hotel enjoys a very central location, just opposite the ferry terminal. Numerous restaurants are near the hotel, providing many dining options. The close proximity to the bus stop and town center made exploring easy.
Facilities
8/10
The room included tea and coffee facilities. It also provided free wifi and a big television. The room itself was a nice size and clean. I also found the staff very pleasant and easy to deal with.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Jordan from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: October 25, 2025
6/10
internal plumbing unsecured entrance
I was quite disappointed with a couple of things . first, the noise from the internal plumbing was very disruptive. it woke me up around 1 am and continued every few minutes until i left before 6 am. Getting a good night's sleep is important for a business traveler, and this made it difficult. also, i found the main entrance wedged open when i returned one evening. this, it didn't feel secure at all.
0 Helpful
Georgia from United States
Single
Twin Room
4 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 14, 2025
6/10
small room check-in process
The room was small and cluttered. I constantly stepped over my suitcase. The space felt cramped. I couldn't open the window. finding someone to check me in was a hassle. I had to search next door.
0 Helpful
Show more reviews
FAQs
About The Shore
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Shore?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from The Shore to Kirkwall Airport?
The hotel is located 4 km from Kirkwall Airport.
Which historical landmarks are nearby The Shore?
Nearby historical landmarks include Skara Brae (14 km), The Ring of Brodgar (13 km), and St Magnus Cathedral (0.5 km).
What dining options are available on-site at The Shore?
The hotel features an on-site Harbour View Restaurant specializing in Orcadian dishes.
Is there Wi-Fi available for guests at The Shore?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Shore?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, private bathroom with shower, and free toiletries.
Which restaurants are located within walking distance of The Shore?
Nearby restaurants include Helgi's, Busters Diner, Bothy Bar, Sinclair's Ice Cream Parlour, and the Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant, all within 0.5 km.
Is parking available at The Shore?
The hotel offers parking on-site for guests.
Does The Shore offer any family-friendly amenities?
The hotel has family rooms available to accommodate larger groups.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy near The Shore?
Guests can access a golf course on-site and enjoy coastal walks nearby.
What language services are offered at The Shore?
Staff at the hotel can communicate in English.

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