Cathedral, palaces & the South Isles

Kirkwall & South Ronaldsay Tour

A guided minibus tour through Orkney’s capital and south across the Churchill Barriers, with local guide Jean Ross.

In short

This guided minibus tour explores Kirkwall and the South Isles, including St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, The Gloup at Deerness, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel, and St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay.

Jean Ross, Green Badge tourist guide, Great Orkney Tours

I’m Jean, your Orkney tour guide

From the cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall to the wartime story of the barriers, I love sharing the history that shaped these islands.

Why Kirkwall and the South Isles?

Kirkwall is Orkney’s capital, built around the magnificent red-and-yellow sandstone of St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137. Alongside it stand the ruined Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces.

From there we head south across the wartime Churchill Barriers, with the Italian Chapel along the way, to the friendly village of St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay.

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
Kirkwall, Orkney's capital

What will you see?

  • St Magnus Cathedral: the 12th-century cathedral at the heart of Kirkwall.
  • The Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces: ruined residences beside the cathedral.
  • The Gloup at Deerness: a dramatic collapsed sea cave on the east coast.
  • The Churchill Barriers & the Italian Chapel: crossing to the South Isles.
  • St Margaret’s Hope: a pretty village on South Ronaldsay.

Frequently asked questions

A full day is around 8 hours, usually 9am to 5pm, and the start and finish times are flexible. A full day allows time in the South Isles as well as Kirkwall, while a shorter visit concentrates on Kirkwall and the Churchill Barriers. If you’re off a cruise ship I’ll work to your all-aboard time.

Yes, private for your group, or join a small group. Up to 8 passengers in the minibus.

Yes, we go inside both. We stop at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall and at the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, with time to look round each and hear the story behind them. Both are subject to being open on the day, so I’ll check before we set out and adjust the order of the route if needed.

Get in touch and I’ll help you plan your day.

See the capital & the South Isles

Tell me how much you’d like to fit in, cathedral, palaces, the barriers and South Ronaldsay, and I’ll shape the day to suit. Up to 8 passengers, private or small group.

Book Your Tour

Your guide: Jean Ross, Green Badge Tourist Guide since 2008, born and brought up in Orkney.