The Shore - A harbourside hotel with Orcadian dining, whisky bar, and views of Kirkwall Harbour
Located on Kirkwall Harbour, The Shore offers 37 rooms with views of the water or surrounding rooftops. Rooms feature 400-thread Egyptian cotton sheets, goose-down duvets, and well-stocked hospitality trays with Teapigs teas. The Harbour View Restaurant serves Orcadian produce, including fresh seafood and local whiskies, while the Highland Park Whisky Bar stocks over 100 varieties. Guests can explore nearby Neolithic sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, both within a short drive. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, family rooms with sofa beds, and dog-friendly accommodations. Afternoon Tea with Prosecco is available the first weekend of each month at The Shore.
Pros
Harbour-facing rooms provide views of dayboats and cruise ships.
Highland Park Whisky Bar offers one of Orkney's largest whisky selections.
Dog-friendly policy includes treats, walking maps, and designated dining areas.
Proximity to Neolithic sites like Skara Brae and Maeshowe (under 30 minutes by car).
Family rooms accommodate up to four guests with cots and children's menus.
Cons
No spa or pool facilities on-site.
Limited parking availability near the harbour.
“The Shore benefits from its proximity to the Kirkwall Hotel, where a good breakfast awaits; its waterfront location is undeniably convenient for exploring Kirkwall and accessing ferries to the northern islands. Though unassuming from the outside, the rooms are modern and well-equipped, featuring especially comfortable beds. I think this annex presents solid value, putting guests right in the heart of things.”
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
Select your room type
The Shore offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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
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Facilities
The Shore offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.6/10Review 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
Services
Housekeeping
Children
Cots
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
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The Shore Location
Shore Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LG,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Grain Earth House
970 m
Church
Kirkwall Baptist Church
680 m
Landmark
Orkney Witchcraft Memorial
730 m
Landmark
Highland Park Distillery
2.11 km
Landmark
Peedie Sea
900 m
Landmark
Scapa Crafts Orkney Chairs
1.15 km
Landmark
HMS Royal Oak Memorial
2.32 km
Landmark
Scapa Distillery
2.84 km
Beach
Scapa Beach
2.69 km
Island
JP Orkney
2.94 km
Landmark
Quanter Ness
3.75 km
Landmark
Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn
4.18 km
Landmark
Head of Work
4.2 km
Landmark
Wideford Hill
4.2 km
Nearby
Monument
Saint Magnus Cathedral
540 m
Palace
The Earl's Palace
570 m
Museum
The Orkney Museum
470 m
Museum
Orkney Wireless Museum
170 m
Ayre Road
The Orkney Distillery
200 m
Marina
Kirkwall Marina
150 m
Harbour Street
80 m
Albert Street
The Big Tree
320 m
Restaurants
St Magnus Cafe
450 m
Broad St Kirkwall Community Centre
The Happy Haddock
760 m
69 Junction Road
Cafe At No.65
700 m
65 Victoria Street
Explore Kirkwall
Explore Kirkwall
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Saint Magnus Cathedral
7 minutes' walk
A stunning 12th-century cathedral known for its striking architecture and beautiful stained glass. Guided tours available.
The Orkney Museum
6 minutes' walk
Offers a glimpse into Orkney's rich history with engaging exhibits. Free admission with interactive displays.
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
Scotland's northernmost distillery, known for its award-winning whiskey. Tours and tastings available year-round.
Orkney Wireless Museum
3 minutes' walk
A unique museum dedicated to communication history, featuring vintage radios and more. Great for tech enthusiasts.
Walking Tours
10 minutes' walk
Guided walking tours take you through Kirkwall's historic streets. Book in advance to learn about the city's rich past.
Scapa Beach
30 minutes driving
A lovely sandy beach perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and coastal walks. Great spot for families and beach lovers.
Local Craft Fair
10 minutes walking
Seasonal local markets featuring crafts and food from Orkney artisans. A must-do for unique souvenirs and local flavors.
St Magnus Cafe
6 minutes' walk
Cozy cafe known for its homemade cakes and locally sourced dishes. Ideal for breakfast or a light lunch.
The Happy Haddock
10 minutes' walk
Traditional fish and chips shop offering fresh seafood in a casual setting. Great value, fast service.
Cafe At No.65
9 minutes' walk
Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu featuring vegetarian options. Known for its coffee and scones.
The Orkney Theatre
7 minutes' walk
Local theater showcasing a variety of performances from plays to live music. Family-friendly events frequently held.
The Reel
10 minutes' walk
A vibrant bar featuring live music and karaoke nights. A great spot for evening entertainment and socializing.
Getting around
City Centre
Kirkwall 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI) 10 min · 6.1 km
Eday (EOI) 48 min · 31.7 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:30
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 19.5 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
17
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Shore from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.3/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
7.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Location
9.0/10
Staff
8.6/10
Value for money
7.2/10
Pros
Spacious suite
Good breakfast
Friendly staff
Waterfront location
Clean room
Cons
Noisy room
Damp room
Poor view
Guest reviews
based on 233 reviews
7.6/10
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FAQs
About The Shore
What is the distance from The Shore to Kirkwall Airport?
The Shore is 4 km from Kirkwall Airport.
How far is The Shore from the centre of Kirkwall?
The Shore is located approximately 5 minutes' walk from the centre of Kirkwall.
What dining options are available at The Shore?
The Shore features an on-site Harbour View Restaurant specializing in locally sourced Orcadian dishes.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Shore?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is Wi-Fi available at The Shore?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout The Shore.
What room amenities can guests expect at The Shore?
Rooms at The Shore include a flat-screen TV, kettle, private bathroom with shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
What are the nearby attractions to The Shore?
Nearby attractions include Highland Park Distillery (2 km), Skara Brae, and St Magnus Cathedral.
Are there any restaurants close to The Shore?
Nearby restaurants include Helgi's, Busters Diner, Bothy Bar, and Sinclair's Ice Cream Parlour, all within 0.5 km.
What services does The Shore provide for families?
The Shore offers family rooms and a children's menu.
What payment methods are accepted at The Shore?
The Shore accepts Visa, Maestro, and MasterCard.
Is there parking available at The Shore?
The Shore offers on-site parking for guests.
What style of hotel is The Shore?
The Shore is a family-friendly hotel located in the historic town of Kirkwall.