Garden House is conveniently located on New Scapa Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1BL, just a short walk from the harbour / town centre, and a quick drive from Hatston Ferry Terminal, Kirkwall Airport, and many of Orkney's top attractions. We are also directly opposite the new Balfour hospital and on the main bus route.
As the name suggests, Garden House sits in its own green space, but it is also adjacent to Arcadia Park which provides a peaceful green haven on the edge of town.
Garden House is ideally situated for travelling by car, public transport or on foot. Whether you’re here for work, sightseeing, or island-hopping, you’ll find everything within easy reach:
By car or taxi: Around 5 minutes drive (~2 miles). Taxis pickup from the terminal, book ahead, fares can vary - ask the operator before traveling.
By bus: Local buses from the terminal stop at Kirkwall Travel Centre, a short walk from Garden House.
On foot: Around 55 minutes walk following the signs into town.
By car or taxi: Just 5 minutes drive (3 miles) via A960 and New Scapa Road.
By bus: The number 4 service connects the airport with Kirkwall town centre, the nearest stop is New Balfour Hospital - right outside Garden House.
By car: Roughly 25 minutes drive (14 miles) along the A965. The route is the main road across Orkney and passes through the towns of Stenness and Finstown.
By bus: Stagecoach service X1 operates between Stromness and Kirkwall several times daily, stopping near the town centre. Our nearest stop on this route is West Tankerness Lane - a 10 min walk from Garden House.
By taxi: Local taxi companies pickup from Stromness terminal, book ahead, fares can vary - ask the operator before traveling.
By car: Around 25 minutes drive (15 miles) via A961 across the Churchill Barriers — one of Orkney’s most scenic drives.
By bus: Stagecoach service X1 runs from St Margaret’s Hope to Kirkwall, connecting with ferry arrivals. Our nearest stop is New Balfour Hospital - immediately opposite Garden House.
By taxi: Pre-booking is recommended for arrivals at St Margaret’s Hope, fares can vary - ask the operator before traveling.
If you’d like to explore more of Orkney, hiring a car gives you the freedom to visit the islands’ most famous sites — from Skara Brae, to the Ring of Brodgar and cliffs of Yesnaby.
Local car hire options:
Orkney Car Hire (James D Peace & Co) - Kirkwall Town Centre & Kirkwall Airport
WR Tullock Car Rental - Kirkwall Town Centre & Kirkwall Airport
Drive Orkney - Hatston Industrial Estate & Kirkwall Airport
Ticketyboo - Free delivery in Kirkwall includes pick up at Kirkwall Airport
Co Wheels Car Club - pay-as-you-go car hire scheme, with vehicles available to hire across Orkney and the rest of the UK
Parking: Free on-site parking is available at Garden House.
If you’re unsure about directions or arrival times, just email rooms@gardenhouseorkney.com or call us on +44 (0)1856 850280, our friendly team will be happy to help!