Dog Days AwayGOOD DAYS. TOGETHER.
Orkney · Scotland · Town · Coast
Kirkwall gives an Orkney break a town base with shops, harbour views and two manageable outdoor outings. Choose a hotel room or a private room in the youth hostel, then keep the first day light after the island journey. Peedie Sea paths offer an easy local focus, while Scapa is a separate shore outing. The cathedral photograph sets the town scene; indoor pet access is not assumed in the plan.
Policies researched 27 September 2026 · Check directly before booking
A BASE FOR YOUR BREAK
Dog access can depend on the room or accommodation you choose. Confirm the exact dog arrangements before you pay.
The Kirkwall Hotel permits up to two dogs at £20 each per night, arranged in advance. The hostel permits up to two at £7.50 each nightly in selected private rooms, never shared dorms. The hostel’s kitchen, dining and quiet-room exclusions need planning if you are travelling alone with a dog; other public areas permit short leads.
Harbour Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1LE
A Harbour Street hotel in Kirkwall. Contact the team before booking to arrange the dog room and permitted meal space.
The dog detailsUp to two dogs, £20 each per night, booked in advance. Confirm room allocation, dining access and supervision.
Book directly with the property
Confirm your dog, exact accommodation, minimum stay and total charge before paying.
Old Scapa Road, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1BB
Hostel accommodation on Old Scapa Road. The dog option is a selected private room rather than a bed in a shared dormitory.
The dog detailsUp to two dogs, £7.50 each nightly; book directly with hostel. No unattended dogs; kitchen, dining and quiet rooms excluded. Short leads in other public areas; bring bedding.
Book directly with the property
Confirm your dog, exact accommodation, minimum stay and total charge before paying.
GOOD DAYS OUT, TOGETHER
Choose a modest outing on the paths around Peedie Sea, leaving plenty of time after an island arrival.
Control dogs around birds, water and other users; follow current local notices.
Official visitor informationMake a separate outing towards Scapa, choosing beach time or a manageable trail section to suit conditions.
Respect shore birds, check tide and weather, and keep dogs under close control near water and livestock.
Official visitor informationAN UNHURRIED COUPLE OF DAYS
Check into the agreed room, arrange your meal and enjoy a short Peedie Sea outing if travel leaves time.
Choose a modest shore or trail outing, allowing time for the journey back and any onward transport.
A suggested plan, not a booked itinerary. Adapt it to your dog, the weather and current access.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Kitchen and dining areas exclude pets, and dogs cannot be left alone; agree a workable arrangement before booking.
Check current ferry or airline pet arrangements and service updates alongside accommodation availability.
No. Hostelling Scotland accepts dogs only in selected private rooms, not shared dorms; arrange the dog booking directly with the hostel in advance. Its current published charge is £7.50 per dog per night, with a maximum of two dogs per room.
No. Hostelling Scotland allows dogs in hostel public areas except the kitchen, dining area and quiet rooms. Dogs must be kept on a short lead, may not be left alone in the bedroom for more than one hour, and owners are asked not to leave the hostel premises without them. Bring your own bedding, basket and food.
The hotel charges £20 per dog per night, with a maximum of two. Dog-friendly bedrooms must be pre-booked by phone on 01856 872232; arriving without a booking may mean the hotel cannot accommodate your dog.
Dogs are not allowed in the Harbour View Restaurant but are welcome in Skippers Bar and Highland Park Bar. The hotel says light bites are available daily from noon to 2pm; check current service times before you go.
Sources: The Harbour View Restaurant and dining - The Kirkwall Hotel
On NorthLink’s Aberdeen-Kirkwall service, pets can travel in a pet-friendly cabin, a booked kennel or your vehicle; ordinary internal public areas are for support dogs. Pet-friendly cabins have a £15 supplement per animal in addition to the cabin charge. Book kennels and cabins in advance, and check the operator’s current terms before travel.
Sources: Travelling to Shetland and Orkney with pets - NorthLink
Researched from accommodation operators, property listings and visitor information linked above on 27 September 2026. Prices and policies can change; a stated dog fee is not a room quote or a promise of availability. We have not personally inspected these places. Our day plans are editorial suggestions.
Read our research approach