The Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace, the Broch of Gurness, and Hackness Martello Tower and Battery, which have been closed for the winter will reopen to visitors in April.
The Bishop’s Palace is Kirkwall’s oldest surviving domestic building, dating from the early 1100s. It is the only episcopal palace ever built in Norse Scotland, and where the last Norwegian king in Scotland died.
The Earl’s Palace was built in 1606 and is one of the most accomplished examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland.
Both buildings will be open daily from 10am – 4:30pm from Tuesday 1 April until Tuesday 30 September.
Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace will also be hosting some family-friendly events such as Easter Eggsplorer Trails. For a full list of events visit the HES website.
The Broch of Gurness is Scotland’s best-preserved broch village, founded sometime between 500-200BC. One of the few broch sites to have been excavated, it gives visitors a clearer impression of life in the Middle Iron Age than similar sites.
The Broch of Gurness will be open from 10am – 4:30pm from Wednesday 2 April until Tuesday 30 September. In April, the visitor centre will be closed on Tuesdays and Fridays. The site will be accessible when the visitor centre is closed.
Hackness Martello Tower and Battery were built in 1813 to protect British and Scandinavian merchant shipping interests during the Napoleonic Wars. The site never saw any action, ensuring it has remained a well-preserved example of military defences of the time.
It is due to reopen later in April, from Monday 28, and will be open Mondays to Thursdays until Tuesday 30 September, with access by guided tour only.
Craig Mearns, Director of Operations at HES, said:
“The start of the new visitor season is always exciting. As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to step outside, experience Scotland’s natural beauty and get a closer look at our past. With castles, palaces, priories and brochs all reopening, everyone will find an aspect of Scottish heritage to enjoy.
“These sites are part of Scotland’s history and offer an incredible range of experience and understanding. Our monuments include safe havens for key historical figures, strategic fortresses, Hanoverian munitions factories and sites of ceremonial importance to ancient tribes. Each place tells a unique story, and we look forward to sharing them with people from across the world.”
For more details or to book tickets visit the HES website. Tickets are on sale now, with a discount available for purchasing in advance.
Orkney’s HES Rangers also conduct their free popular walks at The Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness/ Barnhouse Village..
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