Sanderlay Guest House Kirkwall Exterior photoSanderlay Guest House Kirkwall Exterior photoSanderlay Guest House Kirkwall Exterior photo
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From81US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

2 Viewfield Drive Kirkwall Orkney, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1RB
-
Close to Saint Magnus Cathedral
Great
8.7
/10
4.3
/5

Location

Sanderlay Guest House is situated approximately 1 mile from the center of Kirkwall, providing convenient access to the main town and surrounding attractions. Visitors start their journey to explore Orkney's rich archaeology, wildlife, and historical sites from this well-placed location. This guest house serves as a central point for travelers wishing to visit renowned spots like St Magnus Cathedral and the picturesque town of Stromness.

Rooms

The guest house offers comfortable ensuite bedrooms designed for relaxation, accommodating both singles and families. Each room includes a kitchenette providing flexibility for preparing meals. Various room configurations are available, including double, twin, and family options, ensuring suitable accommodation for any traveler.

Outdoor Activities

Sanderlay Guest House is a gateway to a wealth of outdoor pursuits reflecting the islands' natural beauty. Guests can explore the diverse landscapes, from green hills to dramatic cliffs on the island of Hoy. Birdwatching opportunities abound, with many species nesting in the area during summer months.

Culinary Experiences

While Sanderlay does not provide dining on-site, the surrounding area includes a variety of dining options in Kirkwall. Local eateries allow guests to sample Orkney's renowned beef and seafood, providing a taste of the islands' culinary culture. The guest house's kitchenette facilities also enable visitors to enjoy meals at their convenience.

Accessibility

Reaching Orkney is facilitated by regular ferry services and daily flights connecting to major Scottish cities. Visitors benefit from convenient travel options, making it easy to explore the islands. Sanderlay Guest House is strategically located to enhance accessibility for day trips or longer stays.

Highlights

Location: 1 mile of the centre of Kirkwall

Rooms: comfortable bedrooms with kitchenette

Outdoor: access to stunning natural landscapes

Culinary: local dining options nearby

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the stunning St. Magnus Cathedral for its unique architecture.
  • Try the local Orkney Cheddar at the Orkney Cheese Company.
  • Explore the fascinating Orkney Museum for local history.
  • Take a stroll at the picturesque Scapa Flow Visitor Centre.
  • Sample seafood at the legendary Hummingbird restaurant downtown.
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Select your room type

Sanderlay Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Single Room
1 person
130 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double or Twin Room
3 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Quadruple Room
2 persons
435 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Sanderlay Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Diving
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Sanderlay Guest House Location

2 Viewfield Drive Kirkwall Orkney, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1RB
Map view
2 Viewfield Drive Kirkwall Orkney, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, KW15 1RB
Nearby
Dawn Star Boat Tours
400 ft
Restaurants
Willows Takeaway
2500 ft
Willow Road
Explore Kirkwall
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Saint Magnus Cathedral
Saint Magnus Cathedral
20 minutes' walk
Orkney's most iconic site, featuring stunning architecture and rich history.
The Earl's Palace
The Earl's Palace
20 minutes' walk
A remarkable ruin offering insight into Orkney's feudal past with guided tours available.
The Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum
20 minutes' walk
An informative museum showcasing Orkney's cultural heritage, including free admission on certain days.
Highland Park Distillery
Highland Park Distillery
25 minutes' walk
A renowned distillery offering guided tours and tastings of their award-winning whisky.
Walk up Wideford Hill
15 minutes' walk
A scenic hike that provides breathtaking views of Kirkwall and surrounding landscapes.
Relax at Scapa Beach
30 minutes' walk
A tranquil beach perfect for unwinding, ideal for families and sunbathers alike.
Willows Takeaway
Willows Takeaway
10 minutes' walk
A casual spot serving local favorites and takeout options, popular for their fish and chips.
The Orkney Distillery
The Orkney Distillery
20 minutes' walk
Offers a fine dining experience with local ingredients and whisky pairings; reservations recommended.
Orkney Theatre
13 minutes' walk
Hosts a variety of performances, from theatre to live music, appealing to all ages.
The Big Tree
The Big Tree
20 minutes' walk
A local venue with a lively atmosphere and events including open mic nights and community gatherings.
Getting around
City Centre
Kirkwall16 min  ·  4300 ft
Airports
Kirkwall (KOI)10 min  ·  3.8 mi
Eday (EOI)50 min  ·  20.7 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:30-21:00
Check-out
from 07:00-09:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Sanderlay Guest House serves a full breakfast for free. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
8

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Sanderlay Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 198 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
95%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
8.3/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Guest reviews
based on 198 reviews
8.9/10
based on 506 reviews
8.7/10
Molly from Ireland
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 16, 2026
9.3/10

spotlessly clean rooms and tasty breakfast

spacious roomfresh juices
the triple room was spacious. it included a kitchenette with big windows. these windows allowed us to ventilate the room. breakfast was amazing. they had a selection with scottish delights, american and british fare, coffee, and fresh juices.
Service
9/10
sian was helpful and provided information about the island. they left my key out for me after a late arrival. they even brought me a space heater to get warm quickly one evening.
Location
10/10
the hotel has plenty of parking on site. it is in an ideal position for walking to the town. the location is very quiet for restful sleep.
Facilities
9/10
the guest house is cute with a great vibe. kitchenette amenities in the room came in very handy. i could drink something hot late at night. breakfast is cooked to order and is lovely.
Rooms
9/10
room 7 is well lit and ventilated. a bathrobe was provided for the bathroom outside the room. the hotel was spotlessly clean, which i appreciated. there was a facility to make coffee in the room.
0 Helpful
|
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Emma from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 27, 2025
5/10

some issues with the room

nice breakfastold mattresscramped room
the breakfast was quite nice.
the room i had faced some serious issues. the mattress was old, and i could feel every spring. also, the room seemed much smaller due to a couch right next to the bed, it felt cramped and not functional.
0 Helpful
Mia from Italy
Single
Double or Twin Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 22, 2025
9.0/10

A Haven of Hospitality

freshly cooked breakfasteasy checkinglarge room
The room was indeed spacious and met my needs perfectly. Easy check-in was a great convenience. Breakfast had a lovely choice of items , including freshly cooked options plus cereals and toast.
The front door remained unlocked overnight , , made me a little uneasy as a solo traveler.
Rooms
9/10
The room was generously sized and very quiet, with all the promised amenities present. I found the bed to be quite comfortable , and I slept soundly throughout my stay. The cleanliness was certainly amazing.
Facilities
9/10
The breakfast service was quite excellent, with a good choice of items available each morning. Coffee and tea facilities were provided in the room , which was much appreciated. There was self check in , so I could come and go as I pleased.
Location
9/10
The location was peaceful , with a quiet respite from the hustle of daily life. It was a moderate walk into town , and I could easily catch the bus for further destinations. The position of the hotel allowed easy access to many local attractions.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About Sanderlay Guest House
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sanderlay Guest House?
Check-in is from 16:30 and check-out is by 09:30.
How far is Sanderlay Guest House from Kirkwall Airport?
The hotel is located 5 km from Kirkwall Airport.
What is the distance from Sanderlay Guest House to the city center of Kirkwall?
Sanderlay Guest House is approximately 10 km from the city center of Kirkwall.
What breakfast options are available at Sanderlay Guest House?
Guests can enjoy a continental, Full English/Irish, or vegetarian breakfast.
What room amenities can guests expect at Sanderlay Guest House?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a kettle, and private bathrooms.
Is parking available at Sanderlay Guest House?
Free private parking is available on-site without reservation.
What nearby attractions are close to Sanderlay Guest House?
Nearby attractions include the Standing Stones of Stenness (19 km) and the Ring of Brogdar (20 km).
Does Sanderlay Guest House offer family rooms?
Yes, family rooms are available at Sanderlay Guest House.
Can guests relax in communal areas at Sanderlay Guest House?
A shared lounge area is available for guests to relax.
What is the closest historical site to Sanderlay Guest House?
The nearest historical site is the Standing Stones of Stenness, located 19 km away.
Are there kitchen facilities in the rooms at Sanderlay Guest House?
Certain rooms offer a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and kitchenware.
What are some local activities available near Sanderlay Guest House?
Popular activities in the area include fishing and diving.

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Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
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04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room