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Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
Des Colhoun, Wikimedia Commons
Orkney offers a select number of welcoming hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses, providing comfortable stays with opportunities for relaxed social interaction amongst like-minded travellers.
1. Kirkwall Youth Hostel
Type: Hostel
Situated on the edge of Kirkwall, this hostel provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable shared dorms and private rooms. It features a large communal lounge with a TV and a well-stocked library, offering a relaxed space for guests to connect. A well-equipped self-catering kitchen and a dining area are also available for shared use.
2. St Margaret's Hope Backpackers Hostel
Type: Backpackers Hostel
Housed in a recently renovated historic building in St Margaret's Hope, this hostel offers a comfortable and clean stay. Guests have access to a kitchenette and outdoor seating, fostering a sense of community. Being managed by a nearby hotel and restaurant, it provides easy access to local dining and social venues.
3. Orcades Hostel
Type: Hostel (private rooms only)
Located in a quiet area of Kirkwall, just a short walk from the town centre, Orcades Hostel offers private en-suite rooms with a fresh, modern decor. While it no longer features shared dorms, it maintains a strong social element with a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge with dining space, encouraging guests to relax, cook, and share their travel experiences.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.